Blakeford Senior Life - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
Blakeford Senior Life is a distinguished Nashville, Tennessee-based non-profit organization established in 1996, dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults. It operates with a mission to offer personalized solutions supporting seniors through a comprehensive continuum of care, from vibrant residential community living to high-quality in-home services. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Blakeford reinvests its surplus funds into enhancing services, amenities, and the quality of care, prioritizing resident welfare. The organization is a premier provider of senior living and care services in the Greater Nashville area, known for its "WellLife" philosophy that promotes successful aging through wellness and life enrichment.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
Blakeford's core objectives are centered on providing a full spectrum of senior living options with seamless transitions between care levels, personalized support, and a lifestyle founded on its "WellLife" philosophy. The organization aims to continuously evolve to meet the diverse needs of older adults, fostering independence, individuality, and privacy.
Specialization Areas
Blakeford Senior Life specializes in a comprehensive continuum of care, delivered across multiple settings:
- Blakeford at Green Hills: The flagship campus offering independent living with extensive amenities and social opportunities.
- Burton Court at Blakeford: Dedicated to assisted living and specialized memory care, providing a secure and compassionate environment.
- Woodcrest at Blakeford: A skilled nursing facility providing both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services.
- Blakeford at Home: Offers non-medical in-home care services, enabling seniors to age in place within their homes.
- LiveWell by Blakeford: A "Life Plan at Home" program, unique to Middle Tennessee, designed for healthy, independent adults aged 60 and older. It includes long-term care coverage, care coordination, access to Blakeford amenities, fitness and nutrition consultations, and various educational and social events.
Target Markets
Blakeford primarily targets older adults in the Greater Nashville area seeking a comprehensive continuum of care. This includes independent residents desiring an active community, individuals requiring assisted living or specialized memory care, those needing skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and seniors who prefer to age in place with in-home support. The "LiveWell by Blakeford" program specifically targets independent adults aged 60 and older seeking proactive long-term care planning and support.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
Blakeford At Green Hills Corporation, operating as Blakeford Senior Life, reported total revenues of approximately $23.19 million and total expenses of approximately $26.13 million in 2023. Program services constituted the vast majority of its revenue, accounting for 94.2% in 2023. The organization's total assets stood at around $123.15 million in 2023.
In November 2020, Blakeford successfully closed a $94.93 million financing deal with HJ Sims and Truist. This significant financing package involved tax-exempt bond debt and direct placement draw-down bonds, primarily aimed at refinancing outstanding 2012 bonds and funding a major expansion project. The funding facilitated a large-scale $75 million community expansion and renovation project on its Green Hills campus, completed in April 2024. This investment was critical in furthering the organization's mission and enhancing its comprehensive offerings, allowing for increased capacity and modernized facilities. As part of this expansion, Blakeford also launched the Blakeford Foundation, which includes a Healthcare Assistance Fund, a Team Member Support Fund, and the Blakeford Tomorrow Fund for future capital projects and programs.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
Blakeford Senior Life's recent "pipeline development" has focused on significant enhancements and expansion of its existing campus and service lines, rather than introducing entirely new products. The $75 million expansion and renovation project, completed in April 2024, has substantially upgraded facilities and capacity.
- Independent Living Apartments: Expanded and modernized apartments with enhanced amenities, completed as part of the Green Hills campus grand opening in April 2024.
- Development Stage: Fully operational and available to residents.
- Target Market: Independent older adults seeking a vibrant, amenity-rich community.
- Key Features/Benefits: Increased capacity for 125 more residents, enhanced living spaces, and access to new facilities.
- New Memory Care Wing (Burton Court): A dedicated, state-of-the-art wing designed for residents requiring specialized memory care, which welcomed residents in Fall 2022.
- Development Stage: Fully operational.
- Target Market: Seniors with cognitive impairments requiring secure and compassionate care.
- Key Features/Benefits: Enhanced specialized care environment, increased capacity, and improved therapeutic settings.
- Advanced Physical Therapy Space: New, dedicated physical therapy facilities opened in Spring 2022, offering comprehensive rehabilitation services.
- Development Stage: Fully operational.
- Target Market: Residents and external clients needing short- or long-term rehabilitation.
- Key Features/Benefits: State-of-the-art equipment and specialized therapy programs.
- State-of-the-Art Fitness and Aquatics Center: Including smart gym equipment and an aquatics center, completed for the grand opening in April 2024.
- Development Stage: Fully operational.
- Target Market: All residents, promoting physical wellness and active lifestyles.
- Key Features/Benefits: Personalized exercise programs, engaging cardio options, and modern aquatics facilities.
- Enhanced Dining Options: Four new dining options in the independent living building opened in July 2023, offering diverse culinary experiences.
- Development Stage: Fully operational.
- Target Market: Independent living residents.
- Key Features/Benefits: Variety of choices, high-quality dining, and social opportunities.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
Blakeford Senior Life employs a "Smart Aging" philosophy by integrating technology to enhance resident experience and operational efficiency.
- Community-Wide App (Go Icon): Achieve a 100% adoption rate, this app serves as a central hub for residents and staff. It provides instant event updates, streamlines communication, and offers easy access to calendars, fostering a connected community.
- Smart Gym Equipment (Technogym): The fitness and aquatics center is equipped with Technogym smart equipment. This technology automatically adjusts and customizes exercise programs for each senior via an access fob. It tracks progress, guides users through routines, and eliminates manual adjustments with its plate and pin-free design, increasing usability and engagement. Cardio equipment further enhances engagement by offering "walking tours" through virtual global locations.
- Home-Based Technology for Care Coordination: The LiveWell by Blakeford program incorporates a technological framework to support long-term care planning and remote care coordination for individuals aging in place.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
Blakeford Senior Life is guided by a seasoned executive team:
- Brian Barnes, President and CEO: Serving since 2018, Brian brings over two decades of senior leadership experience in finance and operations within not-for-profit senior living and healthcare. His expertise includes campus development, repositioning, M&A activities, and managing home and community-based services. He is a licensed CPA and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Texas Tech University.
- Allison Griffith, LNHA, VP and COO: Allison joined Blakeford as Director of Human Resources before becoming VP and COO in 2007. With over 17 years in long-term care and 23 years in management, her background focuses on operations and employee relations. She is a licensed nursing home administrator.
- Al Griffin, CFO: A Lipscomb University graduate, Al has dedicated his career to healthcare. He joined Blakeford after 17 years as Controller at a hospital in Crossville, Tennessee.
- Lakecia Thomas, LNHA, Health Care Administrator: Lakecia oversees medical records, ICD-10 coding, campus-wide staffing, resident and family relations, regulatory compliance, employee recruitment, and health information management for Woodcrest and Burton Court.
- Shawn Clark, Director of Technology & Resident and Guest Services (also listed as Chief Technology Officer): Shawn, with Blakeford since 2009, manages corporate business systems, infrastructure, and technology services for residents. With a background in operations and experience from the United States Marine Corps, he also directs the Resident and Guest services team.
- Jane Kelly, FACHE, Executive Director | Community & Home Services: Jane has over 15 years of experience leading home-based programs for older adults. She was instrumental in developing and launching LiveWell By Blakeford and Blakeford At Home during her tenure, driven by a passion for wellness and aging.
- Carolyn Picton, Director of Sales & Marketing: Joining in 2024, Carolyn brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in senior living, along with diverse background from pharmaceutical, hospital, and hospitality sectors. She holds a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Florida.
Recent Leadership Changes
In 2024, Carolyn Picton joined Blakeford Senior Life as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. Other key hires included Brooke Binkley as the aquatics coordinator within the physical therapy team, overseeing the new aquatics center. The dining services team saw the addition of Chris Akins (culinary director), Dean Chadwick (executive chef), and David Cobb (pastry chef). Cassie Gregg was also brought on as the new move-in coordinator. These additions reflect a period of growth and expansion in services and amenities.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
Blakeford Senior Life exhibits strong growth, evidenced by a 97% occupancy rate and a waitlist of over 200 prospective residents as of 2025. The organization consistently recruits new talent, as indicated by frequent job postings on platforms like Indeed.
Current hiring patterns demonstrate a continuous demand for direct care staff and various support roles, including:
- Housekeeper
- CNA - Skilled Nursing
- Caregiver - Assisted Living/Memory Care
- At-Home Caregiver
- Medical Records Coordinator
- Community Support Specialist
- Floor Tech
- MDS Coordinator
- RN - Skilled Nursing
- LPN - Assisted Living/Memory Care
- LPN - Skilled Nursing
- Dishwasher
- Food Service Worker
- Busser
- Patient Server
Employee sentiment, derived from feedback, highlights a generally positive work environment with themes of a caring community, appreciation, and a strong sense of purpose. Many employees commend the inclusive culture and direct support from leadership. However, some feedback also points to challenges in staffing levels, work-life balance, and occasional management issues. Blakeford's values emphasize community, compassion, consistency, empowerment, innovation, integrity, and respect.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
Blakeford Senior Life actively maintains a digital presence across several social media platforms, utilizing them to showcase its vibrant community and values:
- Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/blakefordseniorlife](https://www.facebook.com/blakefordseniorlife)
- Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/blakefordseniorlife](https://www.instagram.com/blakefordseniorlife)
The organization's social media content consistently highlights the engaging lifestyle within its communities, a wide array of resident activities, and the dedication of its staff. The YouTube channel features testimonials from residents, provides virtual tours of campus amenities and lifestyle, and offers insights into the continuum of care and the maintenance-free living experience. Key messaging across platforms revolves around enhancing and enriching life at every stage of aging, delivering personalized care, and fostering a strong sense of belonging and community among residents and staff.
8. Competitive Analysis
Major Competitors
The senior living market in Nashville, TN, is dynamic and competitive, featuring a variety of providers offering diverse services. Key competitors in the region include:
- Richland Place: A luxury continuing care retirement community (CCRC) renowned for combining elegant living with comprehensive care services.
- The McKendree: Offers a blend of care options within a community-focused atmosphere, emphasizing health and wellness programs.
- Lakeshore Estates The Meadows: Provides an affordable senior living option, typically structured as a medium-sized Continuing Care Retirement Community.
- Belmont Village Green Hills: An upscale facility specializing in assisted living and memory care services.
- Mary Queen of Angels: Offers both assisted living and memory care services to seniors.
- In-Home Care Agencies: This category includes a range of providers such as Comfort Keepers, Visiting Angels, Touching Hearts at Home, 2nd Family, and Cornerstone Caregiving. These agencies primarily deliver non-medical personal care and specialized dementia care services within seniors' homes.
The competitive
