


The Great Development Slowdown
Everyone is talking about development slowing down, but over development is just part of the problem. We have been hearing it for a few months: seniors housing development is slowing down, based on fewer new construction starts. We have heard it from NIC MAP, from HCVenTower, and now Brookdale Senior Living. They are all saying that in many of their markets, they are seeing light at the end of the over-development tunnel. Maybe. It is one thing if new starts are declining, but it is quite another to fill the current empty units plus the new supply that is currently opening, and going to open. Let’s just say, we are not out of the woods yet, and census is only one part of the problem. Not... Read More »
Land and Buildings Strikes Again
Still trying to get two board nominees, Land and Buildings steps up its criticism and need for change. Well, well, well. Jonathan Litt of Land and Buildings is at it again, this time with a six-page letter to Brookdale Senior Living shareholders, eviscerating Brookdale’s management and board, past and present, for the company’s severe underperformance over the past 10 years. So, what else is new? Look, management and much of the board has changed and the only ones who can be blamed for the disastrous Emeritus acquisition are the old management, the former board and perhaps their advisors, who should have known better. Highlighted in his letter was the underperformance of Brookdale... Read More »
Ventas Reports Second Quarter Results
Ventas (VTR) was the first one out of the block to report second quarter earnings, and while the results were about as expected, on the seniors housing and care side the turnaround has still not arrived. In fact, the second quarter was disappointing but not unexpected, given all the quiet industry talk about census, margins and staffing costs. One caveat is that just four companies make up two-thirds of VTR’s seniors housing and care portfolio, and one can question whether they are representative of the industry. But since two of the four are Atria Senior Living and Sunrise Senior Living, we are not talking about the dregs of the sector. For the seniors housing operating portfolio (SHOP),... Read More »
Soaring With Seniors
Think about the thrill for your residents, flying in the cockpit of a two-seat biplane, soaring above the land, and free of charge. Imagine you are 90 years old and living in a senior living community, and maybe a war veteran. Life may not be as exciting as it was, especially if you are not very mobile. But also imagine if, free of charge, you could spend 15 to 20 minutes flying around in a 1940’s-vintage biplane. That is the mission of Ageless Aviation Dreams, founded in 2011 by Darryl and Carol Fisher (Mission Senior Living). So far, they have completed 3,940 “missions” in 45 states for these deserving residents of your senior living communities, at no cost to you, other than getting... Read More »