September 8, 2023
The Kendal System forged ahead this year with a renewed focus on innovation, growth and impact, culminating in new and improved partnerships and opportunities for residents, members and staff.
When people think about aging services, innovation may not be the first word that comes to mind. But Kendal continued blazing its path, introducing progressive ways to partner with the community, including The Kendal Corporation relocating to the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus and developing partnerships supporting workforce development, innovative technology and operational improvements that will flourish in the coming years.
Across the Kendal System, new technologies and sustainability efforts undeniably impacted the residents, members and staff. These initiatives included enhancing existing campus amenities, such as expanded and accessible nature trails at Kendal at Lexington. Other initiatives involved new additions to the campus showcasing innovations in technology, such as Kendal on Hudson’s state-of-the-art gym equipment and roving robots. Barclay Friends launched an innovative solution to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) recruitment and retention, Lathrop started a new initiative, “Aging in Community,” and Kendal at Home launched the new falls prevention program that is immediately showing positive results.
From coast to coast, environmental impact was a priority. Enso Village, the Zen-inspired community developed in partnership with the San Francisco Zen Center in Healdsburg, California, has manifested what it looks like to prioritize sustainability in design and operations. In New Hampshire, Kendal at Hanover focused on sustainability efforts by forming the Energy Audit Spring Team where they learned how to reduce energy use and prioritize low environmental impact efforts.
Kendal on Hudson and The Admiral at the Lake supported certified wildlife habitats providing natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young wildlife. Meanwhile, Kendal at Oberlin, Kendal-Crosslands Communities and Collington maintained their cherished arboretums, which provide sprawling areas of trees and woody plants, ready for residents and the community to enjoy.
Kendal also nurtured relationships with the community through initiatives such as the annual Alzheimer’s Association walk. Kendal at Ithaca hosted their walk on campus, invigorating staff and residents to join in and encouraging the local community to participate. The community members represented other local older adult communities, Ithaca College, and The State University of New York at Cortland students, signifying Kendal as a welcoming and inclusive environment.
These areas of innovation, growth and impact are not possible in siloes. This year, as a System, we proudly partnered with national and local organizations, higher education institutions and partners within Kendal to make these initiatives successful. Our work isn’t done, and we look forward to new ventures that continue to support residents and members and empower staff and leaders to achieve their full potential.
Annetha Hall, Chair
Board of Directors,
The Kendal Corporation