Empowering Seniors Through Smart Aging™: Inside Blakeford Senior Living’s Team Culture
In the latest episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with three passionate professionals from Blakeford Senior Living, Katelyn, Laura Ann, and Emily, to explore how teamwork, leadership, and technology are reshaping the resident experience. What emerged was a vivid picture of what Smart Aging™ means when it’s not just an idea, but a daily practice.
What Smart Aging™ Means at Blakeford
For the Blakeford team, Smart Aging™ is about far more than physical health—it’s a holistic approach that touches social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being. It’s giving residents the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to make the most of every stage of life.
Katelyn described it as “helping residents age gracefully and holistically,” whether through wellness classes, new skills, or community experiences that keep them engaged. For Laura Ann and Emily, it’s also about empowering residents to try things they may never have considered before like starting a fitness journey later in life, learning new technology, or diving into a creative hobby for the first time.
A Team That Works as One
At the heart of Blakeford’s success is their Well Life department, which combines life enrichment, wellness, and spiritual care into one cohesive group. This integration means that staff members understand that wellness isn’t just about exercise—it’s also about laughter over a game, connection in a conversation, or spiritual comfort during a tough time.
The department’s culture is built on a no “that’s not my job” rule. If a resident needs help with technology, any team member might step in. If someone’s short-staffed for bingo, another will grab the mic. And if an event requires set-up or clean-up, everyone pitches in without hesitation. This willingness to support one another has earned them the nickname “The A-Team” among residents and staff.
Finding and Leveraging Strengths
One of the most effective things the leadership team does is recognize and honor individual strengths. Katelyn shared how she makes a point to notice talents, like a knack for crafts, organizational skills, or event design, and pair them with the right projects. This not only ensures high-quality programming but also boosts staff morale by allowing them to shine in areas they enjoy.
It’s not just about skills, though. It’s about trust. Team members know that when they ask for help, they’ll get it without judgment. Over time, that trust creates a workplace where collaboration is second nature.
Breaking Down Silos Across the Community
The Blakeford culture extends beyond the Well Life department. By intentionally involving other departments—dining, therapy, maintenance, marketing—in resident activities, they create a sense of whole-community connection.
Examples include:
- Fashion shows where dining staff escort residents down the runway.
- Turkey Trots that bring together rehab therapists, nurses, and even administrative staff as cheerleaders.
- Collaborative wellness programs where the therapy team shares fitness plans with the wellness team to ensure smooth transitions after rehab.
These cross-department efforts make the entire community feel like family which is something residents feel deeply and appreciate.
Leadership That Shows Up
One of the standout elements of Blakeford’s environment is that leaders don’t just lead from the office, they lead from the floor. The CEO and COO regularly join trivia nights, karaoke events, and weekly social hours. They mingle, laugh, and build relationships with residents that go beyond business.
This presence signals to both residents and staff that leadership is invested in the people, not just the operations. It also makes it easier for staff to bring forward ideas and feedback, knowing their voices are heard and valued.
Technology as a Bridge, Not a Barrier
Technology is rapidly becoming a central part of senior living and Blakeford has embraced it fully. Recently having acquired a 100% adoption rate of Go Icon, the team said that it has been a game-changer for both staff and residents, offering instant event updates, streamlined communication, and easy calendar access.
When Go Icon rolled out, staff committed to helping residents feel confident using it. Now, many arrive with multiple devices and are eager to learn new tech features. Monthly “tech training” classes keep everyone up to speed, while staff remain patient and supportive for those who prefer pen and paper.
Beyond Go Icon, technology has enhanced fitness and dining experiences, making daily life more efficient and engaging. As Emily noted, “We want residents to feel empowered, not intimidated, by technology—and we’re here to make that happen.”
The Heart Behind the Work
When asked about their “why,” each guest’s answer was deeply personal. Some were inspired by relationships with grandparents; others found their calling after volunteering in senior communities. All share a desire to break stereotypes about aging and show that senior living can be vibrant, exciting, and full of possibility.
As Katelyn put it:
“Aging is an epic experience. We’re here to make sure it stays that way.”
At Blakeford Senior Living, Smart Aging is a living, breathing philosophy that thrives through teamwork, leadership, and innovation. Their approach shows that when you empower staff, involve the whole community, and embrace technology, you create more than a place to live – you create a place to thrive.