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Breakout Session 504 on Thursday, May 9 @ 8:45-9:45 a.m.

Fountain of Youth:  Unpacking the Benefits of Intergenerational Living

Intergenerational living environments offer benefits to residents of all ages. Mixed-age communities and onsite childcare centers may offer hidden advantages for provider organizations such as increased staff attraction and retention and diversification of revenue.  The State of Iowa and the Iowa Woman’s Foundation have been developing a variety of programs to support childcare throughout the state including encouraging partnerships between senior living and childcare providers.  Through case studies and a review of state initiatives, this program may provide ideas for your senior living center to gain a newly exuberant and healthy spirit, much like the mythical fountain of youth, itself.
  • Describe how intergenerational approaches benefit residents.
  • Discuss how intergenerational approaches diversify revenue and increase staff retention.
  • Summarize state aids for childcare.
Larry Schneider, Licensed Architect, Senior Living Planner & Partner, Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP, Milwaukee, WI
Larry Schneider’s initial interest in architecture originated from his family’s influence. His father and brothers shared a passion for electrical engineering, while his mother sought more artistic endeavors. From this combination, Larry’s passion for architecture truly ignited when he enrolled in a simple drafting class in high school. Early in his career, Larry was intrigued by Senior Living Environments from his experience of working for a small religious architect. He was so inspired from the work he did there, Larry began to attend Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE) events, where it became abundantly clear to him there was a tremendous disconnect between the building codes and the ability to create an environment that would allow a person to live in dignity. Because of this, designing and improving Senior Living Environments is his passion. He believes that everyone deserves a home no matter your age, economic status, or abilities. Eventually, he became a state chapter president of SAGE and was later elected to the Board of Directors to further pursue his passion. With more than 30 years of experience, Larry is a Partner in the Senior Living Studio, where he is a champion of designing and planning environments for the aging. He thoroughly enjoys every opportunity to help clients identify and navigate through the challenges of bringing a new or renovated building to fruition. He gets inspiration from developing innovative solutions to overcome the complexity of developing an environment that later becomes a home for its residents. As a life-long learner, he is driven by evidence-based data and research to create the most engaging and dynamic Senior Living Environments possible. He also grasps at every opportunity to educate others in the architecture industry. Over the years, Larry has spoken numerous times regionally and nationally on topics such as life and safety codes, planning and design, and culture change within the industry. He hopes that his knowledge can help other architects continually improve the human experience and help advance the profession.

Amanda Ballentine, Director, Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy and Intergenerational Outreach Coordinator, Perry Lutheran Homes, Perry
Amanda Ballentine has been integral to Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy and Perry Lutheran Homes for the past four years. Amanda started her journey with A&O and PLH in the classroom, where she quickly demonstrated her exceptional skills as a childcare provider and passion for intergenerational experiences. Over the years, she has continued to grow and develop, taking on new challenges and responsibilities and rising to each one with grace and determination. Today, Amanda serves as Director of Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy and Intergenerational Outreach Coordinator for Perry Lutheran Homes. Mandi is responsible for leading a team of 11, delivering exceptional results, and providing the expertise needed to successfully bring people of different ages together to learn, grow, and connect.


Andrew Bell, Licensed Architect, Partner, Align Architecture & Planning, PLC, Waterloo
Andrew Bell attended Wartburg College in Waverly where he grew up.  Assisting with the construction of a dozen Habitat for Humanity homes in the Cedar Valley was a catalyst for an interest in the building industry.  After receiving a bachelor’s degree in history, he continued his studies at Iowa State where he completed the Masters in Architecture program. For the last 12 years, Andrew has worked on a variety of project types at Align Architecture & Planning including daycares, senior living, historic preservation, nonprofit, multifamily, and churches.  His diverse experiences have introduced him to many funding sources, and he has a strong background in navigating building codes.  He assisted VGM develop an in-house, 99-slot daycare in their Waterloo headquarters and is currently working with Bartels Lutheran Home in Waverly on their new independent living subdivision. Andrew is a board member of the local Chamber & Main Street as well as the President of his Rotary Club.  He lives in Waverly with his wife Ellen, a veterinarian in Cedar Falls, and their three children Lucy, Walter, and Violet keep them busy at home.  Much of their free time is spent baking bread or in the woods building forts, managing trees, or making maple syrup.

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