The combination of caring for his parents and questioning the traditional nursing home model of care created turmoil. When Tom took over the 246-bed nursing home, it was one of the worst nursing homes in Wisconsin.

So the baby boomers are growing old. The question is, are they growing up? Because the generation that more or less invented youth culture is now more or less in charge of the money, the politics, and even the means of cultural production.

It's easy for providers to become shell-shocked. But veteran operator Debbie van Straten says embracing a person-centered care philosophy hasn't just helped her residents, staff, and patients: it's renewed her sense of mission, and her sense of self.

The problem is, in a long term care setting, residents are—by definition—not marooned. They are literally surrounded by their peers, and given often round-the-clock care by hard-working people who really, truly want the best for them.

Meet Joyce Simard, founder of Namaste Care, geriatric consultant, author, and one of this year's 20 To Watch honorees.

Provider’s inaugural 20 To Watch continues this month with profiles of seven honorees who—just as they did last month—shine bright as glittering examples of what’s best in long term and post-acute care today. An assistant administrator, a director of engineering, a dietitian, a nurse, an administrator, an owner, and a founder of a nonprofit organization all have the spotlight this month.

In nursing homes, the administrator and the director of nursing must be strong and consistent advocates. Even better is when they are role models that exemplify caring at all times. When department heads, charge nurses, and facility leadership are all consistently supportive of this culture, then the staff naturally follow.

Denali management understands the importance of culture to its residents and has incorporated cultural activities into facility care as a way to honor the Alaska Native residents and make them feel more at home. The foundation of these activities came from knowing that honoring the culture of the Alaska Native residents is important to their health and well-being and realizing the importance of establishing and building rapport before providing care.

Dominic Chianese, an actor whose long line of movie and television credits include Junior Soprano in the hit show, “The Sopranos,” visited the American Health Care Association on April 18 to discuss his foundation, Joy Through Art, which brings music and theater arts to nursing facility residents.

The Eden Alternative and Wellspring made it official Thursday, merging their operations in what both sides hope will set the standard for forward-thinking care in the country.