Editor’s Picks: Top Execs’ 2016 Predictions

Now that 2016 is in full swing, Senior Housing News collected predictions for the year ahead from some of the top executives in senior housing. Readers also were interested in Holiday Retirement’s refinancing in the amount of $1.27 billion, as well as how more providers are refurbishing existing independent living products to maintain a competitive edge. Throughout the week, readers were still drawn to The Purlettes + Two, a knitting group from The Redwoods Retirement Community in Mill Valley, California, that won the hearts of three investors on “Shark Tank.”

SHN will be observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on  Jan. 18, but we will return to the office and our regular posting schedule on Jan. 19.

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Senior Housing Crystal Ball: Top Execs’ 2016 Predictions—A few weeks into 2016, some of the leading executives in senior housing are looking into their crystal balls as they refine their strategies for the year ahead. Senior Housing News recently asked CEOs and other top executives at some leading operators to share their predictions, and if there is a common thread, it’s this: 2016 could be a watershed year for senior living operators entering into more partnerships with other health care providers.

Holiday Secures $1.27 Billion ‘Mega’ Financing—Following the news last week of a major leadership shakeup that ushered in a new CEO, it was announced that Holiday Retirement has secured a $1.27 billion refinancing. Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE: WD) originated the refinancing for the nation’s largest independent living provider—representing the largest transaction closed in Walker & Dunlop history.

Providers Revamp Independent Living to Meet Demand—New development isn’t the only way to meet an uptick in demand for independent living in the post-recession era. These days, higher occupancy rates and aging buildings are driving more providers to revamp existing properties to attract today’s seniors.

‘Shark Tank’ Bets Big on Senior Living Residents—It appears that readers are still smitten with the senior living knitting group that tugged at the heartstrings of the business tycoons on ABC’s entrepreneur competition show “Shark Tank.” The Purlettes + Two, a knitting collective from The Redwoods Retirement Community in Mill Valley, California, assist in the production of Sarah Oliver Handbags, which was recently featured on “Shark Tank” and walked away with new investors.

Weekend Reads

Sleep Disruptions in Seniors Tied to Unhealthy Brain Changes—Older people who have trouble sleeping through the night are at an increased risk of unhealthy changes in the brain, according to a new study. Such changes are in turn tied to a higher risk of strokes and other issues like dementia. Although the study isn’t necessarily conclusive, evidence continues to point to how essential quality sleep is for the elderly.

No Lottery Ticket, but Pennsylvania Seniors Still Win Big—Pennsylvania Powerball players did not hit the historic jackpot, but the state isn’t walking away empty-handed. Since November, Powerball pandemonium and ticket sales helped generate more than $70 million for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.

Written by Kourtney Liepelt