On Wednesday, July 31, Assisted Living providers from across the state gathered at the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA)’s annual awards dinner to help honor colleagues for their accomplishments relating to the Assisted Living industry.
During the annual Awards Celebration, held at the Marriott in Burlington, MA, Paul T. Casale Sr. was formally presented with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of Assisted Living over the past 30 years. Industry leaders, colleagues, family, and friends were present to celebrate Casale Sr.’s remarkable 54-year career.
In recognition of this incredible achievement, Welch Senior Living was represented at the event by over 40 members of the Welch Senior Living team including past Welch Senior Living President Richard Welch, and third-generation family members Paul T. Casale Jr., Welch Senior Living Executive Vice President, Leanne Welch, Welch Senior Living Community Relations Director, and Laurie Welch-Guthrie, MSW, LCSW, CDP, Regional Memory Care Coordinator, and Senior Social Worker.
“Paul’s wisdom and measured tone on the Board of Directors and Governance and Nominating Committee inspired a grounded confidence in his colleagues during periods of accelerated change. Paul led by example, growing Welch Senior Living while maintaining it as a family business and adapting its settings and service offerings to offer the benefits of innovations in senior living to his communities. We are honored to recognize his hard work and dedication to assisted living in the Commonwealth with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Brian Doherty, President and CEO of Mass-ALA.
As the current President of a 75-year-old, family-owned company and longtime member of industry-related boards, Casale Sr.’s strategic vision and tireless efforts to help seniors live a vibrant life as independently and as dignified as possible as they age has left a lasting impression on the industry, shaping the way senior living communities operate and serve their residents.
Always emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the broader community, he has forged strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers, universities, and nonprofit organizations alike. Additionally, he has served as the former Director of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association and Former Director and Second Vice President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. As a respected voice in the senior living industry, Casale Sr. has led advocacy efforts and provided his leadership on key issues affecting older adults and senior living providers. He has served on advisory boards, task forces, and committees focused on policy development, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices. His contributions have helped shape legislation and regulations that promote the health, safety, and dignity of older adults in senior living communities.
Locally based and family-owned for over four generations, Welch Senior Living has been trusted by seniors and their families since 1949. Under Casale Sr.’s leadership, Welch Senior Living associates focus on providing top-level care in service-enriched residential options including assisted living residences, senior independent living communities, assisted living memory care residences, and home care, with the continuing founding philosophy to make residents feel part of a family. Prior to the sale of the families Skilled Nursing Facilities in 2016, the company was operating 10 Senior Living Communities and 9 Skilled Nursing Facilities with 2,000 residents and over 2,000 associates. Today, Welch Senior Living operates 6 communities across the South Shore.
Driven by a commitment to quality care for residents and a profound appreciation for the dedication of staff, Casale Sr. has upheld a family legacy while leading the development of three skilled nursing facilities and six senior living communities over a remarkable 25-year span along the South Shore. Collaborating with family partners, he has played a pivotal role in pioneering the development of Adult Day Health centers, Alzheimer’s units within SNFs, the first CCRC on the South Shore including apartments and detached homes, and integrated childcare services on senior campuses. His endeavors also included the inspiration to create an award-winning memory care design in Duxbury (standalone facility), aimed at enhancing the lives of others living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Paul is a mentor and role model to many, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of leaders in Assisted Living. His impact extends beyond the facilities he has overseen, touching the lives of countless families and communities.
Dedicating his 50+ year professional career in the Senior Living field, Paul T. Casale Sr. has been a pioneering force in transforming the landscape of Assisted Living, setting new standards for care, compassion, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors has left an indelible mark on the industry as well as the South Shore community at large. Casale Sr.’s inspiring, tireless efforts contribute to the advancement of the entire sector, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for older adults and peace of mind for their families.
For more information about the award or to arrange interviews, please contact vsturtevant@welchhrg.com.
About Welch Senior Living:
Founded in 1949, Welch Senior Living is committed to providing unsurpassed senior housing and care for the South Shore in Duxbury, Hingham, Marshfield, and Weymouth. Welch Senior Living offers a range of housing choices, hospitality and care services in supportive, compassionate and caring environments, ensuring independence, dignity and continuity of care. These include independent living, assisted living, and assisted living memory care.
About Mass-ALA:
The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those living in assisted living communities throughout Massachusetts. Mass-ALA provides advocacy, education, and resources to its members to promote excellence in the industry.