Unitas Communities leadership spoke at the 2026 LeadingAge PA Annual Conference last week, presenting “Better Together – A New Model for Affiliation!” Below are some key excerpts from that presentation.
CEO & President David Swartley shared, “ Senior Living is at a pivotal moment. Changing demographics, evolving resident expectations, and increasing operational pressures mean that communities can no longer thrive in isolation.”
“The challenges of today – from staffing shortages to rising costs – are forcing leaders to rethink traditional models and focus on longer term sustainability.”
“Each organization has its own roots, its own history, and its own personality,” remarked Cindy Meier, Executive Director of Moravian Manor Communities, a Unitas Communities Affiliate. “This image captures the heart of our Unitas journey – not just organizationally, but culturally, emotionally, and operationally. Affiliation for us is not about erasing identity. It’s about protecting and preserving what is beloved and essential, while advancing together in ways that expand opportunity, strengthen stability, and prepare us for the future of senior living.”
Chris Hunt, Unitas Communities’ Chief Financial Officer, noted that, “The biggest benefit by far is the knowledge sharing. Bringing both of us together helps us use our collective knowledge to move the whole Unitas organization forward.”
We invite you to learn more about Unitas Communities and the Unitas Communities’ Affiliation Difference.