Pastoral or Spiritual Care is an important component for United Church Homes as we work toward our vision of creating a culture of community, wholeness and peace. In our healthcare communities, we have trained chaplains on staff to not only tend to the spiritual well-being of residents, but to staff and extended families. These chaplains have earned Master of Divinity degrees through three-year graduate programs, are ordained clergy, maintain their denomination’s continuing education standards and have completed multiple units of Clinical Pastoral Education. In short, they are highly trained spiritual care professionals called to serve individuals of all faith backgrounds–meeting people where they are and offering compassionate, person-centered support. 

Unfortunately, too many people assume that chaplains working with older adults are there to help residents prepare for their death. And yes, chaplains are available to accompany those who are transitioning toward end of life, but even more important, they are present to meet residents where they are on their spiritual journey. This includes being attentive to what gives the resident meaning and purpose at this point in their lives. How are they experiencing their connectedness to God or their higher power? How are their relationships and connections with others? How is it with their souls, their inner lives, as they reflect on the past, look to the future and experience the current realities as they live in bodies that are aging? 

Chaplains and Medical Care 

There are numerous clinical assessments that need to be documented for multiple compliance agencies in skilled care settings. One of these is a Mood Assessment. This is a short set of questions for newly admitted residents to monitor their feelings to better understand their overall well-being.  

If you were to look over UCH’s data prior to mid-2025, it would appear that everyone who moved into our communities was just fine and dandy.  It was recorded that just about every new resident basically indicated they were “fine”. Senior leadership knew, however, that this is not so. There are all kinds of very natural and conflicting feelings in a period of adjustment when residents move into a new home.  

So, they asked the chaplains to administer this assessment, instead of clinical staff. Suddenly it was observed that new residents were grieving their former homes; they were struggling with establishing new relationships with staff and new neighbors. The chaplains training provided a different lens through which they could really listen to what was going on in the new resident’s life. Because of the change in who collected the information, through one-on-one conversations with the chaplains, the communities are now better able to meet the real needs of new residents because we have a better understanding of what they are feeling. 

It’s Not Just About the Residents 

Recently in a workshop at a large conference, which was talking about end-of-life care, one participant talked about their frustration and concern when one of their clients dies. Their employer tells them to close the file and move to the next person who needs their care. This participant was expressing their personal feelings of grief and burnout. The floor was opened up and the rest of us were invited to share how our organizations support staff in those moments of loss.  

I immediately thought of the many stories of how UCH chaplains provide space for residents and staff to remember the death of those they have come to know and love. Sometimes that is meeting with the staff at the beginning of their next shift and inviting anyone to share a story about the resident and remember how their life had contributed to the community. Sometimes the chaplain is asked to provide a bedside liturgy at the time of death including family and staff. Sometimes they preside at the funeral or memorial service. These are important rituals honoring the life of the one who died. 

At one of our communities, three residents passed away on one day and by the end of the month, there were a total of 12 deaths—many of them long term residents, and several of the deaths were sudden and not expected. Recognizing the extensive grief, the chaplain organized a Grief Fair for staff and residents, creating a speace to acknowledge and process their own feelings of loss. The event reinforced an important message: grief is a shared human experience, and those feelings deserve care and attention. 

Connecting beyond ourselves

When we talk about spiritual care we also consider how the individual is connected to God or their higher power. When we recognize that we are a part of something larger than ourselves, we are able to consider not only our own inner lives but experience the awe and mystery of the transcendent. Thanks to brain imaging technology today, researchers know that just telling someone else about these experiences has the same effect on our brains as getting a hug from a grandparent or someone we love. Chaplains encourage spiritual growth as they provide opportunities to experience the sacred. 

Spiritual care is also attentive to how we connect to others. Chaplains encourage residents to participate in their communities, with families and friends. Our connection to others reminds us that belonging and meaningful relationships are important elements in overall well-being. 

The transitions that come in later life are sometimes unrelenting. It can be helpful to have others who support our journey as we process the many forms of grief we experience. It can be a source of comfort to know that there is someone who will listen and hold our confidence as we make sense of our life experiences.  

Legacy can be another area where chaplains can be helpful. Legacy is concerned with the questions of what we can do now to make a difference in the world. What gifts have been given to me that I can share with others at this time in my life?  

We know that more than 60% of people do not have active engagement with a religious community or belief system when they reach later life. But we also know that 100% of us are spiritual beings. It has been observed that many are more curious about and interested in exploring their spirituality in later life than they ever were before. Tending to our spiritual growth is just one way that we contribute to aging abundantly, and the chaplains who provide spiritual care are important assets as they work to support and promote the health of everyone in their community. 

Spiritual care is ultimately about presence—meeting people in the fullness of their humanity, not only in moments of crisis or transition, but throughout the entire aging journey. At United Church Homes, our chaplains help create environments where residents, families and staff are supported as they navigate life—change, loss, meaning, growth. In doing so, they help us live more fully into our mission of community, wholeness and peace. Their work reminds us that aging is not just something to be managed—but something to be honored, supported and deeply understood as part of the sacred fabric of life. 

Find a United Church Homes senior living community near you!

by: Rev. Beth Long-Higgins – Vice President of Engagement & Director of the Center for Abundant Aging

Stay Connected and Live Life Abundantly

The post More Than End‑of‑Life Care: Why Spiritual Care Matters at Every Stage of Aging appeared first on United Church Homes.

No family expects a loved one to need skilled nursing care. No one expects a serious illness or injury that requires a hospital stay. Yet many people do need post-hospital care in a skilled nursing community to recover safely before returning home.

When a physician or social worker tells you that your loved one needs skilled nursing care, the experience can feel overwhelming. You may feel concerned, unsure, emotional, or even guilty. That reaction is completely understandable. Choosing a skilled nursing community is a big decision, and it helps to know what to expect before taking the next step.

What Is Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled nursing care is a level of care that is different from assisted living. Skilled nursing provides medical support, rehabilitation, medication management and daily care for people who need more help than they can safely receive at home right away.

For many families, a skilled nursing facility becomes the bridge between a hospital stay and a safe return home. For others, it provides the right level of support for ongoing health needs. Either way, the goal is to help each person stay as healthy, comfortable, and safe as possible.

One of the most reassuring things to know is that skilled nursing is not only about medical care—it’s also about helping people regain confidence. This may include rebuilding strength after surgery, learning to move safely again, adjusting to new limitations, managing medications, or settling into a new routine with the support of caring professionals.

What To Ask

When choosing skilled nursing, it helps to ask thoughtful questions:

• What services are available on site?
• How is the care plan developed, followed, and updated?
• How does the interdisciplinary team communicate with residents and families?
• What types of therapies are offered?
• How are residents supported emotionally and socially?
• What does a normal day look like for someone receiving skilled nursing care?

These questions help you understand the experience, not just the services. A facility may look good on paper, but the way staff communicate and interact with residents often says much more.

What Families Can Expect

The transition into a skilled nursing community after an acute hospital stay can feel unsettling simply because it is unfamiliar. Here are a few things that can reduce uncertainty.

• The hospital transfers the needed parts of the medical record to the skilled nursing facility, so the treatment plan and medications can continue there. The SNF stay begins with assessments and questions. Having a family member or close friend available can be helpful when staff are gathering medical history, previous level of function, mobility needs, daily habits and personal preferences. This information helps the team build an individualized care plan that reflects the resident, not just the condition being treated.
• The family or responsible party is an important part of the care-planning team. In a good skilled nursing setting, communication matters. You should feel informed about your loved one’s progress, therapy schedule, and any changes in condition. Asking questions is encouraged.
• The first few days can feel like a lot, but routines usually become easier to manage. Meeting the interdisciplinary team, learning the layout of the community, and understanding the daily schedule can help everyone feel more at ease.

How To Support A Loved One

Families play an important role in making the transition smoother. A familiar face, regular visits, and personal items can help make an unfamiliar place feel more comfortable. Small comforts matter.

It also helps to stay engaged without feeling like you must do everything yourself. The interdisciplinary team is there to support your loved one, and they are also there to support you. Sharing personal preferences, routines, or concerns can help staff provide more personalized care.

If your loved one is able, encourage active participation in recovery. Attending therapy, taking medications as prescribed, eating nutritious meals, following the care plan, and speaking up about needs or discomfort can all support better outcomes. Recovery is more manageable when everyone is working toward the same goal.

If possible, encourage your loved one to eat meals in the dining room and join appropriate community activities. These opportunities can support socialization, help restore normal routines, and bring a little enjoyment into the day.

Moving Forward

No family expects to need skilled nursing care, and it is normal to feel uncertain when that time comes. But uncertainty does not mean you are unprepared. When you understand what skilled nursing care is, ask thoughtful questions, and stay connected to the care team, the path becomes clearer and more manageable.

At its best, skilled nursing care provides more than medical support. It offers reassurance, structure, and a team working toward one shared goal: helping your loved one heal, adjust, and feel supported every step of the way.

Find a United Church Homes senior living community near you!

by: Debra Durbin- Senior Executive Director of Clinical Operations

Stay Connected and Live Life Abundantly

The post When Skilled Nursing Becomes the Next Step: What Families Need to Know appeared first on United Church Homes.

As we observe Fair Housing Month and reflect on housing equity nationwide, it is an important moment to examine how affordability makes aging in place possible—and why it must remain a priority as our population continues to age.

Why Affordable Housing Matters

Aging in place is ultimately about choice: the ability to remain in one’s home and community as needs evolve. But when housing costs outpace income, that choice quickly disappears.

The reality is that many older adults live on extremely limited, fixed incomes. Across United Church Homes senior housing communities, the average resident lives on less than $17,000 annually, relying almost entirely on Social Security, SSI, or a modest pension income. With virtually no wage earnings or financial flexibility, predictable housing costs are essential.

Affordable senior housing ensures that residents are not forced to choose between rent, healthcare, food, or transportation. Through income‑aligned rents and housing subsidies that cover more than half of the true cost of housing, residents are protected from displacement and financial instability—conditions that would otherwise make aging in place impossible.

Equally important, these communities are intentionally designed to support independence. Accessible living spaces, proximity to services, and on‑site service coordination help residents adapt as mobility or health needs change, without losing their homes.

Aging in Place Is Working

The impact of affordability is clear. Residents remain stably housed for years—not months. The average length of stay across United Church Homes communities exceeds five years, with a significant number of residents remaining for a decade or longer.

This longevity reflects more than housing retention. It reflects stability, trust, and community. When housing remains affordable over time, older adults are able to stay rooted, build relationships, and remain engaged in the places they call home.

Rather than cycling through housing or entering higher‑cost care prematurely, residents continue living independently in environments that evolve with them.

Who Is Aging in Place?

The demographics of senior housing illustrate why affordability and accessibility matter so deeply. The average resident age in United Church Homes communities is nearly 74, with many individuals in their 80s and 90s continuing to live independently.

Most residents live alone.  For them, housing communities provide not only stability but connection—neighbors who notice when someone is missing, shared spaces that reduce isolation, and access to resources that support well‑being.

Residents also bring diverse life experiences, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, and those who have experienced housing instability in the past. This diversity underscores the importance of equity‑focused housing solutions that recognize and respond to a wide range of needs.

Fair Housing and Aging with Dignity

Fair Housing Month reminds us that safe, affordable housing is a right—not a privilege. For older adults, fair housing protections play a critical role in ensuring access to income‑aligned rent, reasonable accommodations, and accessible environments.

These protections help ensure that aging does not result in displacement and that older adults can remain housed with dignity, regardless of income, disability, or background.

Beyond Staying Put

Aging in place is not about just staying put. It is about remaining connected and engaged:

• A longtime resident adjusts to mobility changes with simple unit modifications—grab bars, improved lighting, and accessible pathways—allowing her to remain safely in her home without moving to higher‑cost care.
• A retired veteran remains housed on a fixed income, relying on predictable rent and on‑site service coordination to access benefits, transportation, and preventative healthcare, avoiding unnecessary hospital stays.
• A resident who once felt isolated finds connection through community meals, education programs, or wellness activities—transforming an apartment into a place of belonging, not just shelter.
• A widowed resident chooses to remain in her home after the loss of her spouse, supported by a community that understands the emotional as well as practical challenges of aging alone.

These moments illustrate that aging in place is about continuing to live fully—supported by housing that adapts and supports rather than displaces.

A Foundation for Abundant Living

Affordable housing is not merely a financial arrangement; it is the foundation that enables older adults to focus on relationships, health, and purpose. When housing costs are predictable and aligned with income, residents gain stability—and with it, opportunity.

As we reflect on housing equity this Fair Housing Month, may we continue building communities where every older adult has the opportunity to age in place safely, independently, and with abundance.

Find a United Church Homes senior living community near you!

by: Dan Fagan – Vice President of Care and Housing

Stay Connected and Live Life Abundantly

The post More Than a Roof: How Affordable Housing Helps Older Adults Flourish appeared first on United Church Homes.

The aging process can bring new challenges, and with those challenges may come the need for additional support. But these changes don’t have to feel frightening—or like a loss of independence. When approached thoughtfully and proactively, transitions in care can actually improve safety, independence, and overall quality of life.

In this Abundant Focus blog, we’ll explore the most common levels of senior living, who each level is designed for, how care is typically funded, and how families can approach these transitions with confidence and dignity.

Independent Living: Independence with Convenience

Independent Living is often misunderstood as the first step in a declining journey of care—but that isn’t the case. Independent Living is exactly what the name suggests: a lifestyle choice that allows older adults to maintain independence while enjoying the benefits of community and convenience.

Residents typically live in a private apartment or single-level home while enjoying services such as:

• Maintenance-free living

• Lawn care and snow removal

• Meal plans

• Social, educational, and wellness activities

• Transportation options

Many communities are thoughtfully designed with age-friendly features such as elevators, well-lit spaces, and accessibility features that make everyday life easier. Some also offer convenient access to home care services, wellness programs, or outpatient therapies.

Independent Living is typically private pay, though costs vary widely depending on the community. Some offer income-based options, while others operate on an entry-fee model that provides long-term financial stability.

For many older adults, Independent Living offers the opportunity to simplify life, stay socially connected, and enjoy a vibrant community environment.

Learn more about what Independent Living is like at United Church Homes.

Assisted Living: Support with Daily Living

Assisted Living provides the next level of support for individuals who may need help with certain daily activities, often referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

These may include:

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Grooming

• Eating

• Medication management

• Occasional mobility assistance

In Assisted Living communities, trained caregivers provide daily support while licensed nurses oversee care. The goal is not to replace independence—but to support it.

Many Assisted Living communities also offer specialized Memory Care neighborhoods for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These environments provide additional safety, structured routines, and programs designed to support cognitive engagement and emotional well-being.

Assisted Living communities are licensed and regulated by each state. Some communities participate in Medicaid Waiver programs that support Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for qualified residents. In addition, certain long-term care insurance policies may help cover a portion of the cost.

Learn more about what Assisted Living is like at United Church Homes. 

Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care: Comprehensive Medical Support

Outside of hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation units, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) provide the highest level of care available in a residential setting. These facilities are licensed by both state and federal agencies and are regularly surveyed and inspected.

Many individuals enter a skilled nursing facility for short-term rehabilitation following a hospital stay. This type of care often includes:

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Post-surgical care

• Medical monitoring

Short-term skilled care is typically covered by Medicare or Managed Care Organizations for a limited time, often less than 30 days. Co-insurance costs may apply depending on the individual’s coverage.

If someone can no longer return home or transition to a lower level of care, they may move into long-term care, which provides:

• 24-hour nursing care

• Assistance with daily living activities

• Ongoing medical supervision

Long-term care may be funded through private pay, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid for individuals who qualify.

Learn more about what Skilled Nursing is like at United Church Homes. 

How to Determine the Right Level of Care

Pro tip: Taking a tour of a senior living community is the best way to find out information and get your questions answered!

Choosing the right level of care can feel overwhelming. A few key considerations can help guide the process.

Safety First

Consider whether new risks are emerging, such as:

• Falls

• Medication errors

• Wandering

• Difficulty safely using appliances

• Poor nutrition or weight loss

Functional Needs

Is the individual struggling with everyday tasks such as cooking, bathing, managing medications, or maintaining the home?

Social and Emotional Well-Being

Isolation can be just as harmful as physical decline. Community engagement and meaningful connection play an important role in healthy aging.

Professional Evaluation

A primary care provider, nurse assessor, or therapy professional can help evaluate needs and recommend appropriate levels of support.

Planning Ahead Makes Transitions Easier

Care transitions are often most difficult when they happen suddenly during a crisis. Planning ahead allows individuals and families to make thoughtful decisions and maintain a sense of control.

For example, moving into a smaller home or apartment may take time and planning. Preferred communities may have waitlists, and amenities and services can vary widely. Taking time to explore options, tour communities, and ask questions can make the transition much smoother.

Family support also plays an important role. When loved ones remain engaged before, during, and after a move, it helps individuals adjust more comfortably to their new home.

After all, home is where the heart is—and the presence of family helps make any new place feel like home.

Final Thoughts

Transitions in care don’t have to be intimidating. The right level of support can provide greater safety, more independence, and an improved quality of life.

If you or a loved one are beginning to consider a change, start early, ask questions, and explore your options. Thoughtful planning today can make tomorrow’s transitions far more comfortable and empowering.

Find a United Church Homes senior living community near you!

by: Linda Dailey, MBA, LNHA, CEAL – Regional Director of Healthcare Operations

Stay Connected and Live Life Abundantly

The post Transitions in Care: What Level is Right for You? appeared first on United Church Homes.