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.…
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Creating an Inclusive Workplace Editor’s Note: Project Life, an integrated community employment program for people with developmental disabilities, has been postponed for the safety of participants, residents and staff at Fairhaven Community, due to the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. We hope the partnership will continue, stronger than ever, when we can…
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By Paul Grassmann, JD, FCEP Thompson & Associates This year, we saw major changes in the estate planning arena that will impact almost everyone. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, better known as the SECURE Act, became effective Jan. 1. It effectively eliminated the Stretch…
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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,…
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For Columbus Colony for Elderly Care staff, joining United Church Homes couldn’t have come at a better time. Staff, residents and families have been enveloped in the compassionate, inclusive UCH culture during an unprecedented time for senior living providers. On Feb. 3, United Church Homes Management and CCEC, a not-for-profit,…
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Donor Spotlight: Lou Dickman Generous with her time and energy, the late Lou Dickman was known as the "helper of the community." Grounded in faith, compassion and love for her family and friends, this former resident of Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio, provided holy communion to friends, old and new,…
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United Church Homes’ affordable housing ministry provides more than safe, accessible homes for low-income older adults. Aging in community, these residents experience abundant living with the help of integrated, on-site services and recreational opportunities. Over the past three decades, this ministry has grown with the support of community partners. UCH…
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Lexi's Legacy Lives on at Trinity Community at Beavercreek's Memory Lane There’s a saying often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, despite no official ties to the president, that points to what is important in life. No matter its origin, the quote persists because the words are profound: “And in the end,…
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How Meaningful Connections Contribute to Improved Health and Longer Lives In the past 50 years, research into loneliness and social isolation has skyrocketed. Breakthroughs in genetics and immunology allow researchers to measure, with great precision, the impact of loneliness on long-term physical and psychological health. It’s become a known, universal…
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All the Lonely People More than a half century ago, the Beatles released a haunting song, “Eleanor Rigby.” Released in 1966, the song evokes our continuing modern predicament — we live surrounded by people yet report feeling lonelier than ever. Social isolation might seem like an individual dilemma, but the…
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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…
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MARION, Ohio [May 5, 2020] – United Church Homes has announced two new director roles as it launches in-house service coordination at its senior living and affordable housing communities and prepares to develop market-rate, independent living and affordable housing communities for older adults. Dan Fagan, MPA, LSW, and Nathan Bollinger…
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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…
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UCH Warriors on the Front Lines In a world filled with stories of anxiety, a common refrain is, “What can we do?” This question is familiar to anyone in nonprofit service, especially these days. With the whole world focused on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, our first instinct is to act.…
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Before the COVID-19 pandemic, between 30 and 40 percent of older adults were already experiencing consequences of isolation and loneliness. It will be months, maybe years, before we understand the full effects of physical distancing on the general population. Mental health experts are already weighing the potential mental and emotional…
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MARION, OH – United Church Homes and its skilled nursing and assisted living communities are accepting donations of needed medical supplies as the state and nation prepare for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases. The supplies will to help protect vulnerable older adults and healthcare teams in UCH’s 10 skilled…
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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…
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Editor’s note: This article highlighting National Nutrition Month in March was written before the coronavirus pandemic came to the U.S. It’s important for older adults to focus on eating nutritious meals while physically isolating. We can all help the older adults in our lives access fresh, nutritious food during this…
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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…
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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…
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