On Thursday, May 12, Patricia Will, Founder and CEO of Belmont Village Senior Living, was honored with McKnight’s Lifetime Achievement Award by McKnight’s Senior Living at the publication’s 2022 Women of Distinction event for her outstanding contributions in the senior living industry. Will is among three other notable past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented annually to one woman who has made a mark in skilled nursing, senior living or home care.
Patricia Will founded Houston-based Belmont Village in 1997 as a fully integrated owner, developer, and operator of senior living communities. This year, Belmont Village celebrates 25 years in business, has grown to 32 communities and is known for its award-winning resident senior well-being and memory care programming. As part of the selection process for this prestigious award, a select group of judges considered the careers and accomplishments of long-time leaders in long-term care. The award recognizes a woman leader who has made outstanding contributions in the areas of senior living, skilled nursing and/or home care over the course of a lengthy career. The award was prefaced and presented by McKnight’s Editor Lois A. Bowers.
“I’m honored to be recognized by McKnight’s as Belmont Village’s dedication to overall wellness and our endeavor in fostering a sense of independence and a place for seniors to thrive continues. More importantly, though, is the recognition of how this industry has grown and evolved over the years. I’ve had the privilege to be part of it – thanks in no small measure to all the women whose efforts and dedication to innovative care have improved the lives of so many seniors, caregivers and their families,” said Will.
“Patricia’s service to the long-term care industry, inside and outside of her company, has earned the admiration and respect of her peers and is inspiring to future leaders. We’re pleased to recognize those contributions this year,” said Lois A. Bowers, McKnight’s Senior Living Editor.
The evening honored Women of Distinction in the senior care profession in the categories of Rising Stars, Veteran VIPs, and Hall of Honor inductees. Nominees included those women who work in the skilled nursing, senior living, or home care industries, including post-acute care, senior living, independent living, assisted living, memory care or life plan/continuing care retirement communities, or home care. Direct care providers, managers, executives, corporate executives, and owners were also eligible, as well as those who serve the field indirectly, such as via associations or as thought leaders.
When asked how she knew that senior living was the right career for her to pursue, Will replied, “It became clear when there was a personal and professional alignment established, meaning my experience and background in real estate development coincided with my mother-in-law developing Alzheimer’s. I searched and searched, and I didn’t find anything that would provide the kind of place that I would want to live in that also provided the kind of thoughtful programming, lifestyle, and care tailored to her needs. I wanted to establish that kind of place with the advent of Belmont Village – the kind of place that until then, did not exist.”