Larry Slatky exhibits exemplary leadership, communication and teamwork skills that make him a strong and qualified candidate to lead Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Not one to shy away from challenges, Larry took his position as Executive Director of the nursing home facing a $15 million deficit and the threat of closing. By working with County government officials, unions and the community, Larry took an active role to reduce the deficit and secure funding for an historic $80 million renovation project. Larry’s efforts of working with government entities have proven that if nursing homes are run the way they’re supposed to, and provide quality care with positive outcomes, then they can be successful within the system.
Larry led a complete rebranding of the nursing home, renaming the facility Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center and establishing a renewed commitment to the care and welfare of Albany County’s most vulnerable populations. His focus on key staffing positions and employee satisfaction led to an 85% decrease in employee turnover and a positive change morale.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry was thrust into a situation where staff, patients, and families were looking to him for answers on how to protect them. He led by example showing up every day, practicing safety and implementing strict guidelines at the facility. His swift actions led to successfully eradicating the virus from the nursing home in just 10 weeks, minimizing exposure and saving lives. Making the best decisions for the residents and staff with the information he had, highlights Larry’s exceptional leadership and commitment to safety and community.
Larry has worked to encourage professional development and facilitates staff participation in educational seminars and workshops. His creation of the educational alliances with SCCC, BOCES, Sage College, Mildred Elley and Siena College help current employees further their career and help future healthcare workers get access to highly skilled training programs and employment opportunities.
Increasing the quality of care for residents was one of Larry’s top priorities. The newly renovated state of the art facility provides the most innovative and advanced techniques to guide residents back to their highest level of functioning. These strides in quality led to numerous awards and recognition including the 2018 Bronze and 2020 Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, the 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Tier 3 Recognition from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Quality Initiative Program in 2020. Larry continues to work towards higher standards to improve the nursing homes ratings and recognitions and has submitted their application for the Gold Award.
By effectively communicating during his tenure, Larry has shown all of us what it means to be a true leader who represents integrity, leadership, and teamwork. His high standards for resident care, ethical behavior and advocacy for staff and residents, make Larry Slatky an ideal administrator at Shaker Place.