How to Plan for the Next Wave in Senior Living | Tiffany Karlin & Robert Zondag

The senior living industry is on the brink of massive transformation—but are operators truly prepared? In this episode of Bridge the Gap, hosts Josh and Lucas sit down with Tiffany Karlin and Robert Zondag to unpack the realities behind the much-discussed “silver tsunami.” While many assume baby boomers are already filling communities, the data tells a different story: the surge is just beginning.

From rising Alzheimer’s rates to workforce shortages and limited new development, the challenges are complex—and urgent. Tiffany and Robert break down why strategic alignment across organizations is critical and how leaders can simplify complex plans into clear, actionable directions for their teams.

1. The myth vs. reality of baby boomers entering senior living
2. Why the biggest demand surge is still ahead
3. Alzheimer’s and dementia trends reshaping care needs
4. The gap between demand and new housing supply
5. Differences in strategy between for-profit and nonprofit operators
6. Agile strategic planning and the “North Star” approach
7. The importance of simplifying strategy for organizational alignment
8. Workforce challenges and the role of technology
9. Change management and stakeholder buy-in
10. Why leadership must “radiate” strategy clearly across teams

Meet the Hosts:

Josh Crisp : https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/

Lucas McCurdy : https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/

Connect with Our Guests

Tiffany Karlin : https://www.wipfli.com/about-wipfli/partners-and-associates/tiffany-karlin

Robert Zondag: https://www.wipfli.com/about-wipfli/partners-and-associates/robert-zondag

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing .

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