The SEM Haven Health and Residential Care Center, located in Old Milford, Ohio first opened its doors in 1980 as a 100-bed traditional nursing home. Today, SEM Haven has grown into a dynamic community with a Rehabilitation Center featuring 14 private rooms and a state-of-the-art therapy gymnasium, a skilled nursing-level Memory Care household, an Assisted Living Memory Care household, and is currently expanding to include 12 assisted living apartments along with a renovated nursing household.
Seeds were planted in 1988, when SEM Haven made the decision to partner with United Church Homes Management in hopes of finding a collaborator that would offer both autonomy and guidance. Thirty-seven years later, those seeds blossomed into a fellowship rooted in faith, care, and synergy.
Our partnership with SEM Haven reflects the strength that comes from walking alongside one another in mission and purpose. Built on a foundation of faith and shared values, this collaboration has allowed both organizations to grow together and better serve older adults in meaningful ways.
“True partnerships aren’t built overnight. They’re forged over decades of mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to a common mission.” – Ken Young, CEO of UCH
Guided by the mutual value of providing the highest level of support for residents, UCH and SEM Haven have worked hand in hand to create a community defined by compassion and quality. A team member shared, “SEM Haven is long-term skilled nursing care at its best,” a sentiment reflected in the dedication of their staff and volunteers.
SEM Haven invests in staff training and support, ensuring around-the-clock care that meets residents’ individual needs. UCHM respects and actively supports SEM Haven’s Eden Philosophy, providing essential resources — including higher staffing levels — to uphold person-centered care. With UCHM tending alongside, the Eden Philosophy continues to flourish, cultivating staff development and a thriving, connected community for all.
Whether in nursing, therapy and rehabilitation, dining services, spiritual care, or management, SEM Haven’s team members uplift one another in pursuit of excellence. UCHM is proud to recognize and celebrate those efforts, such as in September 2022, when SEM Haven HealthCare and Assisted Living earned certification for specialized Parkinson’s care.
“Our residents with Parkinson’s may need more support than the average resident, and because of that, our staff is always on hand to create a gentle and nurturing environment with the support they need to thrive.” – Jessica Hall, Executive Director for SEM Haven
That same commitment to excellence has also been recognized by the Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA), which honored SEM Haven as a Silver Quality Award winner through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program — a prestigious distinction that highlights their dedication to delivering person-centered, innovative, and compassionate care. UCHM is proud to support SEM Haven in achieving these milestones, providing guidance, feedback, and resources along the way.
Creating that nurturing environment has always been at the heart of the partnership between SEM Haven and UCHM. It has been built on ideas, feedback, respect, and synergy. Hall reflected, “[They have] allowed us to grow in our own community… suggesting new practices and technologies… and UCH has been there along the way to give feedback and alternate perspectives as a sounding board [for us].” Team members also noted that networking opportunities with UCHM have strengthened SEM Haven, fostering learning and idea-sharing across both organizations.
“Our journey with SEM Haven has been one of shared purpose and commitment. Over the past 37 years, we’ve witnessed how collaboration rooted in faith and mutual respect can transform a community and elevate the lives of those served.” – Dan Miller, Executive Director of UCHM Operations
Hall summarized the heart of this relationship best: “I was amazed that it has been 37 years that we have been associated with UCH. If I was to guess why it has been so long lasting and successful I think it would be because there has been so much growth for both parties, a mutual respect for what the other stands for, and some great leadership on the part of both SEM Haven and its Board and United Church Homes.”
Founded through the Southeastern Ecumenical Ministry (SEM) in the spirit of Vatican II, SEM Haven opened in 1980 as a 100-bed nursing home in Old Milford, Ohio. SEM Haven, rooted in faith and community, provides award-winning rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care with a person-centered Eden Approach that empowers elders to thrive.
About the Author: Anna Redd
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