In the latest episode of the Diamond Podcast, local realtor and community advocate Alfredo Diamond welcomed a powerhouse in the senior living industry, Amanda Marquis, Executive Director of Leland Legacy Senior Community. The conversation revealed not just the professional achievements of a decorated healthcare administrator, but the heart and soul behind one of Richmond’s most respected senior living communities.
A Legacy of Excellence
Before diving into the interview, Diamond took a moment to highlight Marquis’s impressive track record, comparing her to “the LeBron James of her industry locally.” The accolades speak for themselves:
- 2014 Marketing Director of the Year
- 2016 Achievement of Excellence Large Business
- 2017 New Assistant Living Administrator of the Year
- 2018 Athena Award Finalist
- 2019 Outstanding Community Director
- Multiple Assisted Living Community of the Year awards (2020, 2022)
- 2020 Community Spirit Award
From Property Management to Healthcare Leadership
One of the most fascinating aspects of Marquis’s story is her unconventional path to healthcare leadership. Coming from a background in property management and real estate, she found herself at Leland Legacy during a pivotal moment in her career. “I remember walking into Leland and I was like, ‘God, if I get this, I will never leave here,'” Marquis recalled during the interview.
What started as a front desk position evolved through various roles including activities coordinator, marketing director, and eventually, healthcare administrator. This diverse experience has given her a unique perspective on senior care, emphasizing the importance of treating both residents and staff as family.
Navigating the Pandemic with Innovation and Heart
The conversation took a poignant turn when discussing the COVID-19 pandemic. Marquis shared a particularly touching story about how former Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano became an unexpected source of support. When one resident was struggling, Pagano sent personal video messages not just to the resident, but to staff as well, becoming what Marquis described as “our life coach through that.”
The facility’s success during the pandemic wasn’t just luck – it was the result of proactive measures and strong leadership. “We actually started doing some of that protocol three weeks before as far as masks and all the things to prevent it getting in our building,” Marquis explained. “We actually went almost ten months without having our first case.”
The Current Battle: Advocating for Senior Care Access
Perhaps the most passionate moments of the interview came when Marquis discussed the current challenges with Indiana’s Pathways Program. With over 15,000 people on the waitlist and facilities like Leland Legacy having vacant rooms, the situation has become critical. “I’ve already had two people die on that waitlist, waiting to get into the Leland,” Marquis revealed, her voice carrying the weight of this tragic reality.
This has sparked a new mission for Marquis, who is actively working with state legislators, including Dr. Barrett, to address these systemic issues. Her advocacy work includes upcoming appearances at Indianapolis news channels and the Indianapolis Star to raise awareness about the challenges facing senior care access.
The Business of Caring
One of the most enlightening segments of the interview focused on the business aspects of senior living. Marquis explained how Leland Legacy maintains its commitment to the local community by partnering with local vendors whenever possible. This approach has created a network of mutual support that benefits both the facility and the broader Richmond community.
She also broke down the financial aspects of assisted living care:
- Private pay options starting around $2,500-4,000 monthly
- Various payment methods including private pay, long-term care policies, and veterans’ benefits
- Medicaid waiver program options with reasonable co-pays
- Cost-effective alternative to nursing homes, which can run up to $8,000 monthly
Creating a Culture of Joy
Throughout the interview, one theme remained constant: the importance of maintaining joy and dignity in senior living. “Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun and enjoy each other,” Marquis emphasized. This philosophy is evident in everything from the facility’s approach to activities to its creation of spaces like their café, which helps residents maintain a sense of normalcy and connection to the community.
A Personal Mission
When asked about her influences, Marquis shared a personal motivation that drives her work: having lost all her grandparents by the time she was in fifth grade. This early loss has shaped her approach to senior care, creating what she calls the “Leland family” – a genuine community where residents and staff form deep, meaningful connections.
Looking Forward
As the interview concluded, Diamond emphasized the vital role Marquis plays in the community, urging her to continue her important work. Her response was characteristic of her dedication: a commitment to keep fighting for better senior care, both at Leland Legacy and at the state level.
For those interested in learning more about Leland Legacy or getting involved in senior care advocacy, Marquis’s work serves as both inspiration and blueprint for creating meaningful change in the senior living industry.
This blog post is based on Alfredo Diamond’s interview with Amanda Marquis on the Diamond Podcast. For more local insights and community stories, follow the Diamond Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms.