As a former Nursing Home Administrator and Licensed Assisted Living Director, Alex possesses a deep understanding of the qualities essential for candidate success in senior living and care communities. His unique experience as both an operator and recruiter empowers him to identify and place candidates ideal for the role, ensuring that each opening is filled with talent tailored to the unique demands of the specific community.
Alex earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Health/ Health Care Administration/ Management from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Alex can assist your organization with:
In this senior living leader spotlight interview, Alex gives insight into solutions for addressing staffing challenges, how he found his passion for working with seniors, and why senior living is the perfect career for those looking for rewarding work.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge that senior care and living leaders will face in the next year?
A: The growth in senior care services, combined with the new federal mandate requiring minimum staffing levels in nursing homes, is exacerbating existing staffing shortages. This situation underscores the urgent need for strategic solutions around our senior care workforce.
Q: What advice would you give to providers struggling with staffing challenges?
A: Take a deeper dive into your recruitment processes. Are you simply posting job listings and hoping candidates apply? In this industry, it’s essential to be creative by offering diverse incentives beyond just wages. Additionally, consider partnering with a company like HDG, which can support your organization through a variety of workforce solutions, whether it be centralized recruiting, interim leadership, and/or executive search.
Q: Where can you be found on your days off?
A: Traveling with my wife, walks with our dog, Rome, or on a golf course!
Q: If you could change one thing about the senior living and care industry, what would it be and why?
A: The amount of turnover we experience in our industry is a significant concern, as it directly impacts the quality of resident care our communities provide. High turnover rates can lead to inconsistent care, disrupt the continuity of relationships between caregivers and residents, and increase the burden on remaining staff, ultimately affecting the overall quality of care that our teams provide to our loved ones
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Dogs all the way!
Q: What advice would you give someone interested in a career in senior living?
A: Being in the field of senior living is a calling that requires a unique set of skills and attributes. For individuals considering this career path, I recommend acquiring experience to better understand the intricacies of this field. This can involve pursuing roles such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), volunteering with residents at a local nursing home, taking on a part-time nursing position within a community, or becoming an administrator in training.
Senior living is an exceptionally rewarding career opportunity. It allows you to directly influence and enhance the quality of life for those who may require assistance with daily activities. You can contribute meaningfully to the well-being and comfort of individuals who may no longer be able to fully care for themselves.
Q: When did you know you wanted to work with seniors?
A: I realized I had a passion for working with seniors when I was in high school and would assist them with outside chores such as lawn mowing and raking leaves. This work was extremely rewarding, and the meaningful connections we built through these small acts of service are unforgettable.
Q: What one thing should leaders focus on when trying to retain team members?
A: When focusing on retaining team members, leaders should prioritize creating a working environment that encourages growth and development and fosters open communication and feedback. Providing opportunities for professional advancement and skill development demonstrates a commitment to employees’ long-term success and encourages them to invest in their careers with the organization.
Additionally, leaders should actively listen to their team members and be receptive to their feedback, ideas, and concerns. Cultivating a culture where individuals feel heard and valued promotes trust and strengthens the bond between employees, managers, and the organization.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
I think one of the biggest accomplishments I have had in my career so far is being able to build our recruiting team out to where we are today at HDG. When I first joined, it was a team of 5, including myself, and now we are a team of 11—a testament to the growth and success we’ve achieved together as a team!
Q: What is your favorite of HDG’s values and why?
A: My favorite value of HDGs is Integrity as I feel like it impacts all aspects of life even outside of work and shows in HDGs culture of how important integrity is from the top down, fostering a work environment built on trust, respect, and ethical decision-making that resonates throughout the organization and beyond.
How Alex and HDG Can Help You
Alex and the rest of the Health Dimensions Group team can support you through a variety of consulting services, including interim leadership, executive search, and centralized recruiting. With decades of experience as senior living and care community operators and consultants, our team is uniquely positioned to help you overcome staffing challenges. Contact us at info@hdgi1.com or 763.537.5700 to learn how our team can help your organization achieve success.
