Senior living operator Rogerson Communities recently launched a partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston to further enhance data-driven insights on affordability, along with resident well-being and operational improvements.
The partnership with the UMass Boston Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences creates current and future internship positions within Rogerson communities for select students. For example, a UMass doctorate student is aiding Rogerson’s “Fitness First” program with surveys, data collection and grant writing.
“It really happened organically and we think this is going to be transformative for Rogerson,” said Rogerson Communities Vice President of Advancement Bob Sherburne. “In this moment of change, we’re beginning to ask important questions of ourselves—what works and why it works.”
Later this year, a graduate faculty member and student from the university’s department of gerontology will work with Rogerson leaders to design, implement and analyze resident satisfaction services across the company’s service lines and property types.
Rogerson is already reaping results from its fitness programming effort, with leaders recalling a resident who once required a wheelchair but was later able to walk without assistance.
At the same time, Rogerson has ongoing development projects for six additional senior living communities underway at varying stages with an estimated $300 million pipeline. The future communities will include independent living cottages along with assisted living and skilled nursing services, with affordable housing components carved out within each project’s scope, leaders confirmed with SHN.
“Affordability is something that’s always top of mind for us,” Sherburne said.
The effort is part of Rogerson’s plan to build 1,000 new units for senior living over the course of the next five years.
The company’s strategic plan for the near-term is built around four main pillars. Those include strengthening operations, enhancing the organization’s board of directors engagement, portfolio growth and new partnerships, according to Rogerson Communities Chief Administrative Officer David Pia.
Just what the future holds from the UMass partnership remains to be seen, as both Pia and Sherburne noted the potential to involve more young people in senior living and raise awareness about affordability in the sector.
“I would say that nothing is out of the realm of possibility and it’s initially based on this internship program,” Sherburne added.
Looking ahead, Pia sees a future in which more senior living operators partner with academic institutions and outside groups to improve operations because “operators need information to tell our story.”
“This is going to allow us to have information that will prove to be invaluable to the older adults that we serve,” Pia said. “I definitely think this is something we all need to be paying attention to.”
Boston-based Rogerson Communities manages 21 properties spanning senior living communities, affordable senior housing properties and adult day health programs with an approximate staff of 650 employees.
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