September 29, 2024
From Jan Bigelow, Kendal at Lexington’s CEO
Happy October! It’s hard to believe we’re already in the tenth month of the year. As a snow-loving winter enthusiast, I’m especially excited for the cooler weather and the beautiful fall colors gracing our campus. There’s something about this time of year that brings a sense of renewal and anticipation for what’s to come.
As we move into the fall, I’d like to provide an update on our five-year strategic plan, which runs from 2020 to 2025. This plan is designed to ensure that Kendal at Lexington remains a leading Life Care Community, addressing the emotional, physical, educational, and cultural needs of both staff and residents. It also strengthens our connection with the broader community. Over the last four years, the Core Leadership Team has made great strides in achieving the 40 initiatives outlined in the plan. Below are some key updates on our progress in several important areas.
Aging and Dementia: We are positioning Kendal at Lexington as a leader in dementia care and aging services. We received CARF reaccreditation in January 2024 for our Dementia Care Specialty Program. Staff continue to receive dementia training, including GEMS training and virtual dementia tours, giving them firsthand insights into the challenges faced by residents as they progress through the stages of dementia. Additionally, we’ve conducted dementia awareness training for local fire, police, and hospice organizations and participated in the 2024 Alzheimer’s Walk. On campus, we offer two support groups—one for residents and another, through the Alzheimer’s Association, for the community.
Healthcare/Support Services: Our partnership with the Rockbridge Area Health Center has brought a medical practice directly to our campus, providing residents, staff, and the community with access to high-quality care. We’ve also partnered with Premier Geriatrics to ensure that our residents receive both general and specialized care. In addition, we’ve added two full-time drivers to help transport residents to healthcare appointments, making it easier for them to access necessary services.
Sustainability: Sustainability remains a key focus. We’ve transitioned to LED lighting across the campus, added electric vehicles to our fleet, and reduced water consumption through various initiatives. For the first time in years, we’ve come in under budget for electricity thanks to energy-saving efforts like Peak Use Reduction Days.
Workforce Culture: We’ve made great strides in improving our workforce culture. By raising the minimum wage to $17.00 per hour, enhancing benefits, and creating career ladders, we’re working to ensure a positive and supportive work environment. We’ve also introduced “stay interviews” and performance-based evaluations for staff, fostering an atmosphere of continuous improvement.
Campus Look and Feel/Dining: We’ve made significant investments in maintaining and enhancing both the indoor and outdoor spaces across the campus. A Facilities Conditions Assessment helped us plan for future needs, and our partnership with 3North for a land use study will ensure sustainable growth. The beautification of campus has included the planting of 1,200 saplings in collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Outdoor spaces like the Courtyard, Sunnyside, and Kendal Park are being used for wellness events, music, and movies.
In dining, our culinary team has prioritized elevating the dining experience. We reopened our restaurant and are working with the Food Committee to enhance offerings. We’ve also raised our minimum wage from $9.25 to $17.00 an hour to retain top talent. Additionally, our marketing efforts are bringing in guests to experience both our dining and the local cuisine in downtown Lexington.
Community Engagement: We remain committed to fostering positive relationships within the Kendal at Lexington community and beyond. Through strategic communications, including the 2020 and 2024 Community Impact Reports, and a variety of marketing initiatives such as a new television commercial, we continue to tell the Kendal story. Our partnerships with local schools, the Chamber of Commerce, and Friends of Wood’s Creek further position us as an integral part of the area. We also host regular community events on campus, such as the Chamber’s gatherings and an open house for our neighbors.
As we look forward to Kendal at Lexington’s silver anniversary in 2025, we remain dedicated to upholding our values and preparing for the future. Together, we are building a vibrant, sustainable community that will continue to thrive for years to come.