The skilled nursing space is no stranger to rapid shifts. But while many operators chase trends, Kenny Rozenberg, CEO of Centers Health Care, has anchored his approach in something timeless: people. Especially the often-overlooked social workers who guide residents and families through some of the hardest days of their lives.
Before becoming a CEO, Kenny Rozenberg worked as an EMT. That background says a lot. It isn’t just an interesting footnote—it’s a lens through which his leadership is shaped. Seeing patients in crisis, needing both speed and compassion, left a lasting impression. Those roots show in how Centers Health Care operates today.
Integration from Day One
Social workers at Centers aren’t background players. From day one, they’re seated at the table—care planning meetings, interdisciplinary discussions, direct collaboration with nurses and therapists. It’s a deliberate strategy. Instead of letting social services be reactive, the organization integrates it upfront to shape the care journey from start to finish.
Better Transitions, Fewer Readmissions
One of the standout takeaways from Kenny Rozenberg’s recent Skilled Nursing News interview is how much emphasis is placed on coordination. Hospitals and SNFs often work in parallel but disconnected tracks. Centers aims to break that pattern. Establishing direct lines between discharge teams, holding joint trainings, and including SNF social workers early in hospital planning sessions—these are not extras. They’re part of the foundation.
There’s a practicality behind the philosophy. When transitions go poorly, readmissions rise. Small gaps—a missed medication, unclear discharge instructions, housing instability—can quickly snowball. That’s where social workers shine. Their role goes beyond paperwork and polite follow-up calls. They’re tracking real-world details that clinical charts might miss.
Kenny Rozenberg: Giving Social Workers Real Influence
Empathy plays a role here, but so does structure. Social workers at Centers are encouraged to take ownership. Their insights aren’t supplemental—they’re central. Families going through a placement transition often feel overwhelmed. A well-timed conversation, a clear explanation of insurance details, a familiar face introducing the next care team—those things reduce stress. They also build trust.
Addressing Social Challenges Head-On
Addressing complex challenges, such as homelessness, addiction recovery, or unsafe living situations, requires cooperation. Kenny Rozenberg doesn’t present social work as a feel-good feature—it’s a necessary engine. Social workers collaborate to line up services, bridge the care gap, and ensure that vulnerable patients don’t fall through the cracks.
The Road Ahead for Skilled Nursing with Kenny Rozenberg
Looking ahead, Kenny Rozenberg sees a growing demand for integrated care. As patient needs become more layered, facilities will need strong teams capable of both medical and social support. Social workers are already doing this work. They just need systems that allow them to lead it effectively.
In a field often focused on hard metrics and reimbursement codes, Centers Health Care makes a strong case for the human side of care—and for recognizing the professionals who hold it together.
→ Read the full interview on Skilled Nursing News
