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Silverado and using medication only when it’ s clinically effective. In practice, that deeper approach creates a completely different experience for both the resident and the staff caring for them.
▼ Loren Shook
Programs and growth
That same individual focus extends into Silverado’ s cognitive programming.“ We’ ve built dedicated tracks designed to actively influence brain health and track measurable outcomes.”
The company’ s signature Nexus program sits at the center of this effort. It began with Loren sending Kim Butrum, MS, RN, GNPbc to search the world for what works.“ I told Kim before you become immersed in your new position as Senior Vice President, Clinical services go out and look globally and bring back what works, there are no sacred cows in our existing programs, we are willing to change whatever is needed.” The resulting program combines non-pharmacological social engagement, physical exercise, added resident support group led by a master’ s level social worker, stress reduction and cognitive development strategies.
The clinical results have been striking.“ A study of 733 Silverado Nexus program cases with the University of California, San Diego showed a 60 % benefit in cognitive function for participants compared to standard care. It’ s a non-drug program, and the only side effect is fun.”
That same logic- that targeted stimulation can positively influence brain function- now shapes how Silverado evaluates new interventions.“ It builds the olfactory system and is actually growing the hippocampus. Rather than replacing existing practices, these approaches extend them, always keeping human connection at the center.”
Silverado continues to expand to meet growing demand across the US, with consistency at the core of its model.“ Culture is everything.” That commitment to culture
- the thing he’ s returned to throughout three decades- remains the foundation as the organization scales.
A planned leadership transition is now underway as Wayne Sanner assumed the CEO role July 1 to lead the next generation of Silverado forward. Loren is moving into the role of Executive Chair, staying close to innovation, culture and strategy while handing off day-to-day operations. After thirty years in the field, his conviction hasn’ t wavered.
“ People living with memory-impairing diseases can absolutely live a joyful, meaningful life. They just need the right system to support them.” ■
www. silverado. com
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