Fairhaven News

Live auction to highlight 39th Harvest Fest at Fairhaven Community
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UPPER SANDUSKY [Aug. 29, 2019] – Fairhaven Community’s Volunteer Service Group (VSG) will host the 39th annual Harvest Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at Fairhaven.

For the first time, this year’s Harvest Fest will include a live auction and a Celebrate Fairhaven presentation.

For decades, farmers and residents have flocked to the popular Harvest Fest to participate in the fun and take home their share of Wyandot County’s bountiful crop harvest. The event dates to the days when farmers generously shared the fruits of their labors with Fairhaven residents. This year’s event will include historic videos from the 1940s that show what life was like at Fairhaven.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will include a live auction (10:30-11:30 a.m.), a bake sale (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), a raffle (closes at 12:30 p.m.) and free entertainment (1-1:30 p.m.). Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a donation, and tours will also be available.

The VSG consists of members of northwest Ohio churches and individual volunteers who regularly give their time at Fairhaven. Among their many volunteer activities, VSG members run Fairhaven’s gift shop. In total, volunteers gave more than 7,500 hours of service to Fairhaven in 2018.

For more information about Fairhaven, visit fairhavencommunity.org.

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About Fairhaven: Fairhaven Community offers independent and assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and holistic, person-directed memory care services on its beautiful campus in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. As part of the United Church Homes family of senior living communities, its mission is to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace.

Fairhaven Donor Appreciation Dinner Recognizes Giving
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Fairhaven Administrator Lori Marsh (from left), volunteer Jim Frank, Memory Care Coordinator Kara Orians and United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel
Fairhaven Administrator Lori Marsh (from left), volunteer Jim Frank, Memory Care Coordinator Kara Orians and United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel

Upper Sandusky – Fairhaven Community, a United Church Homes community, hosted its Donor Appreciation Dinner on July 9, 2019. The event honored individuals who donate time and offer financial support to the UCH mission.

This year, the community gave three awards: the Ben M. Herbster Award to a devoted donor, the Spirit Award to an enthusiastic volunteer and the Diakonie Award to a supportive congregation.

Point Place United Church of Christ received the Diakonie Award for their continual support of Fairhaven over at least the last 50 years. Church members Jim and Donna Armstrong and Bonny Beebe spearhead the annual Mother’s Day offering that directly benefits Fairhaven. Since UCH started tracking donations in the early 1980s, church members have given nearly $19,000 to the community.

Fairhaven Administrator Lori Marsh, Director of Nursing Karen Webb and United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel
Fairhaven Administrator Lori Marsh, Director of Nursing Karen Webb and United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel

Next, Fairhaven honored Jim Frank with the Spirit Award. He earned this honor for his volunteer work at Fairhaven. Residents know him as the “newspaper guy” because he has been delivering newspapers to Fairhaven for the past 24 years. Through this volunteering, he has become friends with many residents.

Finally, Dr. DP Smith was honored with the prestigious Ben M. Herbster Award for his financial support of Fairhaven. Smith has donated to Fairhaven since the early 1980s, with at least 25 years of giving. Smith is one of the longest practicing doctors in Wyandot County, caring for residents of Fairhaven for many years.

In addition to thanking these outstanding individuals, more than 80 additional donors and volunteers attended the event. Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, praised them for living UCH’s mission, vision and values.

Members of Point Place United Church of Christ, Toledo Back: United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel, Fairhaven chaplain Rev. Dr. Becky King and Administrator Lori Marsh
Members of Point Place United Church of Christ, Toledo
Back: United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel, Fairhaven chaplain Rev. Dr. Becky King and Administrator Lori Marsh

“Your gifts transform aging by helping us build a culture of community, wholeness and peace,” he said. “Your advocacy for the residents and families we serve at Fairhaven makes a huge difference in their lives, each and every day.”

In 2018, nearly $75,000 in donations, including more than $16,000 in charitable estate gifts, were invested at Fairhaven.

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About Fairhaven: Fairhaven Community offers independent and assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and holistic, person-directed memory care services on its beautiful campus in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. As part of the United Church Homes family of communities, its mission is to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org

Stubbs Endowment Continues Legacy of Giving
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Gertie StubbsThe late Gertrude “Gertie” Stubbs made a long-lasting impact on United Church Homes’ Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. United Church Homes’ computer donor records go back to the early 1980s, showing Gertie began giving in 1983 and continued for a total of 22 years before her passing in May 2009 at the age of 98.

In 1999, Gertie worked with UCH leadership staff to create the Gertrude Stubbs Transportation Endowment Fund for Fairhaven with a major gift of $300,000, established to provide funding for the ever-increasing need for transportation for older adults. It was Gertie’s largest donation, although it wasn’t exclusive as she continued to make other donations through the years, including another major gift of $100,000 to support an endowment for staff uniforms.

“Gertie’s husband, Don, was a resident on the second floor for many years,” said Karen Webb, director of nursing. “That is how we all became acquainted with her. She was dedicated and faithful to her husband and visited him twice a day, every day. She not only provided care for her husband, but also identified needs of our staff.

“She once told me that the Lord blesses the silent giver,” Karen said. “And give she did. She created the uniform fund for our staff, purchased a van and assisted staff members on a personal level with whatever they might be going through. She would visit staff members who were ill, did laundry for residents requesting the service — the list goes on and on. Then, when Gertie reached the stage of life when she needed us, what a privilege it was to be able to care for her! She was a wonderful, giving and caring individual who served the Lord by serving others.”

Fairhaven currently has a 16-passenger bus, paid for by the endowment years after her passing, and a wheelchair-accessible van that is used to take residents to medical appointments and on activities and trips that help them stay actively engaged in the community. Fairhaven Community provides transportation for approximately 800 medical appointments for residents every year.

The community offers a low- to no-fee transportation program for residents. This is especially beneficial because many insurers do not cover transportation services. A $2,000 grant from the Wyandot County Community Foundation and the endowment fund enable Fairhaven to cover a greater share of transportation costs, which helps residents stretch their personal dollars even further.

The transportation program is not Gertie’s only legacy at Fairhaven. She funded the construction of a garage, the Stubbs Garage. The former Stubbs Behavioral Care Unit also was named after Gertie. 

“Mother loved the people of Fairhaven,” said Judy Horobec, Gertie’s daughter. “I hope her story encourages others to give. She had a real passion for giving back to residents.”

Ruth Adams, who knew Gertie for more than 20 years and served on the Volunteer Service Group with her, said her friend accepted the call for assistance, no matter the need.

“She was such a giver,” Ruth said. “A lot of it she did anonymously. She was always doing something.”

Gertie offered communion to Catholic residents every Saturday and organized style shows to help raise funds for Fairhaven. “She would talk to the local stores and get all the clothes,” Ruth said. “She was always there. If there was anything to be done, Gertie did it.”

Volunteers honored for service to Fairhaven Community
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UPPER SANDUSKY – More than 60 Fairhaven Community volunteers gathered Monday for the Best of the Best celebration, an annual event that honors the nearly 100 people who give their time and talents to Fairhaven.

Fairhaven Community volunteers gathered Monday for the Best of the Best celebration

In total, volunteers gave more than 7,500 hours of service to Fairhaven in 2018. Hours come from the Volunteer Service Group, Teen Impact, Friendship Ambassadors and volunteers in the Reflection Ridge memory care neighborhood, among others. The longest-serving volunteer, who asked not to be identified, has volunteered at Fairhaven for 41 years.

“All our volunteers are golden,” said Becky Blocksom, resident activities assistant. “We also have the faithful ones behind the scenes who quietly come in and serve. A lot of our volunteers humbly selected not to record most hours they serve.”

Lori Marsh with VolunteerAdministrator Lori Marsh thanked the volunteers on behalf of her staff. They are an extension of the Fairhaven family, she said.

The age range of volunteers runs from 19 to 90+. “The spirit of our residents continues to amaze me and the rest of the staff,” Blocksom said. “They are passing the torch to build our future, and this is why we are here. All are true examples of love, hope and abundant life.”

Also, during the celebration, Sarah Faber, a Fairhaven state-tested nurses aide, received a $1,000 scholarship to go toward her nursing degree at Owens Community College in Findlay.

To become a volunteer, contact Blocksom at 419.294.4973 or bblocksom@uchinc.org. For more information about Fairhaven, visit fairhavencommunity.org.

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About Fairhaven:  Fairhaven Community offers independent and assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and holistic, person-directed memory care services on its beautiful campus in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. As part of the United Church Homes family of communities, its mission is to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace.

Contact: Alissa Paolella, United Church Homes Office of Communications, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org

Reflection Ridge Receives Accreditation in Comfort Matters
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Congratulations to the Reflection Ridge memory care neighborhood at Fairhaven Community, which received accreditation in Comfort Matters on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Comfort Matters is a memory care dementia education and palliative care program dedicated to improving the quality of care and quality of life for those living with dementia. We are very proud of the Reflection Ridge neighborhood team for embracing and living the key concepts of the Comfort Matters program.

Fairhaven to celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week
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UPPER SANDUSKY [April 26, 2019] – Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky is excited to participate in National Skilled Nursing Care Week, which will be held May 12 – 18.

The NSNCW 2019 theme, “Live Soulfully,” will celebrate skilled nursing centers and their residents and staff by showcasing how they achieve happy minds and healthy souls. The theme fits well with United Church Homes’ mission and vision to provide care to the whole person including mind, body and spirit, which includes providing full-time chaplains at all UCH senior living communities.

Below is the calendar of events for National Skilled Nursing Care Week:

  • Sunday, May 12
    1 p.m., Worship to reflect the theme of “Live Soulfully”
  • Monday, May 13
    2 – 3:30 p.m., Opening Minds through Art exhibit
    Book swap in the Robert P. Lee Fellowship Hall
  • Tuesday, May 14
    3 p.m., Daughters of Hope dance group
    Book swap in the Robert P. Lee Fellowship Hall
  • Wednesday, May 15
    11 a.m., proclamation by Mayor Scott Washburn
    6 p.m., FFA animals to visit with residents
  • Thursday, May 16
    Blessing hands of staff
  • Friday, May 17
    Huddles in honor of Music & Memory (all staff name a song they like)

Established an as annual, week-long observance by the American Health Care Association in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, provides an opportunity to recognize the role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s older adults and people with disabilities.

For more information about Fairhaven, visit fairhaven.org.

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About United Church Homes:  United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The faith-inspired nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Fairhaven Ambassadors Provide Companionship to New Residents
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Max and Rev. Hoover

The purpose of the Fairhaven Community Friendship Ambassador Program is to provide companionship, comfort, hospitality, service and abundant life to friends and neighbors who have chosen Fairhaven as their home on life’s journey.

Ambassadors spend one hour or more with a new resident during their initial visit; commit to checking in with the new resident during specific times daily and weekly; and be helpful and willing to make the experience of moving to a new home easier. Ambassadors also agree to be respectful in attitude by caring and demonstrating empathy toward the new resident.

Wilma, a resident who serves as the group’s secretary, said the program is much more than just visiting with a fellow resident.

“It’s not just walking into someone’s apartment. It’s really getting to know them,” she said. “It’s not something that ends. It’s an ongoing relationship we maintain throughout somebody’s lifetime. The program keeps growing and evolving.”

The program’s guidebook also lays out how the program could impact residents throughout their time at Fairhaven.

“As friendship ambassadors, you are working toward making the journey and experience at Fairhaven Community warm and inviting,” according to the guidebook. “If new residents know you are there and that you have a sincere concern for them, then we have fulfilled a wonderful mission. Your heart and care are the key.”

Fairhaven Activities Assistant Becky Blocksom leads the program and matches each new resident with a current resident prior to their arrival. Ambassadors are encouraged to visit with new residents regularly. Becky asks residents to develop a plan for ambassadors to walk with new residents to the dining room for their first meal.

“This simple act can make a big difference for new residents, who may be shy or otherwise worried about their new living situation,” Becky said.

Max, another ambassador, said he tries to be his authentic self when introducing himself to new residents.

“If I have a chance to introduce myself as a Christian, I will,” Max said. “Sometimes, they’ll let me pray with them. I don’t know many strangers.”

Each new resident receives a welcome package, which includes gifts such as candy, crocheted crosses and handmade lap blankets, donated by the women of Sycamore UCC.

UCH Honors Recipients with Awards for Leadership, Dedication and Values
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Late fall of 2018 proved a time to lift up those who embody the spirit of United Church Homes, as eight individuals accepted awards for their exemplary service to UCH.

“We have a passion for developing and supporting leadership here,” President and CEO Rev. Kenneth Daniel said. “We’ve been blessed over the years with people giving time and talent, as volunteers, donors and staff, and we value this time to recognize their impactful contributions to our organization.”

Rev. Dr. Robert Diller Legacy Leadership Award – Rev. John Rainey

John Rainey Rev Dr Diller AwardThe Legacy Leadership Award is named after the late Rev. Dr. Robert Diller, who joined the UCH Board of Directors in 1945. Over the next 31 years, he helped move the organization from a single location that served 125 residents to include five communities serving over 800 individuals. Rev. Diller served as the first president and CEO of United Church Homes. The award honors those whose leadership commitment to UCH echoes Rev. Dr. Diller’s high levels of vision, perseverance and faith.

Rev. John Rainey is the second recipient of the award, and like Rev. Dr. Diller, his service to UCH has spanned decades, starting in the mid-1940s when he was a young boy. He and his family supplied canned food from their garden to the Evangelical and Reformed Home for the Aged in Upper Sandusky, Ohio (currently known as UCH’s Fairhaven Community). Fast-forward to 1970 when John decided to run for the UCH Board. He secured the spot and spent the next 24 years as a Board member, once serving as secretary, which he considered one of the most challenging and enjoyable jobs he’s had.

Through the years, John also had the opportunity to forge a relationship with one of UCH’s greatest benefactors, Ruth Frost Parker. Ruth, who was on the UCH Board with John, didn’t drive, so he transported her to and from Board meetings. The time spent together resulted in many enlightening and enjoyable conversations. A few years later, John attended the groundbreaking of UCH’s Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio, where he now resides with his husband, Gene Finnegan. To this day, John’s service to United Church Homes continues. Together with Gene, he volunteers at the front desk and serves as an ambassador to new residents. The two also host Parkvue’s Happy Hour, deliver mail to residents and give campus tours upon request. John is also an accomplished quilter and makes teddy bears as gifts.

On top of all that, Parkvue Director of Resident Services Shannon Graver said, “Gene and John walk the halls or campus (depending on weather) for exercise every day and report anything that should be brought to my attention.

“I genuinely love those two,” she added. “They are wonderful advocates for UCH and also a great support to me!”

President’s Award of Distinction – Rev. Beth Long-Higgins

The President’s Award of Distinction honors people within UCH who significantly advance its mission to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace.

“The purpose is to celebrate people who have done something of such merit and impact that it creates transformative change in some way,” Rev. Daniel said.

This is certainly true of Rev. Beth Long-Higgins.

Beth Long Higgins Pres Award of DistinctionBeth’s long history with United Church Homes began in the late 1960s at Chapel Hill Community when her church hosted one month’s birthday celebrations for residents. In 1974, her grandparents moved into Chapel Hill, living there until their deaths in 1981. For many years, Beth and her husband served as copastors at David’s United Church of Christ in Canal Winchester. One reason they were interested in the congregation was because of its involvement with United Church Homes’ leadership. Beth spent six years on the UCH Board, chairing the housing and long-range planning committees. In 2013, she joined the UCH staff as director of church and community relations. Now she’s the executive director of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging.

During Beth’s tenure, she led the reinvigoration of UCH’s relationships with churches that have historically supported and formed UCH communities. Also in the years since Beth joined the staff, the organization developed its mission, vision and core values, which Beth helped write. More recently, she constructed the Community Benefits Program that encourages and records how each UCH community engages with their greater local communities.

Rev. Daniel surprised Beth with the award, saying, “Perhaps no one is more deserving of this award than Beth.”

LUV Awards – United Church Homes Staff Members

The Living UCH Values (LUV) Award honors staff members who every day demonstrate the highest commitment to United Church Homes’ core values of compassion, hospitality, respect, integrity, stewardship and transparency. Nominations for the award come from fellow staff members, supervisors, volunteers, friends or family members.

The 2018 winners include Monica Smiley and Linda Bell, Chapel Hill Community; Sharon Frisch, Fairhaven Community; Barb Mugrage, Harmar Place; Kevin Sanders, Parkvue Community; and Jen Wilson, Trinity Community.

“We are pleased to honor these outstanding staff members for their dedication to their residents and all those they come into contact with,” said Alyson Issler, corporate director of human resources.

LUV Award Winners 2019

Frisch recognized with LUV Award at Fairhaven Community
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Sharon Frisch with Fairhaven teamThe LUV Award recognizes and honors staff members who demonstrate the highest commitment to United Church Homes’ core values of compassion, hospitality, respect, integrity, stewardship and transparency. Nominations may be made by staff members, volunteers, residents or their families.

Sharon has worked at Fairhaven for 16 years. She was nominated for her hospitality toward the community’s residents and staff members. Sharon is always willing to lend her co-workers a hand and jumps in when she sees an area where she can support her team and ultimately make life better for residents.

“We are pleased to honor Sharon for her dedication to the residents and all those she comes into contact with at Fairhaven Community,” said Alyson Issler, corporate director of human resources.

For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 74 senior living communities in 14 states and two Native American nations. Its Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging brings together experts of various disciplines to collaborate on improving the quality of life for older adults.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org

Supporters Honored at Donor Appreciation Events
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At each event, UCH presented three awards — the Diakonie Award, the Spirit Award and the Ben M. Herbster Award.

Diakonie awardThe Diakonie Award is presented to congregations to honor those who have demonstrated faithfulness in their support of the mission of United Church Homes and its communities.

Spirit award 1377The Spirit Award is presented to individuals who best exemplify the volunteerism, advocacy, inspiration and spirit for the residents and their families of United Church Homes communities.

Ben M Herbster award 1381The Herbster Award is presented to individuals who best exemplify the philosophy, leadership, philanthropic spirit and achievements of the late Rev. Dr. Ben M. Herbster, the first president of the United Church of Christ. After his retirement, Rev. Dr. Herbster served as a member and chairman of the Board of Directors of United Church Homes.

1. Rev. Jean Montgomery, St. John’s, Massillon, Diakonie Award recipient. 2. Fairhaven Administrator Lori Marsh, Herbster Award recipients Mark and Nancy Johnson and Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes. 3. United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth Daniel, Four Winds Spirit Award recipient Frank Doenges, Four Winds Chaplain Rev. Hannah Niday and Administrator Mary Casey. 4. Allan Norris, Glenwood Community Spirit Award recipient, and his wife, Carol. 5. United Church Homes President and CEO Rev. Kenneth Daniel, United Church Homes Management Executive Director Karen Messick, Anne Marks Gaertner, Herbster Award recipient, Jim Gaertner, David Marks and Cathy Green, Board chair of United Church Homes. 6. Sherry McKay, Calvary Baptist Church, Parkvue Community Diakonie Award recipient. 7. Members of the Trinity Community Auxiliary, the Spirit Award recipient for Trinity Community.

Fairhaven Community Assisted Living earns high marks for care and safety
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A deficiency-free survey indicates that the community met all of the state’s safety and quality standards. State officials evaluate senior living communities and skilled nursing centers following an extensive, unannounced survey, which is conducted on-site at the center for several days. Inspectors judge a community’s performance on safety measures, quality of care, medication management, hygiene, food service and more.

Less than 10 percent of communities nationwide earned a deficiency-free designation, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“The Fairhaven staff is committed to providing top-quality, compassionate care and we are pleased to be recognized for those efforts,” said Lori Marsh, Administrator. “As an important healthcare partner in the community, we make it our mission to adopt new care standards that improve the lives of those we serve every day.”

For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The faith-inspired nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org

UCH communities recognized with Silver Quality Award
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Chapel Hill, Fairhaven, Four Winds, Harmar Place and Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) communities and SEM Haven all received the distinction. In total, 166 skilled nursing care centers and assisted living communities made the list.

The awards will be presented to recipients during AHCA/NCAL’s 69th Annual Convention & Expo in San Diego, California, Oct. 7-10.

“I applaud this year’s Silver award recipients on this incredible achievement in quality,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “It is a privilege to recognize our member centers and communities that consistently make a positive impact on the lives of the patients and residents they serve.”

The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes providers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care in long term and post-acute care.

Based on the core values and criteria of the nationally recognized Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, the association’s Quality Award program challenges member providers to achieve performance excellence through three progressive levels — Bronze, Silver and Gold. Members at the Silver award level develop and demonstrate effective approaches that help improve performance and quality outcomes.

“Being recognized with the Silver award is a significant accomplishment,” said Alana Wolfe, chair of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers. “This year’s recipients have shown a dedication to assessing and implementing approaches that result in better outcomes. I commend them on this great achievement.”

This year’s Silver recipients can now advance in developing approaches that meet the criteria required for the Gold — Excellence in Quality Award. On May 31, the association announced the honorees of the Bronze — Commitment to Quality Award. A full list of Silver and Bronze recipients is available on the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award website here. Gold award recipients will be announced later this summer.

The program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: First Quality, NRC Health, and Team TSI Corporation.

For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The faith-inspired nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org

Fairhaven Earns Five-Star Quality Rating
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CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. Nursing Home Compare provides quality ratings to each of the nation’s Medicare and/or Medicaid-certified communities. Each community is rated from one star to five stars based on three critical areas: health inspection results, quality measures and staffing levels.

Predictive Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence: Tools for Early Intervention
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According to a January 2017 report from management consulting firm NewVantage Partners, approximately 95 percent of Fortune 1000 companies have made significant investments in big data initiatives within the past five years.

The senior living profession is no exception. United Church Homes collects demographic and health data of its residents that can be used to predict the health status of a particular resident and improve care, said Chuck Mooney, senior vice president of senior living services at United Church Homes.

“To me, data analytics is like the unicorn — often talked about, rarely seen,” Chuck said. “Our cloud-based software platforms allow for a number of things. We’ve invested in hiring Clinical Informatics Manager Kathy Ely. She’s really our resident in-house PointClickCare (PCC) expert. The idea is to figure out how to use the data that we collect in more intelligent ways to, perhaps, predict falls, monitor diabetic status and be able to predict future illness for residents with diabetes.”

According to the PointClickCare blog, much data analytics comes from electronic health or medical records. This can include nursing assessment information, medication usage, hours and types of therapies and more. Documenting relevant data is one side of the coin. The other is the ability to analyze, understand and apply the data that has been collected. EMRs contain a treasure trove of data that can be leveraged to drive positive health outcomes among residents, increase staff engagement and drive operational efficiencies.

Every EMR contains a wealth of resident information, all of which can be analyzed to better understand individual resident care needs, to more efficiently schedule staff on different shifts and even to document whether certain meals have fallen out of favor among residents, according to PointClickCare.

The ultimate vision for UCH is to partner with a college gerontology program to provide an avenue for research-based data collection. Predictive algorithms and artificial intelligence technology can, for example, monitor a person’s movement patterns during a defined period of time. A change in these patterns may indicate a potential problem and, once identified, can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

“All providers in long-term care are required to collect the minimum data set (MDS),” Chuck said. “The MDS record is a very extensive clinical record that draws from the medical record and also from other sources, such as social work notes and chaplain/spiritual services. It captures all that information into a standard data set that is then reported to both the state and federal levels.”

Casper reports are quality metric reports generated from these data sets that have over 2,000 metrics with standard definitions. The reports lend themselves to benchmarking relative to UCH’s peers in senior living.

United Church Homes’ Fairhaven Community earns Silver quality award
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2018

UPPER SANDUSKY — Fairhaven Community has been recognized as a 2018 Silver — Achievement in Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three possible distinctions through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which spotlights providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to improving quality of care for residents and patients in long-term and post-acute care.

“Fairhaven is committed to implementing processes that better the lives of those we serve,” said Lori Marsh, administrator of Fairhaven Community. “We are proud to receive the Silver Award and look forward to continuing our efforts to improve quality.”

Based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, AHCA/NCAL’s National Quality Award Program challenges member providers to achieve performance excellence through three progressive levels — bronze, silver and gold. At the silver level, members develop and demonstrate effective approaches that help improve organizational performance and health care outcomes.

“This year’s Silver Award recipients are positioned well to accomplish even better outcomes as they progress in their quality journey,” said Alana Wolfe, chair of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers. “I commend Fairhaven Community on this outstanding achievement.”

As a 2018 recipient of the Silver Award, Fairhaven can now advance in further developing comprehensive approaches that meet the criteria required for the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award.

“I feel elated and have a sense of accomplishment,” Marsh said. “Even though there are still challenges to overcome, I look at our application and see all the changes we have implemented for improved processes and systems, better communication, higher staff morale and retention, improved financial stewardship and a higher quality of life for our residents.”

The awards will be presented to honorees during AHCA/NCAL’s 69th Annual Convention & Expo in San Diego, California, October 7 – 10, 2018.

Charles R. Mooney, senior vice president and chief operating officer at United Church Homes, praised Fairhaven and Four Winds staff members for continuously improving operations, resident satisfaction and health care outcomes.

“This national award is well-deserved recognition of each community’s strong administrative and clinical leadership, commitment to performance excellence and focus on resident abundant life in community,” Mooney said.

For more information about Fairhaven Community, visit fairhaven.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The faith-based nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org

United Church Homes, Fairhaven Community recognized by OSU’s Alber Enterprise Center
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United Church Homes was one of four long-term care organizations recognized with the Collaboration in Developing the Future Workforce Award.

“We’re thrilled to be able to honor these clients and partners for their commitment to continuous improvement and pursuit of excellence in their respective industries,” said Myra Wilson, MS, SHRM-SCP, Director.

The Alber Enterprise Center recognized United Church Homes and Fairhaven for their participation in the Elder Care Certificate pilot program, a grant-funded, professional development program for direct care employees. By the end of the pilot, participants felt valued, which can lead to improved morale and less employee turnover. Additionally, participants report having a better understanding of the aging population they serve. The ECC pilot program is expanding to be offered across other industries in Ohio and gaining statewide recognition.

“Many UCH staff members express that they derive internal satisfaction by delivering exceptional care to the older adults they serve,” said Scott Slutz, vice president of human resources at United Church Homes. “We find it extremely beneficial to empower our team to seek development opportunities, such as the Elder Care Certificate program, that enhance their capacity and capability to serve. We are proud and honored to receive this award.”

Fairhaven Community Administrator Lori Marsh said her team had a positive experience in the Elder Care Certificate program.

“Critical components of quality care include teamwork and a value system that keeps employees in tune with the needs of their coworkers,” Marsh said. “When employees are working with one another, respect is key to understanding we are all in this together. Empowering people to create and be involved is imperative to success in the customer-service model of any organization.”

For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of older adults for more than a century. The faith-based nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org

2018 UCH Golf Outing
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United Church Homes 2018 Golf Outing

REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 1

Schedule for the Day

Schedule for the Day

8:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:45 a.m. Call to Carts

9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

Return to the clubhouse for lunch and prizes after tournament play.

How to Register

Register online:
Click Here

Register by email:
nlongmeier@uchinc.org

Register by phone:
740.382.4885 ask for Natalie

  • Registration: $100 per person
    (Register by September 1)
  • Raffle Tickets: 2 for $15

Sponsorship Levels

Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a Sponsor

Abundant Life Sponsor $5,000

  • Eight (8) registered golfers, breakfast, lunch, hosted drinks, mulligans and raffle tickets included
  • Event titled with sponsor name and logo on banner and event communications
  • Hole-in-one grand prize sponsor

Lunch Sponsor $2,500

  • Four (4) registered golfers, breakfast, lunch, hosted drinks, mulligans and raffle tickets included
  • Sponsor name and logo exclusively featured on banner in lunch area
  • Sponsor name and logo on banner and event communications

Golf Cart Sponsor $1,500

  • Four (4) registered golfers, breakfast, lunch, hosted drinks, mulligans and raffle tickets included
  • Sponsor name and logo featured on two beverage carts
  • Sponsor name and logo on banner and event communications

Practice Sponsor $500

  • Two (2) registered golfers, breakfast, lunch, hosted drinks, mulligans and raffle tickets included
  • Sponsor name featured on signs at driving range and practice green
  • Sponsor name and logo on banner and event communications

Door Prize Sponsor $100 or Gift Card

  • Sponsor of raffle item (gift cards/certificates) in honor or memory of an individual
  • Sponsor name on signs in door prize/raffle exhibit area

UCH Board Sees End of Legacy, Welcomes New Member
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Sue joined the Board in February 2007 as UCH faced an uncertain future, due to the recession that took a financial toll on the organization. The Board needed to make tough decisions to guide the organization through those difficult times and prepare for a stronger future, she said.

Sue’s relationship with United Church Homes started with her United Church of Christ roots and experiences at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Her grandfather, George Schoedinger, gave to Fairhaven for years, and her father, Robert Schoedinger, continued the tradition, helping to fund an expansion at Fairhaven that included the Gathering Place. Sue has extended her family’s legacy of giving with her generous donations over many years.

Sue is a strategic donor who challenges Board members to contribute to UCH each year to reach their goal of 100 percent participation by sponsoring an incentive for a matching gift to increase their total giving. She was a lead donor in 2011 to support Fairhaven’s Capital Campaign and in 2016 signed on to be a founding funder of United Church Homes’ innovative Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging. Most recently, she led the charge of an aggressive Board goal for United Church Homes’ $20 million comprehensive Campaign for Abundant Life by making another generous gift.

In 2017, Sue was recognized with the exclusive President’s Award of Distinction for her generosity, leadership and vision for the organization. In 2013, Sue was recognized as the honoree for the Ben M. Herbster Award for Fairhaven Community, again following in her father’s footsteps. He was recognized with the distinguished honor in 1999.

A lifelong educator who taught every grade from pre-kindergarten through college, Sue brought her passion to the Board with a special interest in benevolent care. Her late father was a former president of the Ohio Masonic Home, and her family has a long history of helping older adults.

Sue enjoyed her time on United Church Homes’ former Resident Services Committee, which combined Housing and Healthcare Services. She was Board vice chair from 2010-13 and served on the housing, advancement, governance, staff relations and advancement performance committees throughout her tenure.

In addition to her service to United Church Homes, Sue is on the Board of Directors for Andrews Osborne Academy, Willoughby, Ohio; Lake Erie College, Painesville, Ohio; and the National Alumni Board of Lake Erie College.

Sue said she will miss the comradery of the UCH Board.

“It’s so cliché. I think every person who’s ever retired has said the same thing,” Sue said, “but you hear it so much because it’s true. I admire and have great respect for everyone on the Board. There is tremendous respect and pride in our organization as a whole.

“The upside is I’ll get to sleep in.” Sue joked. “I think I’ve gained more from the organization than I’ve given to it. Coming from education, I didn’t know much about how a corporation worked. I’ve learned a lot about areas that I probably wouldn’t have gotten to learn about otherwise, and I can apply what I’ve learned to the other boards that I’m serving on now.”

In August, the Board voted to amend the bylaws, reducing its size through attrition as members retire. That works well for United Church Homes, as Sue is an irreplaceable asset.

UCH Welcomes David Brainin

David BraininDavid Brainin, a central Ohio affordable housing consultant, has joined the United Church Homes Board of Directors.

David graduated from New York University in 1974 with a degree in sociology and completed graduate work at The Ohio State University. But his passion for working with older adults, which started at a young age, led him to work in development, rehabilitation and management operations for affordable housing communities. He also assists nonprofits in the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing properties.

David was introduced to United Church Homes 25 years ago when he first met Vice President of Housing Services Cheryl Wickersham through LeadingAge Ohio, an advocate for nonprofit organizations serving older adults.

“I’m really excited to be involved as United Church Homes looks to expand its affordable housing services,” David said. “I believe everyone needs housing. With my background in long-term care and the continuum of care, I’m really interested in all facets of the organization.”

David grew up in Detroit, where his mother ran a nursing home, sparking a lifelong interest in David to serve older adults. He followed in her footsteps to become a nursing home administrator before moving into affordable housing.

He brings to the Board a wealth of experience and expertise in senior living services, affordable housing and strategic planning. He also brings a nonprofit perspective, having worked for nonprofits throughout his career.

“I tried retiring, but after six months, it wasn’t working out.” He laughed. “I need to be involved in my field.”

David lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, Jackie.

Residents Continue Ritual of Giving
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In 2017, United Church Homes communities donated over $20,000 to local, national and international charities through worship service collections

Residents of Chapel Hill, Fairhaven, Parkvue and Trinity communities collectively gave more than $20,300 to local, national and international charities in 2017 through worship service collections. This practice has deep meaning for many people who choose to live at United Church Homes.

“The residents love to give,” said Rev. Dr. Becky King, chaplain at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and dean of chaplains at UCH. “One hundred percent of their gifts are given to charities of their choice. Some people bring coins; some people bring bills. Some are able to offer prayers as their gift.”

Many residents of Trinity Community of Beavercreek, Ohio, have a long history in the United Church of Christ, of which UCH is an affiliate. Rev. Dale Brown, chaplain at Trinity Community, said residents often advocate for contributions to the United Church of Christ’s Global Ministries to spread the word and cause of Christ to the world.

Other times, residents elect to give their contributions to local charities or nonprofit organizations, such as food banks, homeless and domestic violence ministries and organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association.

The faithful also help their peers by giving to the community’s Life Enrichment Fund. This fund provides resources for life enrichment, group outings and other resident needs.

“People will bring their bingo money. Even if they only can give four quarters, it’s extremely important to them,” said Rev. Cathy Lawrence, chaplain of Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio.

Recently, at Chapel Hill Community in Canal Fulton, Ohio, residents made their gifts go further with a donor match for the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, said Rev. Erin McCreight, chaplain at Chapel Hill. Each year, they also sponsor a child for $500 through Family Village Farm in India’s child-elders sponsorship program.

Many of the chaplains share details about the giving from the organizations receiving the funding during mission moments in worship services.

Emily Howard, a chaplain intern at Fairhaven, said she was touched by the energy that giving sparks in residents.

“We’re each called as people living in a faith community to share what we have and give of ourselves, and we’re connected in that way. It’s part of our faith,” she said.