Two new developments occurred at Castle Peak recently—and Augustana Care is excited to share them.
Since creating the original name Castle Peak Senior Care Community, it became apparent that “senior life” better reflects expectations of Castle Peak as a lifestyle choice, rather than primarily a health care choice. It’s also important to let people who need rehabilitation know it is available. Therefore, the community is now known as Castle Peak Senior Life and Rehabilitation to better reflect the expectations of those who will be part of the Castle Peak family. Although the description is changing, each building will still be named by major donors to recognize their generosity.
In addition, Campus Administrator Dan Shields joined Castle Peak Senior Life and Rehabilitation in March, 2016, according to Augustana Care Chief Operating Officer Tim Middendorf. A focus on serving the older adults who bring their talents, wisdom and experience to Eagle County is one of Shields’ defining traits, Middendorf says.
In his role as administrator, Shields will oversee the day-to-day aspects of life at Castle Peak. He will also provide vision and leadership to the community while preparing to welcome the first residents.
Shields brings 26 years experience to his new position. He earned his certification in nursing home administration and is a fellow at the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA), which is the highest status voting members of the college can attain. Fellowship status is distinguished by professional achievements and service standards well above the ordinary demands of one’s position, according to ACHCA guidelines.
In addition to being a licensed, certified nursing home administrator, Shields is an assisted living administrator. He is also a former member of the Steamboat Rotary Club and past officer of the American College of Health Care Administrators.
“I am proud to be part of an exciting new chapter in Eagle history by providing the first senior living community in the area. I am also blessed to be part of the team at Augustana Care, a mission-driven organization committed to providing outstanding quality services,” says Shields.
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Shields moved to the southeast where he earned a double major in Business Administration and Long-Term Health Care Administration from Southern Adventist University. Launching his career in Tennessee, he transitioned from administrator of for-profit skilled nursing facilities to chief executive director of not-for-profit, continuing care retirement communities.
Shields gravitated to not-for-profit organizations because he feels passionate about serving others and wanted to be part of an organization centered around a mission to make life better for others. “That fulfills me in a way nothing else could,” Shields explains. “I always enjoyed being around older adults, listening to their stories and spending time with them.”
Shields and his wife Lyric love the outdoors and both believe that Colorado offers the perfect environment in which to live, work and play. They enjoy hiking, four-wheeling and ATV riding. Dan also loves dirt-biking and skiing. The couple has two grown sons, two dogs and a cat. They look forward to moving to the Eagle area and joining the Augustana Care family at Castle Peak. You can find more information about Shields and Castle Peak in the Vail Daily.
