Welcome to the first edition of Kathy’s Corner, a new addition to the Meth-Wick Community blog! We’re excited to introduce you to our new CEO, Kathy Horan, and get a glimpse into her vision for Meth-Wick’s future.

In this introductory Q&A, Kathy shares her initial impressions of Meth-Wick, her extensive experience that will benefit the community, and her thoughts on the ever-evolving landscape of senior living.

Stay tuned for future editions of Kathy’s Corner, where she’ll delve deeper into specific topics and exciting developments at Meth-Wick!

1. Tell us about your first few months as the new Meth-Wick Community CEO.

Having lived in Cedar Rapids for over thirty years, I was very familiar with Meth-Wick and its great reputation. When I started in March, I knew about Meth-Wick but after being on campus and experiencing the culture, I quickly realized that knowing about Meth-Wick is not the same thing as knowing Meth-Wick. The beautiful campus is only the beginning of what makes Meth-Wick a wonderful place to live and work. Residents and staff truly care about each other and are happy to be here. It’s a joy to come to Meth-Wick each day knowing that I will be surrounded by people who are enjoying life.

Meth-Wick is a dream situation for a transitioning CEO. With engaged residents, a talented and tenured team, a dedicated Board of Directors, a solid financial position, and no looming crisis to solve, I can focus on future growth and service enhancement.

2. Can you share some of your experiences from previous roles that will be most beneficial in your new position?

Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to envision “what could be” and then strategically move toward that vision. As an entrepreneur, I created a business that filled an unmet need in the community. As a non-profit leader, I’ve developed new services and led organizations through transformations that positioned them for future success. Surrounding myself with talented and passionate people has been an essential part of everything I’ve done as great accomplishments are always a team effort.

3. What do you feel sets Meth-Wick Community apart from other senior living communities?

There are several ways that Meth-Wick is special. Here are just a few:

• Everything we do is resident-centered. Meth-Wick is fortunate to have a committed Board of Directors and a talented staff that shares the same focus on serving our residents.
• Meth-Wick is a dynamic, active aging community focused on living life to the fullest. This is more than just a mission; it’s what we prioritize every single day. As a not-for-profit with a local, volunteer board of directors, our entire focus is on our residents.
• Meth-Wick is a wellness campus with options for care. This focus on well-being is an essential part of Meth-Wick’s culture and what makes life at Meth-Wick so wonderful.
• Meth-Wick’s park-like campus is truly beautiful, and the residents and staff genuinely care about each other. As one resident recently said to me, “I can’t imagine anywhere better to live.”

4. In your opinion, what are the key trends shaping the future of senior living, and how is Meth-Wick positioned to adapt to these trends?

It’s an exciting time to be part of the senior living industry. The number of adults aged 65 and older has steadily increased over the last two decades, and thanks to advances in nutrition and medical care, life expectancy is increasing. As people age, they naturally want to stay healthy, active, and independent as long as possible. Meth-Wick is a wellness campus with a culture uniquely designed to promote active aging and living life to its fullest.

Another trend that will continue is the increasing use of and reliance on technology. This is one of the focus areas included in the Meth-Wick long-range plan.

Finally, the desire and demand for options will escalate. Meth-Wick’s five styles of living provide residents with the widest range of living options in our area. Listening to residents and proactively planning for future growth will allow Meth-Wick to continue its long legacy of being the premier senior living community.