CEO recognized as a health care hero - innovator in health care

Micala Gingrich Gaylord was recognized as an Innovator in Health Care by the Wichita Business Journal.

Micala Gingrich Gaylord, president and CEO at ComfortCare Homes, was named a health care hero in health care innovations by the Wichita Business Journal in 2023.

Health Care Heroes represent excellence at every level of Wichita-area health care and education. The Health Care Heroes are sponsored by the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita.

Gingrich Gaylord got into health care in part by accident, and in part by divine intervention. 

“I love and admire the advocates of the world, and I think health care is a field for true advocacy,” she said.

Gingrich Gaylord is known for having an improvisational and creative approach to dementia care. 

“Dementia care requires innovation and thinking on your feet,” she said. “I am very quick to be able to be creative and not often stopped by fear of doing something ‘wrong’ if I believe in it. I think it is how we learn and grow.”

This approach made ComfortCare Homes the perfect place for Gingrich Gaylord because the organization has a history of trailblazing in dementia care. 

“Home Plus was not even a model before ComfortCare Homes created it,” she said.

When working with people living with dementia, Gingrich Gaylord said the biggest challenge is knowing you can’t ‘fix’ the problem. 

“You can only fix yourself and your approach,” she said. “In that way, I think our business has benefited from knowing we have to be nimble in our care and the way we solve things. Sometimes just an adjustment in perspective and approach can help radically.”

Gingrich Gaylord leads her team with curiosity.

“I am not as interested in the newest book about leadership ass I am on remaining curious as a team and making interesting things happen,” she said.