Brief Background of Nancy Kao: 

Nancy Kao holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and an MBA in HealthCare Management. With over 30 years in the senior living sector, she has been a pivotal force at The Forum for more than 23 years. Her influence extends beyond The Forum, as she has been featured in renowned publications such as Elder Care Review, San Jose Mercury News, Global Business Leaders, The Silicon Valley Review and spotlighted in LCS’s Careers celebrating careers in the Senior Living industry. 

Overview of The Forum at Rancho San Antonio and its Mission in the Senior Living Industry

The Forum at Rancho San Antonio stands as a beacon in the senior living industry, redefining the standard of senior living since its establishment in 1991. Nancy Kao, the Executive Director, describes The Forum as a vibrant, self-governed community that beautifully blends innovative technology, sustainability best practices, and an unwavering dedication to excellence in care. The community has an extensive 51-acre campus in Cupertino, combining high-end resort sophistication with top-notch supportive care. The Forum distinguishes itself by offering equity ownership, a unique approach where residents purchase membership interest instead of paying an entrance fee. This investment historically gains value over time, providing tax benefits and preserving estates. Furthermore, The Forum pioneers a fully functioning Wellness department, helping residents design personalized health and wellness plans using the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. The integration of all care levels on one campus fosters a sense of community, trust, and familiarity among residents.

Adaptation and Innovation in Response to Industry Challenges in 2024

In response to staffing shortages, The Forum built Daffodil Ridge, a state-of-the-art memory care center, in 2021. Leveraging technology, they collaborated with Alexa Smart Properties to enhance communication, resident independence, and team member efficiency. The integration of Alexa-enabled devices not only improved resident satisfaction but also resulted in a remarkable 32% increase in staff retention. Through strategic cost optimization and technology integration, The Forum witnessed reduced operational costs, increased resident satisfaction, and improved occupancy rates. Recognizing the global shift towards sustainability, The Forum aligns itself with environmental friendliness. With a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, The Forum actively adopts sustainable practices, including ISO 14001 standards and achieving LEED Gold certification for its Memory Care building. Sustainability is not just a concept at The Forum; it’s a lifestyle embedded in every aspect of community living.

Prioritizing Well-being and Satisfaction of Residents

Resident-owned, The Forum prioritizes high-quality care and services, with residents actively involved in decision-making. The philosophy intertwines health and wellness, as all services, amenities, programs, and activities aim to enable individuals to achieve their fullest potential in physical, social, and mental well-being. This resident-centric approach has earned The Forum accolades, such as best Retirement Community in Silicon Valley by the Mercury News for two years in a row (2023-2024) and achieving Medicare 5 Star Rating in all five categories for more than 10 years.

Recent Accomplishments and Milestones

The Forum’s success is underscored by numerous awards, including the McKnight’s Gold finalist award for excellence in technology and US News, Best Nursing Home, and Short-Term Rehabilitation for their Health Care Center. Achieving RCFE Deficiency-free Survey for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care; receiving LEED Gold certification for Daffodil Ridge Memory Care, and being a Caring Stars recipient for three consecutive years highlight just a few examples of The Forum’s commitment to excellence. The Forum’s offering of all levels of care on one campus fosters a deep sense of community. With over forty clubs, committees, and interest groups, residents experience a familial atmosphere. Technology, such as the Alexa-enabled devices, plays a crucial role in enhancing the resident experience and operational efficiency.

Envisioning the Future of Senior Living

As resort-style senior living communities gain popularity, The Forum envisions a future where vibrant and fulfilling retirement experiences become the norm. The profound sense of community and pride among residents, coupled with a commitment to well-being, equity ownership, and sustainability, positions The Forum at Rancho San Antonio as a trailblazer in shaping the future of senior living, both locally and globally. Being in Silicon Valley, The Forum has always embraced technology, setting a standard for the industry. The Forum is always looking for opportunities to pilot programs with startups and renowned tech companies to improve resident satisfaction. They have worked with SoftBank Robotics and acquired a fleet of robot vacuums to assist their environmental services team. This reduced employee turnover and increased overall staff satisfaction. They have also worked with Richtech Robotics and acquired a robotic Maître d’ to assist their food and beverage department. 

In acknowledgment of their commitment to technology, The Forum at Rancho Antonio received McKnight’s “Excellence in Technology” Gold Award for their Smart Monitoring technology. This initiative prevents falls in Memory Care and highlights their dedication to utilizing cutting-edge technology for the benefit of their residents. 

The integration of technology, especially the Alexa-enabled devices, has been pivotal in addressing industry-wide challenges. The Forum’s initiative-taking approach not only enhanced resident satisfaction but also significantly increased staff retention, a critical aspect of the current staffing landscape.

Environmental Stewardship: A Sustainable Legacy

In the 21st century, a global shift towards sustainability has become a prevalent trend. The Forum at Rancho San Antonio recognizes this and has made substantial progress in aligning with sustainable practices. The community has set an ambitious goal to be carbon-neutral in its built environment by 2030. This commitment extends beyond rhetoric, as evidenced by the installation of solar panels and the transition to an all-electric fleet.

Nancy Kao emphasizes, “At The Forum, we have always taken pride in our reputation as an innovative Life Plan Community. Today, we extend that pride to our steadfast commitment to sustainability.” The Forum’s dedication to sustainability isn’t merely a checkbox; it’s a comprehensive lifestyle that permeates every facet of community living.

Employee Development and Satisfaction: Nurturing the Heart of The Forum

The workforce is undeniably the heartbeat of any organization, and The Forum at Rancho San Antonio recognizes this. In 2021, the construction of Daffodil Ridge Memory Care not only addressed staffing shortages but also exemplified the community’s commitment to employee development to heighten resident satisfaction. One example is their introduction of Aiva-equipped Echo devices streamlined communication, enhanced resident independence, and improved team member efficiency. This not only enriched the residents’ experience but also contributed to a substantial increase in staff retention. The Forum also encourages its team members to further their education and has a tuition reimbursement program. 

Cultivating a Transformative Company Culture at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio

At the heart of The Forum at Rancho San Antonio’s success lies a distinctive company culture that transcends conventional norms. In the pursuit of excellence and innovation, The Forum has not only become a local leader in senior living but is making a notable difference on a global scale. Let us delve into the core of their company culture, exploring how it shapes their identity and contributes to a broader impact.

The Essence of The Forum’s Company Culture

The Forum at Rancho San Antonio’s company culture is deeply rooted in principles of respect, compassion, and empowerment. A resident-owned and operated community, the philosophy of inclusivity and collaboration is visible in every decision. This unique governance model ensures that residents actively participate in shaping the community’s present and future. It fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, setting The Forum apart as more than just a senior living facility—it is a collective endeavor, a home where every voice matters.

Nancy Kao’s Leadership: A Beacon of Cultural Influence

Central to The Forum’s cultural fabric is Nancy Kao, the Executive Director. With over two decades of dedication to The Forum and more than three decades in the senior living sector, Nancy embodies the values that define the community. Her commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing residents with the best quality of care marks her leadership style. Through her guidance, The Forum has not only thrived as a local institution but has become a beacon of inspiration for the wider senior living sector.

Global Impact Through Innovative Practices

While The Forum is firmly rooted in Cupertino, its impact extends far beyond local boundaries. One of the key avenues through which The Forum influences the global senior living landscape is its commitment to innovative practices. The community’s proactive approach to addressing challenges has garnered attention and admiration from industry professionals worldwide.

Future Outlook: Revolutionizing Senior Living Globally

Resort-style senior living communities, epitomized by The Forum at Rancho San Antonio, are gaining prominence as they offer a vibrant and fulfilling retirement experience. This appeal resonates with the seventy million baby boomers entering the pool of potential residents. Life Plan communities are witnessing a shift in the age range of residents as younger retirees seek the freedom offered by these communities. This freedom allows them to travel, focus on family, and savor life’s joys.

“As fortunate as we are with this one-of-a-kind location and our unique equity ownership model, our greatest asset may be our people: our residents and staff members who give so much to our community on a daily basis,” emphasizes Nancy Kao. 

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs