2026 Best of the Best Award Winners

Congratulations to our 2026 Best of the Best Award Winners

Showcasing Innovation, Impact, and Excellence in Senior Living

Across the senior living industry, groundbreaking ideas are improving lives, advancing care, and strengthening communities. The Argentum Best of the Best Awards recognize programs and initiatives that demonstrate bold thinking, measurable results, and replicable success.

From workforce development and memory care to sustainability and resident engagement, these award-winning programs are raising the bar and setting new standards for the future of senior living.

Meet the 2026 Best of the Best Award Winners

Each winner was selected for their innovative approach to solving key industry challenges, improving resident outcomes, and creating meaningful impact.

UC San Diego Stein Institute Living Lab

Belmont Village collaborated with UC San Diego to create the first fully embedded academic research lab within a senior living community. This partnership strengthens Belmont’s leadership in healthy aging, differentiates its communities in the marketplace, and drives resident well‑being through continuous evidence‑based innovation. The Living Lab model offers strong brand value and enhances prospective resident appeal.

Make It Mine

Brookdale’s makeover‑style web series showcases personalized room transformations for residents, helping shift perceptions of senior living and demonstrating the company’s commitment to creating a true sense of home. The program has generated massive digital reach and engagement, reinforcing Brookdale’s brand and deepening connection with prospective residents and families.

Charge Nurse Transition to Practice Program

Silverado addressed high charge‑nurse turnover by launching a structured onboarding, education, and mentorship framework. This initiative has significantly improved retention, strengthened clinical consistency, and enhanced care quality. The program advances workforce stability, elevates clinical leadership, and provides a scalable model for future operational excellence.

The Golden Gang Podcast

The Arbor Company created the first senior‑living‑based podcast to amplify resident voices and redefine how communities tell their stories. The program boosts resident engagement, strengthens family trust, and provides a compelling differentiator for prospective residents. Its success has fueled replication across additional communities, underscoring its scalability and brand value.

Listen to an episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-golden-gang/id1719885101