White papers
Reimagining culinary, nutrition and hospitality in senior living: A strategic roadmap
The ICAA white paper, Reimagining culinary, nutrition and hospitality in senior living: A strategic roadmap, explores how dining can evolve from a basic service to a wellness engine that drives identity, culture and connection.
Developed through conversations with thought leaders at the inaugural ICAA Culinary, Nutrition and Hospitality Think Tank, this document translates bold ideas into actionable strategies for operators, chefs, dietitians, wellness leaders and hospitality professionals.
ICAA Call to Action: Nourishing the future of active aging
ICAA call to action recognizes food not merely as sustenance, but as a powerful vehicle for health, connection, culture and identity. Guided by ICAA’s Culinary and Hospitality Standards of Excellence and ICAA’s Plate of Distinction program, we invite leaders across sectors to join us in advancing this vision for food and dining as key components in a multifaceted view of health that considers the whole person.
ICAA Wellness Think Tank: Blending wellness and healthcare
The goals of value-based healthcare and wellness-focused senior living communities often align: emphasizing preventive care, controlling costs, and providing lifestyle opportunities and healthcare that lead to resident and patient satisfaction. Learn how value-based care, accountable care and Medicare Advantage insurance are transforming healthcare systems to prioritize outcomes over procedures. A case study highlights the potential for senior living, and five key elements provide steps that senior living communities can take to effectively integrate wellness with healthcare.
Innovative models of wellness memberships
Join the senior living communities that adapt membership models for residents or the public to reap the rewards of satisfied participants, additional revenue, engaged potential residents and sustainability for the community and wellness programs. Merge mission with potential while examining four membership models, the positioning of operations and technology, and the ways engagement, culinary, fitness and personal care are offered. Memberships package a la carte services into a suite of opportunities that add value for residents, public members and the community as a whole.
Living better, longer: The new narrative for senior living
Explore the language that describes how a wellness-centered community appeals to the generations of people who know they will live longer and desire the support that enables them to spend each day in a healthy, fulfilled manner. Six possible narratives are outlined to explain the value of wellness lifestyles for investors, executives, staff members, current and potential residents and suppliers. Worksheets and action plans map the journey to writing the narrative that positions wellness for each audience.
The promise of well-tech
Wellness technology (well-tech) is valuable because, like wellness, it crosses all functional areas to support quality of life for individuals and impactful operations for organizations. Use eight principles to guide a well-tech vision, then follow steps for auditing needs and opportunities, determining priorities and readiness, setting criteria for technology, and encouraging adoption and sustainability. Checklists and priority tools aid the process. Technology provides many benefits when utilized by trained and supported decision makers, staff members and users.
