New certification body launches for assisted living executives

Argentum has spun off a nonprofit, autonomous certification body whose mission is to raise the bar of excellence for senior living executives. The Senior Living Certification Commission’s first program will be for assisted living executive directors.

The certification stems from 15 months of research on what an assisted living executive’s job entails and the expected knowledge and skills relating to the principles and philosophy of assisted living, resident care and services, the customer experience, leadership, operations management, regulatory compliance, sales and marketing, and financial management.

"The new certification program gives leaders access to a high-standard credential to identify their experience and competency, strengthening our industry’s dedication to providing quality of life to those we serve," said Argentum Board of Directors Chairman and Silverado CEO Loren Shook in an organization announcement. "It demonstrates to consumers and state regulators that the senior living industry is committed to rigorous, professional development and self-regulation in an effort to deliver the best of quality of life to our consumers."

The SLCC plans to add other senior living roles to the certification portfolio: "There are future plans to develop a certification for independent living executive directors and one for professionals in memory care communities," SLCC Executive Director Paul Williams told Long-Term Living.

The SLCC is accepting applications for assisted living executive director certification program and the fall testing period through Oct. 1.

Pamela Tabar

Pamela Tabar was editor-in-chief of I Advance Senior Care from 2013-2018. She has worked as a writer and editor for healthcare business media since 1998, including as News Editor of Healthcare Informatics. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master’s degree in English from the University of York, England.