Zola Graves, a resident beloved by both fellow residents and the staff at Pilgrim Manor, passed from this life on November 9. Zola called Pilgrim Manor her home for 21 years. A few weeks before her passing, Zola shared her story with Katie Wood, Resident Activities assistant at Pilgrim Manor.…
Read MorePilgrim Manor News
Five Reasons to Choose Pilgrim Manor
If you’re native to Grand Rapids, Michigan, you are probably familiar with Pilgrim Manor, a United Church Homes community. However, it’s not likely you have explored getting to know more about Pilgrim Manor, unless you or someone you love are considering a move to an assisted living community. For those…
Read MoreA fantastic Rehab experience at Pilgrim Manor – even during COVID-19
When Irma “Jean” Kenyon chose Pilgrim Manor for her short-term rehabilitation needs, she had no idea she would also be there for the start of a global health pandemic. Fast Track Rehab at Pilgrim Manor is designed to get individuals back on their feet and doing what they love, and…
Read MoreAssisted Living Is More Essential Than Ever
This is National Assisted Living Week®, an annual celebration highlighting the critical role senior living care teams play every day in the lives of older adults. The theme, “Caring is Essential,” celebrates how healthcare heroes are keeping older adults safe and working hard to keep them socially and physically engaged…
Read MoreClinical Services Director Joins United Church Homes
Heineman to Lead Clinical Services MARION, Ohio – A longtime registered nurse and respiratory therapist has accepted the position of director of clinical services for United Church Homes communities. On June 22, 2020, Lorelei Heineman joined the team. She'll lead clinical efforts for UCH senior living and housing communities. Most…
Read MoreUCH Welcomes Executive Director to Pilgrim Manor senior living in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kim Vagnetti Joins Grand Rapids Team United Church Homes, a senior living provider based in Marion, Ohio, has welcomed a new executive director to lead its Pilgrim Manor campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kim Vagnetti, LNHA, joined the team Tuesday, July 21, with a wealth of experience in the senior…
Read MoreGuidelines for Outdoor Assisted Living Visitation at Pilgrim Manor
The state of Michigan is not allowing outdoor, in-person visits for any residents of senior living communities at this time. However, Pilgrim Manor is excited to offer porch visits for assisted living residents and their families to see one another face-to-face. The visits will be offered from 1:00 to 4:00…
Read MoreProcurement Team Shines in COVID-19 Under New Director
MARION [June 22, 2020] – When United Church Homes welcomed Phil Darling as its newest director of procurement and supply chain earlier this year, few could have imagined the trajectory of the supply challenges ahead. Running Start for Director of Procurement Darling joined the team March 16, just days after…
Read MorePilgrim Manor Awarded COVID-19 Emergency Grants
GRAND RAPIDS [June 16, 2020] – Two local organizations have awarded COVID-19 emergency grants totaling $21,000 to Pilgrim Manor, a skilled nursing and assisted living community in Grand Rapids, to help cover increased costs of protecting residents and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hearts in Community Through Heart of West…
Read MoreMoving Now – Tips for Finding the Right Community
Once you have decided it’s the right time to move, you can begin your research. Many communities aren’t allowing on-site tours, so you might be viewing the community via video and chatting with the admissions team by phone. Consider asking some of the following questions, specific to COVID-19, so you…
Read MoreIs It Safe to Move During COVID-19?
Now may be the best time to move into senior living Our world has been in a constant state of pause for months due to concerns about COVID-19. But with states starting to reopen, it’s a great time to consider a move to a senior living community. There are a…
Read MoreLiving Loss and Navigating Grief During COVID-19
Pathways of Hope, Ohio’s Hospice Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing grief, even though they may not have experienced the death of a loved one or friend. This is known as a living loss. It is important to identify these symptoms and learn ways to navigate grief.…
Read MoreMoving Safely During COVID-19
Learn the Rules of Your New Home As federal and state restrictions begin to ease amid the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering if it’s safe to move to a new home. While moving now requires extra precautions, the good news is you or your loved one should be able…
Read MoreUCH Recertified in LGBT Aging Staff Training
SAGECare LGBT Cultural Competency Training for Senior Living Providers United Church Homes communities have been recertified in SAGECare cultural competency training for those working with the LGBT community. The program is offered through SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBT older adults since 1978.…
Read MoreFrom Hallways to Households
United Church Homes' Commitment to Culture Change What jumps into your mind when you hear the words nursing home? Think about it. Did you picture a bright, friendly place, where staff and neighbors are like family? Did you envision an open floor plan and sun-filled community gathering spaces? Chances are,…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Drills Reassure UCH Staff: ‘We got this’
Regular COVID-19 drills and a new human resources campaign recognizing United Church Homes warriors has staff members repeating a simple phrase: “We got this.” In March, the organization wanted to normalize the experience of having a COVID-19-positive resident. “The fear of this virus is with us 100 percent of the…
Read MoreAdvocate for Older Adults Looks to Parker Center’s Bright Future
Thought Leaders in Action “We are up against a headwind, supporting older adults, including the aging myths that suggest individuals 60 years and older don’t have value anymore and that their lives are on a downward slope,” said Rev. John Cramton, a founding funder for United Church Homes’ Ruth Frost…
Read MoreHomemade Masks for United Church Homes Communities
As the nation prepares for a surge in COVID-19 cases, more people are dusting off their sewing machines and making masks to support healthcare workers on the front line. For months, public health officials have said healthy people should not wear masks to protect themselves from coronavirus. However, experts are…
Read MoreSafe Social Distancing: Essential in Coronavirus Response
Editor’s note: United Church Homes published this article on March 27, 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was still rapidly evolving. Information contained in the article may not be accurate in the future due to this fluid situation. Officials are urging the public to practice social distancing. United Church Homes will…
Read MoreCoronavirus Response: Want to Help?
Many neighbors and friends in our larger communities have asked how they can support older adults who are practicing social distancing in their homes or in our skilled nursing and assisted living communities. Our community teams are already implementing creative ways to engage residents one-on-one to prevent loneliness and keep…
Read More