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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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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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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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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Older adults and people of all ages with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk of having serious complications with the novel coronavirus COVID-19. We, at United Church Homes, wanted to help you stay informed about coronavirus during this unprecedented time. MAKE A PLAN Click here to view and download…
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Our Deepest Appreciation We all realize that our work in healthcare requires 24/7 caregiving, come what may, in the world outside our communities. On behalf of the United Church Homes Board of Directors and the families and friends of those you're serving, I want to express deep appreciation to our…
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CMS Directs Senior Living Communities to Restrict All Non-Essential Visitors March 14, 2020 – The COVID-19 healthcare situation is evolving rapidly, and senior living communities remain a top focus in the fight to slow the spread of coronavirus. We are amending our visitation policy, effective March 14, 2020, and until…
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MARION, Ohio [March 9, 2020] – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living has honored all 11 qualifying United Church Homes’ owned and managed skilled nursing communities for meeting quality improvement goals set by the AHCA/NCAL last year. The Quality Initiative Recognition Program challenges long-term and…
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As Americans increasingly live longer and healthier lives, many are weighing the pros and cons of moving to a retirement community or staying in their own home. Regardless of whether you choose to move to a senior living community, you can remain independent longer. Read on to learn more about…
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