SRI Management Goes Virtual
Published: March 25, 2021
SRI Management announces communities will be piloting virtual reality.
By way of virtual reality goggles and handheld controllers, potential residents and their families can now take community tours without leaving their homes.
“As the world has changed this past year, our customers’ ways of interacting have also changed,” SRI Management Chief Operations Officer Shelley Kaiser said. “We were looking at how we could take our communities to our customers, and immersive virtual reality fits that need.”
Internal SRI Management focus groups indicate this new way of touring might help those who are interested in senior housing, however, are hesitant to take a step into a community. One 86-year-old test user said she felt comfortable touring virtually and would be more likely to tour in-person.
“I just didn’t know what to expect, but it’s amazing because you really do feel like you’re there,” Maye Walker said. “I didn’t know your communities were this nice! Now I do. So, I would definitely feel more comfortable taking a ‘real’ tour.”
Each community’s Director of Sales will be trained on how to use the system, but VR may spill over into more than just sales. Directors of Activities have shown interest as well.
“Imagine having the chance to tour the Australian Outback or visit Paris,” Kaiser said. “In 2021, our residents can do just that without ever leaving their community.”
The piloting session will last a few weeks to gather real-world feedback.
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Midsouth Senior Management, SRI Management, Augusta Development and local community leaders gathered on August 4 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Silverleaf at Wilson Farms , a new Assisted Living and Memory Care community coming to Lebanon, Tennessee. The 164,000-square-foot community will feature four floors of living space, underground parking and 130 residences, including 106 Assisted Living and 24 Memory Care residences. Located on a hillside overlooking Wilson County, Silverleaf at Wilson Farms will provide a much-needed senior living option for local older adults and families. “Silverleaf at Wilson Farms represents an important investment in the seniors and families of Lebanon and Wilson County,” said Don Bishop, CEO of SRI Management . “As this area continues to grow, families need high-quality senior living options that allow their loved ones to remain close to home and connected to the community they know.” Silverleaf at Wilson Farms will be operated by SRI Management affiliate, Midsouth Senior Management. Midsouth President Rick Sweeney shared during the ceremony that the project is especially meaningful because of his family’s longstanding ties to Wilson County. “This project is personal to us because Wilson County is home,” Sweeney said. “We have watched Lebanon and the surrounding area experience tremendous growth, but senior living options have not grown at the same pace. Silverleaf will help meet that need while allowing residents to remain close to their families, churches, physicians and community connections.” The groundbreaking ceremony also included remarks from Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell and Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Andrea Wilke. Once open, Silverleaf at Wilson Farms is expected to create approximately 80 local jobs and contribute an estimated $2.5 million in annual wages to the area. Thank you to the project partners, local leaders, and community members who joined us to mark this exciting milestone. We look forward to watching Silverleaf at Wilson Farms take shape and eventually welcome its first residents, families and team members.
We're proud to share that SRI Management has once again been named one of Florida's Best Companies To Work For, ranking #6 among medium-sized employers statewide. This marks the fifth consecutive year we've earned this recognition from Florida Trend magazine's annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida program. Why this one means something different Being named to a list like this once is a nice moment. Being named to it five years in a row tells a different story — one about consistency, not luck. This recognition isn't based on marketing or self-promotion. It comes from an independent evaluation of workplace policies and practices, paired with a survey measuring real employee satisfaction. In other words, it reflects what it's actually like to work here, according to the people who do. "Being named to this list once is meaningful. Being named five years in a row tells you something different — it tells you this isn't a moment, it's who we are," said Don Bishop, CEO of SRI Management. "Our teams show up every day for the residents and families we serve, and this recognition belongs to them." "What makes this mean the most to me is that it's driven directly by our employees' voices," said Ryan Carlson, SVP of Human Resources. "That's not something you can manufacture — you have to earn it, year after year." A recognition built on people, not policy Florida's Best Companies To Work For program is managed by Florida Trend and the Workforce Research Group, and endorsed by the HR Florida State Council. To qualify, companies must employ at least 15 people in Florida and have been in operation for at least one year. From there, participating organizations are evaluated on workplace policies, practices, and culture — and their employees are surveyed directly to measure satisfaction. At SRI Management, we believe great senior living care starts with a great workplace. When our teams feel supported, valued, and set up to succeed, that care extends naturally to the residents and families who trust us every day. We're grateful to every team member across our communities and home office who made this fifth consecutive recognition possible. Here's to continuing to raise the bar — together. Explore the full 2026 Best Companies To Work For In Florida list at floridatrend.com/best-companies .
SRI Management is proud to congratulate Taylor Maya, Divisional Director of Clinical Services , and Jasmin Dickson, Executive Director at The Landing of Panama City Beach , on graduating from the Florida Senior Living Institute through Leadership FSLA. Taylor and Jasmin were recognized during the Florida Senior Living Association ENGAGE Conference on July 10 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes . Leadership FSLA is a comprehensive leadership development program created specifically for professionals currently serving in FSLA-member assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities. The program is designed to strengthen individual leaders with the understanding that stronger leaders help build stronger communities. Throughout the program, participants focus on key areas of leadership development, including self-leadership, leading through change, innovation, emotional intelligence, team engagement, effective communication, meeting management, and public speaking. The program combines in-person education, community-based learning, Zoom discussions, expert speakers, mentorship, leadership assessments, and practical application. Participants also work through real-world leadership exercises, including reviewing community challenges, evaluating AHCA survey-related scenarios, identifying current opportunities within their own communities, and developing solutions that support stronger teams and better outcomes. For SRI Management, this achievement reflects the importance of investing in leaders who are committed to serving residents, supporting team members, and helping communities thrive. Taylor and Jasmin both bring dedication, professionalism, and heart to their roles, and this accomplishment is a meaningful reflection of their continued growth and leadership.
