As Manager of Consulting Services for Health Dimensions Group, Jon Dittman leverages his strong attention to detail to guide clients in meeting regulatory standards and preparing for annual inspections. He also supports clients in gaining deeper insights into their markets by conducting market studies and mystery shops, helping them make more informed growth decisions and strengthen their market positioning.

Jon earned his bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University and his master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas.

Jon can assist your organization with:

In this senior living leader spotlight interview, Jon gives insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the senior care and living industry, shares actionable strategies for navigating regulatory compliance and understanding your market, and reflects on his personal journey finding his passion for senior care.

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge that senior care and living leaders will face in the next year?

A: Navigating increased regulations and scrutiny for assisted living (AL) communities, which includes quality measures and reporting tools. There are numerous variables that could influence the degree to which a state regulates the industry, but the general trend is that regulations are tightening and even adopting some of the requirements skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have long been required to meet. For example, in 2020, Minnesota Legislature passed Statute chapter 144G, which established additional regulatory standards to help ensure the health, safety, well-being, and appropriate treatment of residents. More recently, the Minnesota Department of Human Services released a reporting tool, the “Assisted Living Report Card,” to measure resident and family quality of life satisfaction and will soon incorporate state survey results with a star rating system like SNFs. As AL becomes a more regulated industry, it is likely other states will adopt similar measures.

Q: What advice would you give to providers struggling with regulatory compliance?

A: Perform regular audits—whether internally or with the assistance of a qualified consulting group—on clinical, operational, and life safety performance. The adage, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” is paramount in ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance. Mock surveys offer a systematic and comprehensive review of a community’s current state and expose shortcomings prior to a state survey.

Q: Where can you be found on your days off?

A: Usually spending time with my two teenagers (15-year-old and 17-year-old): watching horror movies with my daughter, playing guitar or going to the gym with my son.

Q: If you could change one thing about the senior living and care industry, what would it be and why?

A: Affordability. I’ve performed hundreds of competitor assessments with HDG, and I’m always shocked how expensive it is for seniors to live in a community. Market rate units in AL or memory care assisted living (MCAL), often cost several thousand a month. Although there are affordable housing options, they are still limited, and more are needed.

Q: Dogs or cats?

A: Cats. I travel a lot in my role, and although I am a fan of dogs, it would require a lot of boarding and time away from them. Cats are much easier to manage.

Q: What tips do you have for providers who are struggling to understand their market?

A: Research. Find out what your competitors are doing and identify what sets you apart from them. The strongest sales and marketing directors are the ones who can speak about what others are doing and what the pros and cons are of the market. That is not to say they speak poorly of other communities, but they are able to articulate where their own community excels. Mystery shopping is a great way to find out what these differences are and how you can elevate your own community for potential residents and their families.

Q: When did you know you wanted to work with seniors?

A: I honestly didn’t know until I came to work for HDG. Seeing the care and compassion for seniors from everyone I worked with, especially our executive leadership team and our CEO, Erin Shvetzoff Hennessey. One of my fondest memories is helping with the first COVID vaccinations for residents and staff at one of HDG’s own communities. Some residents were excited, and some were nervous, but everyone was eager to help our seniors get protection against a virus that was highly dangerous for them.

Q: What is a common life safety or emergency preparedness deficiency you find often during mock surveys and how can it be avoided?

A: One of the most common life safety deficiencies I come across pertains to fire doors or smoke barriers. It is common for fire doors to stick when closing or having a gap between the doors that would fail to prevent smoke or fire from entering another building compartment. Regularly checking the functionality of these fire doors is important in catching this issue. Holes or penetrations in fire/smoke barriers are also common and can be sealed with fire caulk or a fire-rated collar or sleeve.

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?

A: Joining HDG’s sales and leadership team. I’ve always wanted to be in the field, talking with clients and finding ways to help them. HDG gave me a tremendous opportunity to work in consulting, and it’s been a highlight of my career.

Q: What is your favorite of HDG’s values and why?

A: Humor! I like to laugh and to make others laugh. Our work can be intense and challenging, so I enjoy a good joke or witty remark to lighten the mood whenever possible.

How Jon and HDG Can Help You

Jon and the rest of the Health Dimensions Group team can support you through a variety of consulting services, including mock surveys, market feasibility and demand studies, mystery shopping, and more. With decades of experience as senior living and care community operators and consultants, our team is uniquely positioned to help your community thrive. Contact us at info@hdgi1.com or 763.537.5700 to learn how our team can help your organization achieve success.