GlobeNewswire Inc | Jan 28, 2021 07:00AM EST

January 28, 2021

DALLAS, Jan. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Senior Living Corporation (the Company) (NYSE: CSU) announcestheintroductionofits newmemory care program,Magnolia Trails,which was developedtomeetthegrowing need for individualized programming for residents receiving memory care services.

Magnolia Trails evolvedout of oneof the Companys communitieswherethe local leadershipteam observed improvements in resident emotional and physical well-beingas a result ofhighly individualized programming.In partnership with internal experts and dementia careconsultant and author RachelWonderlin, theCompany applied thesebest practices toestablish thekey tenets of Magnolia Trails.

The programis designedto engage thefivesensestocreate calmingyet stimulatingspacesand tailored care plans that meet residentschanging and evolvingneeds.Each residentspreferences and current cognitive stateinfluenceshis or herexperiencefrom the physical layout and design of the space, to dining options, to programs and activities.

Aspectsofthe programincludeplayinglight background musicthat aligns with the generation living in thecommunity,caregiverswearingbusiness casual shirts and khakis rather than uniforms or scrubs,andteam memberssharing items with residentsthat spark positive memories of family membersor past experiences.

The sameresponsive, sensory-focusedapproach is taken with dining. A dynamic menu of options is servedthroughout the dayin a flexible but consistent manner. Staff members provide warm, scented washcloths before each meal and incorporate inviting, calmingaromas and soft music to enhance the ambiance.

Because Magnolia Trailsis focused on the best way to engage each individual resident,employeeslearn about and incorporate residents personal historiesand interestsinto theirongoing dailyinteractions.Comforting hands-onactivities are always available, such asflower arranging, puzzles and matching games.Interactiveexperience stations,such aspetcare,gardening, tool benchesarealsoalwaysavailable.

Another hallmark of the program is the emphasison family connections, includingongoing educational opportunitiesspecifically designed to help family members understand dementia and aspects of the disease and its progression. All communitieswith the Magnolia Trails programusearesident engagementappwherefamily memberscanreceive real-timephotos, videosand updates about their loved ones.

The number of peoplelivingwith dementia is expected to double by 2060,so theprogram meets a growing need among the senior populationand their families, said Brandon Ribar, Chief Operating Officer for Capital Senior Living.More importantly, thetailored care, programming and servicesare designedto helpeachresident thrive and to more comfortably and safely age in place.

All employees who are part of Magnolia Trails participate inarigorous,hands-ontrainingprogramand pass a dementia care knowledge exam prior to working with residents. Additionally, staff members complete ongoing quarterly training in memory care practices and techniques.Upon completion of the training,each communityanditsindividual employees become certified todeliver the Magnolia Trails program to memory care residents.The employeecertification providesadistinctcareer path for individuals whose passion is working with people receiving memory care services.

Magnolia Trails has been successfullyintroducedinfourCapital Senior Livingcommunities. By years end, the program will be rolled out to all of the Companys 37communities that provide memory care services.During the 24 monthsfollowingimplementation ofthe programin theinitialpilot community, occupancy improved from 69% to 100% with a waiting list, and average monthly rent increasedmore than 5%.In the third quarter, 2020, average occupancy for theCompanys same-community consolidatedmemory careunitswas75.0%, and average monthly rentfor memory care was $4,707 for the same period.

SING Update

The Company successfully achieved the strategic goals laid out in the second year of its three-year strategic plan, SING (Stabilize, Invest, Nurture, Grow), which focused on improving operating performance anditsfinancial foundation. The Company is well-poisedto begin the growth-focused stage of its strategic plan. Magnolia Trails is an important part of the Companys growth phase.

About Capital Senior LivingDallas-based Capital Senior Living Corporation is one of the nations leading operators of independent living, assisted living and memory care communities for senior adults. The Company currentlyoperates88communities that are home tonearly 7,000 residentsacross 20states providing compassionate, resident-centric services and care and engaging programming. The Company offers seniors the freedom and opportunity to successfully,comfortablyand happily age in place. For more information, visitwww.capitalsenior.comor connect with the Company on Facebook.

For more information, contact:Kimberly Lody(972) 308-8323klody@capitalsenior.com