For more information about the author, click to view their website: Founders Ridge
Growing up in
his father’s rural churches in southwestern Minnesota, Dan Lindh saw firsthand
the needs of older adults. This sparked a lifelong passion for service, one
that defines his long tenure as president and CEO of Presbyterian Homes &
Services (PHS), the third largest nonprofit provider of senior housing and
services in the nation.
Inspired by a world growing older, Dan is shaping a vision of a
thriving future for older adults. As he prepares for his next chapter, his
expertise in senior care continues to make a difference, impacting communities
in Minnesota, throughout the Midwest and beyond.
In this Q&A, listen in as Dan discusses overcoming challenges,
seizing new opportunities and shares advice for the next generation of leaders.
PHS: We’d love to hear about your
journey in aging services. What early skills or experiences propelled you
towards leadership roles?
Dan Lindh: I had
been called to this work — a continuation of how I grew up in smaller
communities. So, in the mid-70s I started as an accountant at PHS. Going back
to get my long term care administrator’s license after a few years allowed me
to go deeper, do more. The University of Minnesota enabled me further to
fulfill that purpose by broadening my range of service to people with more
frailties and addressing significant societal needs.
PHS has a long history of serving older adults as a nonprofit
mission. Can you describe how PHS approached this mission in the early days,
and how has their strategy evolved to meet the changing needs of the community?
When I started, we were connected to 3M, and we spent time on
research and development, coming up with creative ways to serve small numbers
of older adults with very low income. Then we would transfer that knowledge
gained from experimental programs to other organizations, sometimes other
countries.
Sometime later we had what I call a kairos moment, a
partnership that challenged our economic model. I was personally involved with
an expensive issue we were trying to solve, for several years. From a Christian
perspective, God allows those circumstances in our lives for reasons we can’t see
at the time. …
Along with some provocateur conversations about our strategic
plan, as reviewed by very competent people, we were challenged to think more
externally than internally. So we really had to think about who we as an
organization are now, and it’s probably not going to be what it was in the
past. I had that opportunity — with Barry Knight — to develop a strategic plan
for the organization, which is essentially the same plan, just different
iterations that we have today.
It came to be about growth, multi-value streams and concentrated
scale, which is a kind of unique tactic in which you develop a lot of services,
buildings and community capacity, all within a pretty tight timeframe.
So today, for example, in the Twin Cities alone, we have 42
communities, and we probably serve 20,000 people. We serve 27,000 overall
including those living in communities in Iowa and Wisconsin.
With that, you start to think about population health and about
how you can have comprehensive systems to help serve older adults that you
couldn’t do from a smaller platform.
For example, we’ve extended into things like 1.5 million home
delivered meals a year to older adults with low income, partnered with a
primary practice of 62 doctors and nurse practitioners as well as secured a
value-based contract with CMS and a 182 million per year partnership with
Allina and other providers.
All of this arises from a platform of organizational effectiveness
and mission fulfillment — in potentially creative ways but for sure in
comprehensive ways — to help from end to end the average person who is roughly
85 when they come to live with us.
Residents range in age from 60 to 110, and they stay with us for
an average of seven years. They represent families and communities, and we’re
committed to helping older adults find home and experience community. I like to
think we can help provide people and their needs wherever they’re at, wherever
they call home.
As PHS expands its reach, what are some of the biggest challenges
now or on the horizon? Conversely, what exciting opportunities do you see for
innovation and wider impact?
People used to ask me what I do, and I’d answer that I work in
older adult services, and I could hardly get that many words out of my mouth
and people would fall asleep. Not so much anymore. People almost always want to
engage in some way because they get just how significant the aging population
is. We’re a different world. And we’re about to be entirely different in a
hurry.
The number of older adults in our state will more than double in
next 15 years, and it’ll grow until about 2050 and then stabilizes. Meanwhile,
the workforce maybe grows 4 to 5 percent, but the demand for the workers in our
space will grow by at least 45 percent, maybe 50 percent.
That’s a kairos moment,
which means what we’ve been doing up till now won’t stay the same. And if we’re
going to be different, it’s going to require workforce to be different and it’s
going to require new creative models in how we help older adults build their
own networks and self-efficacy.
How do we keep people at home, how do we keep older adults more
independent, how do we provide lower cost services and more affordable housing?
It requires partnerships, thinking across siloes of education,
acute care, primary care, medical support services and technology to help
people maintain their independence and stay at home. And how do we help older
adults be part of a growing economy when they have less time and fewer
abilities to engage?
The emerging older population in our society profoundly impacts
the quality of life for the whole state and, really, the nation and the globe.
This is an international issue that requires new kinds of workforce. It
requires an entire ecosystem with acute care and rethinking how the dollars
flow out of Medicare and Medicaid, how the federal and the state governments
determine their budgets and what percentage of funds we’re able as a country
and as a state to allocate among the many needs we have, from education to
infrastructure to the judicial system.
Every one of those creates a leadership opportunity and demands
some of the best thinking we can come up with.
What advice do you have for the next generation of leaders?
Leadership is about getting a good grasp on all the circumstances
in the environment and a sense for what’s directionally happening, and where
change needs to occur. Also, [leadership is] being able to step into that space
to shape the organization’s strategy, vision and services without any barriers
in thinking due to what the past has been or what the current frameworks are.
It’s being pragmatic but also detached from existing structures and thinking
very creatively about a different future. And I think it’s more essential now
than it’s ever been.
The changing society and how people think, how they want to engage
in work, how older adults are aging and what that looks like for them … all
must be rethought. Because it’s already different and it’s about to be a lot
more different not too far down the road. It’s a daunting thing.
What gives you hope, even in the face of daunting challenges?
There’s a lot of hope because we are in a growing field. Any time
you’re in a growth market and change is happening, by definition there’s
opportunity. With the environment and circumstances that we’re in, there’s more
opportunity than there’s ever been.
Hope is absolutely necessary if we’re going to thrive. You can’t
thrive without engaging all society; you can’t thrive without 20 to 25 percent
of society being engaged as they possibly can be. How can we help position work
so that older adults can do more and be a more integral part, and with that,
have more purpose and more hope?
Part of what’s at stake is basically the quality of life for all
Americans.
Because if we can keep people productive — really productive — and
if we can help those newly entering the workforce too and extend that
productivity and engagement for societal good, it can make a big difference in
terms of how the whole economy performs.
I also find hope in the science of genome testing and predictors
about wellness techniques and people taking better care of themselves —
essentially, better science around keeping people more independent longer and
being purposeful in their living and engaged in what they do.
So how can we help people live longer and more purposeful at the
same time? There’s a lot of hope in that one.
Gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, or Aging ParentsIts no secret that shopping for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an older parent, can be difficult. A life well lived also means theyve probably acquired everything they need for their day-to-day tasks. Do they really need another stock pot, blanket, or screwdriver? Probably not. And those kinds of gifts are BORING with a capital B. Why not find something thats new AND solves a problem?How do you buy a gift for a senior who already has everything?The trick is to find a present that adds value and independence to their life. As we age, things that we took for granted in our youth become much harder as the years pass on.One such example that many seniors struggle with is the simple task of clipping fingernails. The standard fingernail clipper hasnt changed for over 70 years. Its small and requires a surprising amount of vision and dexterity.Now imagine youre a senior with advancing arthritis or decreasing vision and what used to be a simple task is now a lot more difficult. Maybe you have MS or Parkinsons and fine motor dexterity is an everyday challenge. Or perhaps youre fully capable of clipping your own nails, but want additional convenience. Or maybe youre a caregiver and clipping fingernails is low on your priority list. Any way you look at it, theres no right or wrong reason to want a bit of independence.In fact, there are over 50 million people in the US alone who have limited dexterity, strength, or vision. And tens of millions more who dislike the messy and annoying process of clipping fingernails. If your parent or grandparent needs help, theyre certainly not alone.Get them something that makes their life easier.Introducing the ClipDifferent Pro: the easiest-to-use nail clipper on the planet. Its easily one of the best gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an aging parent.The ClipDifferent Pro is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind, automatic fingernail clipper that safely trims fingernails with the simple touch of a button. Its effortless, safe, leaves no mess, and is built to last.It includes FREE SHIPPING and a FULL GUARANTEE!It uses a bit of science, a bit of magic, and a few top-secret components that elevate the act of fingernail clipping from boring to holy cow!.Put simply, the ClipDifferent Pro utilizes a high-capacity, rechargeable NiMH battery to power a finely-tuned, patent-pending trimming mechanism manufactured with surgical grade stainless steel, to create the most seamless, clean, and nearly effortless fingernail clipping experience youve ever had. Dont Just Take Our Word For It Heres What Others Are Saying The ClipDifferent Pro is so simple and easy to use! Rollie Rodgers (Korean War Veteran and Living with Parkinsons) It gives me one more way to be independent. Rick Zeidler (Vision Loss) Ive won the war but its these day-to-day battles that we have to deal with. Rick Ebner (Living with MS) I think anyone will find the Pro fabulousespecially those who have challenges with fine motor skills. Geno Mucciacciaro (Disabled Veteran with Neurological and Central Nervous System Issues) Once you see the Pro work, its hard to go back to the old way of clipping your nails. Butch Donohue (Amputee/Limb Loss) Every home needs to have one of these! Tamara S. (Home Health Care Advisor) I need to buy one of these for my husband! Velma Hagar Ristaino (Author, Inspirational Speaker)
Elevating Compassion CareAging with grace and vigor is challenging. Being a caregiver for an aging loved one maybe even more challenging. Here are some innovations to help those you love are able to care for themselves and lengthen their independence.The Cassia Learning Lab director, Kate Ingalls-Maloney, suggests listing your concerns and then deciding, with some help, which technologies fit those situations. For example, is there a concern about leaving the oven or a burner on? Perhaps theres a worry about falling in the shower. On occasion, are daily medications forgotten? Be very honest with yourself and your family about what causes hesitation or concern. Then make your list.The top two reasons people move from their homes are medication errors and falls. Insurance companies may be more likely to cover home modifications and medication management devices that are designed to prevent these two situations. Waivers and private pay are other ways to obtain home adaptations or devices, and some vendors offer a try before you buy policy.Innovations to support seniors independence and peace of mind for their caregivers.Medication management systems There are many different kinds of medication reminders and dispensing systems: From a simple flip-top dispenser to a lockable electronic dispenser that can give alerts to both the person taking the meds and to his/her remote caregiver.Fall prevention innovations Easy to install lighting, with or without motion detection, can be affordable and also very effective. The adhesive-backed LED motion lights can easily mark a trail to the bathroom at night and provide a safe path. Other strategically placed night lights or touch lamps can also help to avoid falls.Grab bars systems In the bathroom, grab bars can be installed according to the users mobility needs. Newer models incorporate towel bars and toilet paper dispensers. Note: Its important to consult your physical therapist when installing grab bars. Non-skid flooring is another great way to help prevent bathroom falls.Wearable pendants or watches There is a variety of these on the market. They can detect falls automatically or be triggered to summon help if a fall occurs. In addition, there is now a wearable (but not noticeable) tracking device that inserts into a shoe or boot so that someone who tends to wander can be located using GPS technology.Safety in the kitchen There is no need to fear to leave the oven on if you have an automatic appliance shut-off sensor system. They can be installed in both electric and gas ranges.My mother is 93 and has very arthritic hands. Ive been clipping her nails for her. (I bought her a ClipDifferent Pro) and it will allow her to be independent when it comes to doing her nails. NancyFingernail care For self-care, the ClipDifferent Pro automatic fingernail clipper and Lil Nipper automatic fingernail clipper provides a way to safely and independently clip fingernails with no risk of harm or mess. Shop for Lil Nipper or ClipDifferent Pro here.Home voice activation systems Whole-home voice activation systems like Amazons Alexa or Google home, when installed correctly, can be very helpful for controlling thermostats, lighting, doorbells, TV, or calls for help.
What does self-care mean to you? Self-care is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Self-care can be small acts, such as your nightly skincare routine, or brushing your hair and teeth in the morning. Self-care can also be something like exercise, which takes a little bit more thought and effort, but in the end pays off big time. The list of benefits that exercise has to your mental health is long and truly amazing. Helpguide.org lists some of those benefits as:Depression: Studies show that exercise can treat mild cases of depression just as well as medication, but without all of the side effects that typically turn people away from these types of medication. Physical movement promotes many changes in the brain like reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calmness.Stress and Anxiety: The way that stress and anxiety can affect the way your body feels, is truly something to think about. Getting up and moving can relieve the tensions of stress that your body may be holding onto.PTSD and Trauma: There is evidence showing that when you really focus on your body and how it feels as you exercise, your nervous system becomes unstuck and can move away from the stress response of immobilization that comes as a PTSD response. Some other benefits that come with exercise are better sleep, more energy, higher self-esteem, and sharper memory. The best part is, that these efforts that we can make to have better self-care do not have to be overthought. Incorporating exercise into your self-care routine can be as simple as starting small. There is no need to have a big goal of being able to lift crazy weights or go for mile-long runs. Begin with fitting in a couple of 15-minute walk breaks into your workday. This is not only a great way to start getting some physical movement in, but it also can increase productivity when you return to your tasks. Finding activities you enjoy and setting realistic goals are key to making exercise a sustainable part of your routine. Remember, self-care is about prioritizing your well-being, and it's important to do what works best for you. A great way to start practicing more self-care habits is to first look at your current habits. Are there some that could be removed? One that could be modified to be either a little harder or easier? Once you do that, you can easily reflect on what self-care needs you personally have, and then can find a way to fit them into your day-to-day life. I like to write these practices down in my planner so that I have reminders to create time for them, as I know its important for me to do. Now, we at ClipDifferent are by no means physical training experts, but we have a couple of things that have worked for us to better create a self-care routine. Here are tips from the ClipDifferent team:I like to have it in my head that I want to work out every day. I often wake up and look at my day and then try to decide when I can fit in an hour to move! But the other part of this is something that I stay true to even more than just planning to exercise. And that is to not beat myself up on the days that I just couldnt find the time. I know that there will always be tomorrow, and I can push myself a little bit harder for the lost time.Modify! If I had planned that I was going to get to the gym after a long day of work, and I come home just far too tired to get there I often opt for a walk outside instead of an intense gym session, just so that I am at least moving my body. Half the time, once I do this I come back in the mood to pump out some extra movements like squats or lifting dumbbells.I love to reward myself. Getting into the habit of exercise is hard, but so worth it. I often like to reward myself on those days that I really was not in the mood, but did it anyway. One thing to note, is that I try not to make a habit of this. It can be expensive and not always the healthiest. (Grabbing a latte every day after the gym will add up!) As you reflect on your own self-care journey, consider the power of starting small and being flexible in your approach. By examining your current habits and making intentional adjustments, you can tailor your self-care routine to suit your individual needs and preferences. Whether it's modifying your workout plans, setting realistic goals, or incorporating innovative solutions like ClipDifferent for nail care, the key is to find what works best for you and stick with it.Above all, be kind to yourself throughout the process. Self-care isn't about perfectionit's about progress and self-compassion. So, celebrate your successes, learn from setbacks, and remember that every step you take towards prioritizing your well-being is a step in the right direction. With dedication, mindfulness, and a commitment to self-care, you can cultivate a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Row-style homesReminiscent of historic row-style homes, the Brownstones feature a charming and unique exterior. One and two bedroom floor plans blend gracious design and inviting style for a truly distinctive interior. This vital addition to Founders Ridge reflects the same creative spirit that is evident throughout the entire community, providing you privacy, independence, and the freedom to pursue a life limited only by the number of hours in a day.View a 3D interactive floor plan of the Breidenbach or Anderson floor plans or scroll down for other floor plans options.Blinds on all windows and patio doorsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsConvenient in-home laundry with washer and dryerFully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove/self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwaveIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningPrivate deck or patio (select apartments)Walk-in storage (most apartments)Senior ApartmentsOur senior apartments offer maintenance-free living and comfortable floor plans with the added benefits of value and convenience. Nicely appointed common areas are well-suited for group events and casual gatherings. Social, recreational and volunteer opportunities help create a sense of community. Other optional services and amenities are available for both pleasure and purpose.Alder wood cabinetry with maple finish throughoutBlinds on all windows and patio doorsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsConvenient in-home laundry with washer and dryerFully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove/self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwaveIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningPrivate deck or patio (select apartments)Walk-in storage (most apartments)Senior Apartments IIThe Terrace II provides additional independent living apartments with desirable upgrades, such as stainless steel appliances, wood-style flooring and solid surface kitchen counter tops. As part of the main campus, residents have indoor access to all common areas, group events and casual gatherings. Social, recreational and volunteer opportunities help create a sense of community.Blinds on all windows and patio doorsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsConvenient in-home laundry with washer and dryerFully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove/self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwaveIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningMaple cabinetry with nutmeg finish throughoutPrivate deck or patio (select apartments)Walk-in storage (most apartments)
Live your life with a little extra support!Thoughtfully designed assisted living apartments, rooms or suites are accompanied by supportive services like housekeeping, meals, and personal care. Nicely appointed common areas are well-suited for group events and casual gatherings. Social, recreational and volunteer opportunities help create a sense of community. Other optional health care services and amenities are available.Assisted Living Details:Alder wood cabinetry with maple finish throughoutBathroom with roll-in shower and grab barBlinds on all windowsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningRefrigerator, stove/oven and microwaveFloor plans & pricingStudiostarting at $ 4135 /month1-bedroomstarting at $ 4630 /month2-bedroomstarting at $ 6100 /monthIncluded amenities:24 hour on-site Resident Assistant staffingBilliardsBasic cable tvChoice of two meals daily served restaurant-styleCentral Air ConditioningEscort to meals + activities for first 5 daysElectricFlexible dining hoursFitness centerInitial Nursing AssessmentLibraryWeekly light housekeeping + linen changeMovie theaterTelephone serviceUrgent call systemOther conveniencesFees may applyDining services - additional optionsGarage parkingGuest dining servicesGuest suiteHandyman servicesRehabilitative servicesSalonStorage locker
Discover the difference memory care with purpose can make. Based on years of thoughtful consultation with staff, families and leaders in the field of dementia research, Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) offers a supportive haven where you can connect, engage and experience joy. Employees trained in the innovative Dementia Orientation Values Education (DOVE) program offer you or a loved one care, connection and choices designed to create meaningful moments.DOVE seeks to:Affirm those living with dementia as whole individuals.Celebrate the strengths of those living with dementiaUphold peoples dignity, self-esteem and independence through person-centered care.Foster compassion, flexibility and creativity by our care teams.PHS supportive and caring team of healthcare professionals are dedicated to respecting your choices and helping you maintain your individuality. The team, trained in DOVE, is better equipped to meet your individual needs by understanding disease processes. As a result, you experience the highest standard of skill and compassion which enriches lives. In addition, our memory care apartments enable you to experience a homelike atmosphere, private apartments (where available), 24-hour nursing care, three daily meals and supportive services including housekeeping, engaging activities and personal assistance.Schedule a tour today to learn more about specialized memory care.