At the first joint Green House Project-Pioneer Network conference in Pittsburgh, COO of Legacy Lifecare and Chelsea Jewish Lifecare , Betsy Mullen, reflected on opening the innovative Leonard Florence Center for Living 13 years ago.

The Green House Model is a lifecare philosophy that encourages emotional growth through smaller living areas that facilitate physical comfort and honor autonomy, independence, and privacy.

In her presentation, Mullen – pictured below with Steve McAlilly, president and CEO of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services (MSS) who started the first Green House 20 year ago – addressed the fact that the Leonard Florence Center for Living was the first urban model Green House® skilled nursing facility in the country, a distinction that sets Chelsea Jewish Lifecare apart from other nonprofits.

“We provide a real home and real family for seniors and individuals living with debilitating conditions,” stated Mullen. “In essence, we’ve overcome challenges by giving our residents and our employees experiences that they would not have otherwise.”

The four-day event consisted of networking opportunities, informational sessions, inspiring speakers, and special events, including a powerful musical about living with dementia.

The conference was extremely meaningful to Mullen. “This was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with eldercare thought leaders throughout the world,” she said. “It’s exciting to envision and be part of the growth and innovations in aging care services and in workforce development. The possibilities are endless!”