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In this episode, Michael Hughes, Senior EVP, Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer at United Church Homes, shares how the organization is reshaping the future of senior living. Moving beyond a traditional housing-first model, United Church Homes is leading a shift toward a wellness-first approach that prioritizes health, dignity, and independence for older adults. 

With more than 100 communities across 15 states, the organization is leveraging scalable, data-driven strategies to support aging in place, particularly for vulnerable populations. Mike explains how understanding and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is key to improving outcomes, and how machine learning is helping evaluate the impact of non-clinical interventions in real-world settings.

From transitioning fall detection to fall prevention, to exploring lightweight sensor technologies, Mike emphasizes the importance of proactive care and personal motivation in sustaining long-term wellness. He also introduces the organization’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program—a unique initiative that brings innovators into senior communities to co-create human-centered solutions rooted in real-life experience. Take a listen.

Mike is the Senior EVP, Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer at United Church Homes (UCH) – non-profit provider of housing and services that support the health and wellness of older adults no matter where they call home. In his role, Mike leads the development of new product and service offerings using Human Centered Design principles that take a ‘problem first’ approach to investigation. Mike also oversees all innovation pilots at UCH as well as the development of its online platforms.

Prior to joining UCH, Mike held executive leadership positions in the home care space and with AARP where he developed supportive programs for family caregivers and worked to integrate non-clinical supportive care into managed care programs.

As a passionate advocate for older Americans, Mike champions common sense, practical approaches to engagement – recognizing the harmful effects of ageism when it comes to self-management and one’s potential to age independently at home. He frequently champions the opportunity to measure the impacts of motivation, engagement, health literacy, community and spiritual wellness within patient-centered care models.

Mike holds a BA in Economics from McMaster University and an MBA from McGill University with ongoing executive education at the Harvard School of Management, MIT and IDEO.