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MARKET RESEARCH AND FEASIBILITY GSI works with non-profit and proprietary sponsors in the private and public sectors and with financing institutions throughout the country to assess market demand and feasibility of shelter, services, and health-care products for older adults. Our reports provide an in-depth assessment of a specific market and our recommendations for product development and positioning are suitable for submission to regulatory agencies and financing entities. Product-lines include retirement housing; congregate housing; assisted living; skilled nursing facilities; special care units; community-based and home delivered services; and hospital geriatric specialties and programs. Components include: Demographic and Competitive Analysis Consumer Research, Product Positioning, and Feasibility GSI has designed and implemented market surveys for both existing and proposed facilities and product lines. Our experience indicates that a direct mail survey which protects the anonymity of the respondent:
PROJECT REVIEW AND FACILITY REPOSITIONING GSI works closely with its clients to provide an objective critique and to identify strengths and challenges to a facility's short-term and long-range viability. We review all aspects including market and financial data; operational programs/assumptions; marketing strategies; plans and performance. We identify market niches and provide recommendations to enhance overall performance. Public and private sector financing and regulatory agencies and organizations commission our work as part of the development or repositioning team to ensure an unbiased approach. Components of the work may include:
STRATEGIC PLANNING GSI provides technical assistance and market data to assist the client in the strategic planning process. The principals of the firm act as facilitators for Board and/or Staff retreats or planning sessions to identify corporate goals and objectives. Our consulting roles include development of strategies and outlines of tasks on the critical path to implementation, as well as leading ongoing corporate planning. OPERATIONAL AND SPACE PROGRAMS, AND PROFORMA BUDGETS Based on the data from the market analysis, GSI develops operational programs. The documents describe each department, its function and staff, and how they relate to the total operation of the facility or program. Proforma operating budgets are developed to reflect existing local conditions and policies. Design directives and space programs are based on consumer demand data and operational efficiency. FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY AND FORECASTS GSI, in conjunction with William D. Hendrickson, principal of Hendrickson Consulting (HC), also prepares financial forecasts and develops the analysis of revenue, expenses, cash flow, and balance sheets. The working relationship between GSI, a firm with its overall market analysis/feasibility, operational and marketing expertise, and HC, with financial capabilities, allows us to provide financial assessments that remain sensitive to trends and respond to the realities of the market. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND CRITIQUE GSI works with project architects to translate market data and operational programs into schematic designs, which meet the demands of the market. We review and comment on the drawings through the design development stage and work with the development team to assure that construction costs do not exceed the target market's desire and/or ability to pay. Innovative spaces and functions, which will assure the long-term viability of the project, are emphasized. MARKETING PLANS AND IMPLEMENTATION
GSI works with clients from pre-marketing through stabilized occupancy. These services include: Marketing Plans Marketing Materials Marketing Office Training STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLANS
As technology proliferates throughout the long-term care industry, frustration and costs are rising commensurately. The typical application of technology follows the model of single problem/single solution, in which an organization purchases separate and potentially incompatible systems. This leads to increased complexity for the facility staff, the maintainers, and the consumers/residents, which in turn translates into increased costs and frustration. Inappropriate coupling of functions or technologies can result in single points of system failure, sometimes in critical areas. The greatest success and cost efficiency occurs when the technology employed operates not only as an information engine, but also provides added value, such as improved data collection or system redundancy to assure continuous operation even during a power or system failure. Despite these hurdles, technology is becoming increasingly crucial to the effective management of both the corporate and residential dimensions of long-term care and senior living. A technology strategy is not simply a cohesive information management system, but encompasses an evaluation of all aspects of the business in relation to the available (and anticipated) technologies that can support the business functions. These functions include transportation, security, energy management, accounting, communications, resident census, patient care and staff management, to name a few. The process of devising a technology strategy is a powerful exercise in complex systems analysis that invariably produces an economy of technology usage. This economy is derived not just from a cost/benefit analysis, but also through the recognition that one technology can perform a multitude of functions, thus reducing training and support costs. GSI, with its sister organization, Gerontological Solutions, Inc., facilitates the development of the Strategic Technology Plan either as part of the organization's overall Strategic Plan, or as a separate component. INFORMATION / DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS EVALUATION AND CONSULTATION
GSI has the multi-disciplinary expertise needed to provide evaluation, training, and consultation services for a variety of data and information management systems. Some systems in which we provide support are: computerized management of residents and services; development of customized integrated software; marketing office management; and security systems. Our combination of expertise in computer/software systems and retirement housing and services is unique in the field; therefore, we are positioned to be strong advocates for the "computer innocent" in the maze of modern technology. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The multi-disciplinary expertise of GSI, and its affiliate, Vital Research, is brought to bear in assisting our clients in the development of a total quality management (TQM) process. This may include consumer satisfaction evaluation and monitoring systems, environmental and service assessment; and management training for action plan development. CLINICAL OUTCOME STUDIES
GSI, in conjunction with Vital Research, can assist our clients in developing systems to determine and document the outcomes of health, wellness, and supportive services. EXPERT WITNESS/TESTIMONY GSI is often called upon to provide testimony on issues related to aging, particularly in the areas of housing and health care. This includes testimony for government bodies and in court cases concerning fair housing and “best practices” issues. |
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