Lutheran Homes Society

Christmas 2009 "The Friend"

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:30:47 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Christmas 2009 newsletter below.

Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:35:23 PST

Lutheran Homes Society is participating in a new ticket program that will benefit LHS Family & Youth Services. It is offered by the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, and through the program we will receive 100% of the cost of each ticket purchased by our supporters. You may either keep the tickets to attend the golf tournament or donate them to LHS Foundation to give to others.

Contact Marlene at 419-861-4965, if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting LHS Family & Youth through this endeavor!

There are two ways to purchase tickets so Lutheran Homes Society can benefit:

1. Click here for on-line ordering by credit card ONLY.
The above link will take you to the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic website. In the upper right corner, click on the link to purchase tickets. You will have to create a login and select Lutheran Homes Society Foundation from the drop down menu of charities during the purchase process.

2. Click the mail-in form below to purchase tickets by credit card or check.

Summer/Fall 2009 "The Friend"

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:18 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Spring/Summer 2009 newsletter below.

Spring/Summer "The Friend" 2009

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:08:26 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Spring/Summer 2009 newsletter below.

Winter 2009 "The Friend"

Fri, 01 May 2009 09:49:09 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Winter 2009 newsletter below.

Christmas 2008 "The Friend"

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:45:23 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Christmas 2008 newsletter below.

Summer / Fall 2008 "The Friend"

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:36:19 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Summer / Fall 2008 newsletter below.

LHS Community Services

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:18:46 PST

2411 Seaman Street,
Toledo, OH 43605

Deb Damschroder, LSW,
Executive Director

419-724-1525

DDamschroder@LHSOH.org

Mission Statement

We are called by God to link seniors of all faiths
with available community services
to promote independent and healthy aging.

LINCS Program

Lutheran/Interfaith Network of Caring Services

A Community Service to Elderly

LINCS Coordinators
2411 Seaman Street, Toledo, OH 43605
Fax (419) 724-1519

Donna Koehn, LSW

419-724-1525, ext. 16

DKoehn@LHSOH.org

Stephanie Homan, LSW

419-309-4288

SHoman@LHSOH.org

Recognizing the need to reach out to seniors within the Toledo area, Lutheran Homes Society has responded with a benevolent ministry known as LINCS. The Lutheran Interfaith Network of Caring Services strives to "link" seniors living in their own homes with appropriate community services that will enable them to remain independent.

LINCS' goal is to assist those seniors who do not have the financial means to pay a private company to assist them in obtaining services.

LINCS works with area organizations to coordinate services for seniors living in the community. Organizations include:

Alzheimer’s Association
Area Office on Aging
Home health care agencies
Lutheran Social Services
Mobile Meals

The LINCS coordinator assists seniors and their families to obtain needed services such as:

adult day care
home delivered meals
housekeeping assistance
legal services
transportation to medical appointments

Additionally as an OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program) counselor, the coordinator is able to assist seniors with medical bills, Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance questions.

There is no charge for the services of the LINCS coordinator; however, there may be a fee for the services obtained for the senior.

Referrals are accepted for any senior residing in the community. Area clergy, parish nurses, and community outreach groups are welcome to refer seniors to this program. The LINCS ministry is also be available to assist churches develop programs to meet the needs of seniors in their congregation.

Upon referral, the LINCS coordinator will make a home visit, assess the needs of the senior and make referrals to appropriate agencies. The coordinator will follow up with the senior as needed to determine if the services are desired and appropriate.

Information shared with the LINCS coordinator is confidential and will not be released without the written consent of the client.

LinkAges Program

Faith-based and Affordable Geriatric Care Management

2411 Seaman Street, Toledo, OH 43605
Fax (419) 724-1519

Debbie Graver, LSW

Care Manager

419-724-1525, ext. 14

DGraver@LHSOH.org

LinkAges is a program through LHS Community Services that provides hands-on assistance to help seniors stay in their homes and remain independent. The program is available on a sliding fee schedule to seniors living above the poverty level in the Toledo metropolitan area.

Some of the services LinkAges can provide include:

needs assessment
connection with appropriate agencies
home visits
monitoring of services
companion program that includes transportation to physician, outpatient surgery, and personal errands
assistance with mail and the care of plants and small animals during vacation
home maintenance and simple repairs such changing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries, snow shoveling, lawn mowing, etc.
advocacy
insurance counseling
evaluation for entitlements
assistance in transitioning to a new living arrangement
help with Mediocare Part D

Services can be obtained individually or by contract. There is no hourly minimum.

Non-Discrimination Statement
LHS Community Services adheres to federal law which forbids discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status or handicap. Alleged violations may be referred to HUD regional offices of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

Spring/Summer 2008 "The Friend"

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:58:18 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Summer 2008 newsletter below.

TV Ads

Tue, 27 May 2008 09:59:14 PST

Please click on the individual links below to view our TV ads.

Radio Spots

Tue, 27 May 2008 09:49:22 PST

Please click on the individual links below to listen our radio spots.

Advertising

Tue, 27 May 2008 09:46:56 PST

Thank you for visiting our Advertising pages. Please choose from the menu on the left for your specific search.

Video and Advertising

Tue, 27 May 2008 09:45:24 PST

Thank you for visiting our Video and Advertising pages. Please choose from the menu on the left for your specific search.

Print Ads

Tue, 20 May 2008 12:38:23 PST

Please click on the individual links below to view our ads.

Press Room

Tue, 20 May 2008 11:04:12 PST

Welcome to the Lutheran Homes Society Press Room.

For information, please contact:
Kari Bucher
Communications Coordinator
Telephone: 419-861-4970
E-mail: kbucher@LHSOH.org

Thank you for visiting our website.

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:56:25 PST

Winter 2008 "The Friend"

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:51:58 PST

Download a copy of "The Friend" Winter 2008 newsletter below.

Request Info Thank you

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:58:06 PST

Thank you for sending us your comments or for requesting additional information. Someone will contact you shortly to discuss your needs.

Christmas 2007 "The Friend"

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:14:19 PST

Click on the link below to download the latest addition of "The Friend" Christmas 2007 Newsletter.

Press Release (PR)

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:05:12 PST

Below are LHS press releases with the most recent news listed first. Photos are available upon request.

Contact: Kari Bucher
Communications Coordinator
Lutheran Homes Society
Telephone: 419-861-4970
E-mail: kbucher@LHSOH.org

LEED® Silver Recognizes Environmental Performance of
LHS School Building

OREGON, Ohio, October 19, 2009 – U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio District 9, presented Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) with LEED® Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its high performance, green school building at 40 S. Wheeling Street. The LHS building has been home to the Alternate Learning and Career Center-East since fall of 2008.

The building is the first school in Northwest Ohio to be LEED certified at any level. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance, green buildings.

In Ohio, the LHS building is only the second school to receive LEED Silver Certification and the first in the state to be designed by an Ohio architectural firm. The architect for the project was Buehrer Group Architecture & Engineering Inc. in Maumee, Ohio.

“Since LEED certification is the only green type of certification that requires third party verification, the building had to prove its green design with stringent record keeping and inspections and testing throughout the building process,” said Kent Buehrer, lead architect. “The synergy created in this type of process produces a building that is very livable, healthy, sustainable, and has less impact on the environment.”

To qualify for LEED certification, a concentrated effort was made during construction to save natural resources by using recycled materials and reusing available building materials. The primary way this was done was to carefully move a 1860s-era barn from the farm of the old LHS orphanage and make it into the school’s cafeteria.

The building also incorporates many energy-saving features: a closed loop electrical heat pump system with a cooling tower, motion and light sensing controls to reduce lighting energy loads, nearly twice the normal insulation in roofs and walls for commercial buildings, low flow fixtures, reduction in water usage by 40%, solar tube skylights, clearstory windows, and a decentralized heating system that allows for room-by-room temperature control.

The building is located on land from the old farm, which served as a learning center of life’s lessons for the orphans and continues to educate youth today. The Alternative Learning and Career Center-East is a collaboration between LHS Family & Youth Services, a LHS subsidiary ministry, and the Lucas County Educational Service Center. The school offers an educational program for Lucas County students with severe learning, behavioral, and/or mental health needs.

“The school is an outstanding example of what can be achieved through the collaboration of government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations,” stated David Roberts, LHS President/CEO. “It also shows our commitment to social accountability in that we are dedicated to serving the community, and in an even larger sense, that we are socially accountable to the environment in which we operate.”

Lutheran Homes Society has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860. Today, more than 2,300 individuals located throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan benefit from the residential and community services offered by LHS.

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Construction Underway for Phase II at Senior Community in Oak Harbor

TOLEDO, Ohio, June 29, 2009 – Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) is building Phase II at the Covenant Harbor senior housing community in Oak Harbor, Ohio. When construction is complete, 24 new one-bedroom, independent living apartments will be available for low-income seniors age 62 and older.

The HUD-subsidized project is being constructed next to the 14 existing Covenant Harbor apartments, located at 234 Finke Road, that were completed in 2005. In addition to the apartments, construction includes new office space, a kitchen, and a community room, which will be available for use by area residents.

“The construction is scheduled to be complete near the end of 2009,” stated John Henry, Director of Facilities Development and Management. Currently, the building is partially under roof and the interior mechanical and electrical rough-ins are underway.

“The affordability; the socialization opportunities, especially during the long winter months; friendships made while living here; the benefits of an ADA compliant building and parking area; and the on-site service coordinator who helps residents find services that allow them to remain independent are all positive aspects about living at Covenant Harbor that residents share with me frequently,” said Sue Perrin, manager.

For more information on Covenant Harbor Phase II or to obtain an application, contact Sue Perrin, Covenant Harbor manager, at 419- 898-6460 or SPerrin@LHSOH.org.

Covenant Harbor is one of 13 senior housing communities managed by LHS Housing Services, a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society. LHS has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860. Today, more than 2,300 individuals located throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan benefit from the residential and community services offered by LHS.

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Lutheran Homes Society Purchases Land in Van Wert for Senior Housing

TOLEDO, Ohio, March 31, 2009 – Lutheran Homes Society (LHS), through its LHS Foundation, has closed on the purchase of 48.177 acres of land located on the southeast side of Van Wert, Ohio. The land will be used to build affordable and market-rate senior housing that will include a spiritual care component.

Leaders from Lutheran Homes Society will be working with local residents, clergy, business people and government officials to develop a housing ministry in Van Wert. Progress made by this committee will determine when building will commence. The housing will be available to all interested senior citizens regardless of their religious beliefs, color, nationality or income level. It will not be limited to Lutherans only.

The proposed senior housing site is located on Hospital Drive (State Route 116), a quarter mile east of the Ervin Road and Hospital Drive intersection, adjacent to the Washington Place, Indian Lakes, and Willow Ridge subdivisions. It will be a half mile from the Van Wert Community Hospital.

The vision for the senior housing includes a campus of market-rate independent living cottages, affordable congregate care apartments, and a chapel/senior center. Future development also may include independent living rental apartments.

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State Sen. Teresa Fedor Visits Lutheran Homes Society

TOLEDO, Ohio, February 10, 2009 – State Senator Teresa Fedor, 11th Senate District, visited Lutheran Home at Toledo, 131 N. Wheeling Street, to tour the skilled nursing facility and meet residents and direct care staff. Lutheran Home at Toledo is a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society (LHS).

The tour provided Sen. Fedor with an opportunity to learn about the issues Lutheran Homes Society and its extended care residents are facing. During the tour conducted by Robert Dennie, Executive Director of Lutheran Home at Toledo, and David Roberts, President/CEO of Lutheran Homes Society, Sen. Fedor t alked with residents and staff and heard first-hand about how Medicaid affects the lives of her constituency.

Sen. Fedor requested that Lutheran Homes Society provide her with a “white paper” providing statistic al data and other information relative to the Medicaid issue that will help her in her legislative duties. Lutheran Homes Society was honored to provide this document showing how the organization is affected by the changes providers are experiencing that will make efficient and effective care delivery difficult in the future.

LHS board member and former State Rep. Lynn Olman accompanied Sen. Fedor on the tour. Mr. Olman offered a unique perspective because he has served as a state representative and understands the issues faced by legislators. Additionally, as a board member of Lutheran Homes Society, Mr. Olman understands the issues encountered by skilled nursing facilities and their residents. Sen. Fedor was able to personally meet residents, staff, and volunteers and expressed a keen interest of elder/senior issues.

“Lutheran Homes Society appreciates that Senator Fedor took the time, during her busy schedule, to hear first-hand from residents the positive comments about the quality of care and wholeness of life they experience as residents of Lutheran Home at Toledo,” Mr. Roberts stated.

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Lutheran Homes Society Dedicates Luther Ridge Senior Apartments

            TOLEDO, Ohio, November 20, 2008 – Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) held a dedication ceremony and open house on Nov. 19, 2008, to mark the official opening of Luther Ridge, an independent living community for seniors age 62 and older. Luther Ridge is located at 80 South Wheeling Street in Oregon, Ohio.
            The new senior community consists of 40 one-bedroom units that are all ADA compliant. “This was done with the aging in place philosophy in mind,” said John Henry, LHS Director of Facilities Development and Management. “Residents may not need special accommodations when they begin living here, but sometime during their stay here that may change, so we anticipated their possible needs and made all the apartments ADA compliant.”
             Luther Ridge is a HUD subsidized senior community that is available to low-income seniors. The site includes a Great Room/Community Room with an attached kitchen that is available for use by local residents, as well as a laundry room, beauty salon, and a health/exercise room. In addition, a social service coordinator is on staff to help residents with some of the challenges seniors encounter as they age.
             “We provides much more than a roof and shelter for seniors,” commented David Schellhase, Executive Directory of LHS Housing Services, a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society that manages Luther Ridge and 12 other senior housing communities. “We also can assist seniors obtain essential services like housekeeping, nutrition, pharmacy, health care, and transportation, if they need them. Our intent is make Lutheran housing a home for as long as residents desire.”
             “ Luther Ridge is a great example of how collaboration with federal, state and local government can achieve results,” stated David Roberts, President/CEO of Lutheran Homes Society, which donated the land valued at over $200,000 for the Luther Ridge project. “We welcomed the attendance of Linda Greenwood from Senator Voinovich’s office and Marge Brown, mayor of the city of Oregon, at the dedication today. Their continued support of Lutheran Homes Society and our mission to care for the elderly is appreciated.”
             LHS has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860. Today, more than 2,300 individuals located throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan benefit from the residential and community services offered by LHS.

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Social Ministry Organizations, District and Synod Join in Partnership

TOLEDO, OHIO, November 7, 2008 – Representatives from the Northwest Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Ohio District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS), and social ministry organizations Filling Home of Mercy, Luther Home of Mercy, Lutheran Homes Society, and Lutheran Social Services, met this week to renew and sign a Ministry Partnership Covenant. The agency executives, staff and board members joined Ohio District President of the LC-MS Terry Cripe and Bishop of the NW Ohio Synod of the ELCA Marcus Lohrmann as they discussed the ministry done in northwestern Ohio by these agencies who continue to respond to human needs on behalf of the congregations represented by these leaders of major church bodies.

This covenant is consistent with “A Social Ministry Partnership,” a document of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) that contains the guiding principles for affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and recognition by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. These guiding principles include a shared mission, a ministry partnership dependent upon mutual commitment, responsibilities and support, and faithful stewardship. The document further outlined roles and responsibilities of the respective groups and allows for a bi-annual review of these same groups.

The leaders of the social ministry organizations and others from their staff and boards, shared planning, communication and development areas within their specific ministry. They reflected on implementation of their mission and their vision for the future for the ministry that is being done throughout northwest Ohio.

Bishop Lohrmann stated that it is “good [for the church bodies and the social ministry organizations] to be in partnership and we cannot neglect emphasis on the stranger, alien, widow, orphan or poor.” He continued, “In Matthew 25, our Lord Jesus speaks about the way in which those who are connected to Christ are attentive to the ‘least of these.’ As we listen to leaders of organization give their reports, we learn just how much God is doing through these ministries. Often these ministries are reminders of those we need to be attentive to in our personal lives. We best embody Christ when we work together.”

President Cripe offered gratitude to the social ministry organization for their work on behalf of the church and commented that these organizations offer an answer to the question of “who is going to be the best reflection of Christ for me?” In quoting Martin Luther President Cripe said, “God does not want hearers and repeaters of words, but doers and followers who exercise that in the faith that works by love.” These agencies provide wonderful “gymnasiums in which to exercise,” President Cripe continued, “We are called to be a ‘mission support center’ and we want to be that for you.”

The Rev. Donald Wukotich, Executive Director of Luther Home of Mercy, expressed his appreciation “of the mutual nurturing of this event. Social ministry organizations understand how important it is to be the body of the church.”

David Roberts, President/CEO of Lutheran Homes Society, expressed gratitude on behalf of all the agencies that the church is active in the “social ministry aspect of the church through their partnership with and connection between the congregations and these social ministry organizations.” After the meeting, David Roberts commented that there is a “constant need to create an awareness of the continuing and increasing needs for the poor and disadvantaged.” At a time when the number of people needing services is increasing, Mr. Roberts indicated that the “struggle for all not-for-profit service agencies is the tension that exists: how do we increase services to the needy population recognizing that government funding is decreasing and unfunded regulatory mandates are increasing.”

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Lutheran Homes Society To Add Senior Apartments in Oak Harbor

TOLEDO, Ohio, October 28, 2008 – Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 24, 2008, for Covenant Harbor II, in Oak Harbor, Ohio. When completed, Covenant Harbor II will consist of 24 one-bedroom, independent living apartments for low-income elderly residents.

The HUD-subsidized project will be constructed adjacent to the 14 Covenant Harbor apartments completed in 2005. In addition to the resident apartments, the construction will include a community space available for a variety of uses.

“We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of all the partners who have joined together to make this building project a reality, so Lutheran Homes Society can continue to serve the Oak Harbor community,” commented David Schellhase, Executive Director of LHS Housing Services, a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society that manages Covenant Harbor and 12 other senior housing communities.

LHS has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860. Today, more than 2,300 individuals located throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan benefit from the residential and community services offered by LHS.

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LHS Family & Youth Services Dedicates “Green” School Building

OREGON, Ohio, October 16, 2008 – LHS Family & Youth Services, a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society (LHS), held a dedication ceremony and open house on October 14, 2008, for the new school building at 40 S. Wheeling Street that will house the Alternate Learning and Career Center-East.

The school building features “green” design and construction to reduce energy costs and save natural resources. “The school will be the first LEED* Certified School in Ohio,” according to Kent Buehrer, architect of the project.

The Alternate Learning and Career Center-East is a collaborative effort between LHS Family & Youth Services and the Lucas County Educational Service Center. The school offers an alternative educational program for students in Lucas County with severe learning, behavioral and/or mental health needs. To begin, the school will be home to about 18 students and has the capacity to accommodate up to 24 students.

The new school building incorporates several energy saving features. These features include a closed loop electrical heat pump system with a cooling tower, light sensing controls to reduce or increase artificial light as needed, nearly twice the normal insulations for commercial buildings, use of technologies to reduce waste, and a decentralized heating system that allows administrators to control temperature level on a room-to-room basis.

A concentrated effort was made during construction to save natural resources by using recycled materials and reusing available building materials. One way this was done, which also linked the new building with the history of Lutheran Homes Society, was to incorporate a barn built circa 1860. The barn, which was part of the old LHS orphanage, was moved from its original location and used in the new school as the cafeteria.

Since 1860, LHS has been caring for youth and this event celebrates another example of our efforts to collaborate with many different parties in order to make something special happen for our community and those we serve,” stated David Roberts, LHS President/CEO. “LHS believes that neither government nor organizations along can ‘do it all,’ rather it takes collaborations and partnerships.”

Mr. Roberts added, “In the case of our new school, we partnered with Lucas County Educational Service Center and Oregon City Schools, who exemplify leadership in the field of education; the city of Oregon, who assisted us in obtaining funding; and private companies that understand “green” and helped us incorporate that into the design and construction to save energy costs.”

Following the dedication ceremony, an open house was held with refreshments and tours of the new school. Four murals depicting life in the old orphanage were on display and will hang permanently in the cafeteria. The murals were created by students at the school, and the project was coordinated by Paula Nowicki, a local art teacher.

The seeds of LHS’ youth ministry in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan began with the provision of care for orphaned children in 1860. Today, LHS Family & Youth Services provides campus-based and community-based residential treatment programs. LHS Family & Youth specializes in the care and treatment of hi-risk, multiple-need, difficult-to-manage children and youth.

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*Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system devised by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to evaluate the environmental performance of a building and encourage market transformation toward sustainable design.

Groundbreaking at Lutheran Home at Napoleon Heralds Future Plans

NAPOLEON, Ohio, October 14, 2008 – Lutheran Home at Napoleon, a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society, broke ground on Oct. 12, 2008, for Bavarian Village III, the future site of new independent living homes for seniors. The groundbreaking only scratches the surface of the extensive plans for the Napoleon campus.

The Bavarian Village expansion calls for up to 12 duplex, cottage-style homes to be built on a 9-acre parcel of land east of the existing Bavarian Village, according to Mel Zehnder, Executive Director. Construction is set to begin next spring.

Future plans for the Napoleon campus also include the development of five “Small Houses” built in an inviting, residential setting. Each would become home to10 nursing home residents and their skilled caregivers. The homes would contain private bedrooms with full baths, living room, dining room, kitchen, private sitting areas, and support spaces for residents.

In addition, planned renovations to the Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will include converting to private rooms for all residents. “There will be some major changes in the next three to four years – all for the better for our residents,” Mr. Zehnder says.

Lutheran Home at Napoleon is a continuing care retirement community consisting of Bavarian Village independent living, Alpine Village assisted living, and Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. It is one of the four senior care communities operated by Lutheran Homes Society , which has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860.

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Bethany Place Teams up with Guiding Hands to Offer Local Care Services

FREMONT, Ohio, Aug. 4, 2008 – Bethany Place senior housing community in Fremont, a ministry of Lutheran Homes Society (LHS), now offers nursing and personal care services on-site through Guiding Hands Home Health Services, Inc. The home care company recently opened an office within Bethany Place to better serve residents and members of the local community.

Guiding Hands will provide a variety of skilled nursing services including physician- prescribed medical treatments, medications set-up and reminders, and pre-filling syringes. The company also can provide home health aides to help residents with personal care such as bathing, feeding, and mobility. Fees vary depending on the required services. Guiding Hands, which has its main office in Oak Harbor, Ohio, does provide a free initial assessment by a registered nurse.

“We facilitate the aging in place philosophy,” states registered nurse Patti Eyink, who owns and operates Guiding Hands with registered nurse Diane Stevenson. “This is their home. These services extend the time seniors can live independently.”

“Our hope is that these services will help our aging residents stay safe and independent longer,” states Patty Sherer, manager of Bethany Place. “Not everyone will need nursing and personal care services, but for those who do, we want to be responsive to their needs and provide a less expensive, on-site alternative.”

Bethany Place has 46 market rate apartments that include the cost of meals in the rent. Guiding Hands will compliment the service coordination already available at Bethany Place through LHS Community Services. For more information, please call 419-334-5500.

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Congressman Bob Latta Spends Time with Kettle Run Residents

BUCYRUS, Ohio, April 11, 2008 – U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, who represents Ohio’s 5^th District, visited Lutheran Homes Society’s Kettle Run senior apartment community in Bucyrus and met with residents. Congressman Latta toured the independent living facility after having lunch with many of the residents.

The purpose of the visit was to help Congressman Latta understand the issues elders are facing. Kettle Run is a HUD 202 facility that offers a low-cost rent for seniors 62 and older who have limited income. Residents were able to share with Congressman Latta their positive experiences living at Kettle Run, especially the advantages compared to their previous living arrangements.

Lutheran Homes Society staff also shared information with the Congressman concerning the need for more HUD housing, specifically the number of people locally, state-wide, and nationally who are waiting for this type of housing. Through the efforts of social service coordination, residents are able to maintain their independence in HUD housing, like Kettle Run, for a much longer period of time. This saves the state and federal government millions of tax dollars because seniors are not forced to prematurely require assisted living or long-term care.

“Lutheran Homes Society appreciates Congressman Latta’s visit to Bucyrus’ Kettle Run. His genuine concern for the elderly and the need for HUD 202 housing was clearly expressed to the residents, and we look forward to working with Mr. Latta as new legislation is proposed to provide for this critical need,” commented Lutheran Homes Society’s President/CEO David Roberts.

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Lutheran Homes Society Receives Grant to Improve Care for the Elderly

HOLLAND, Ohio, March 18, 2008 -- Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) has received a $40,000 grant from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation as part of the Aging in Community Initiative. The initiative is a collaborative, one-year project with Lutheran Services in America, Thrivent and 14 Lutheran social ministry organizations selected from around the United States.

The main goal of the Aging in Community Initiative is to develop new, hybrid models that improve in-home, non-medical care for aging individuals and support for in-home caregivers. This will be accomplished through a process of networking, shared learning, and the merging of best practices by the participating organizations.

Lutheran Homes Society has been selected to work on the in-home, non-medical care portion of the initiative. “This grant will enable us to learn how similar Lutheran organizations provide non-medical care to the elderly who still live independently,” asserts Deb Damschroder, Executive Director of LHS Community Services.

Besides the learning opportunity the initiative offers, Ms. Damschroder adds that the grant will allow LHS Community Services to serve more low-income seniors through its Lutheran Interfaith Network of Caring Services (LINCS) program. LINCS connects seniors in the community with the services they need to stay independent.

“We also will be developing a volunteer component to our LINCS program by partnering with area Lutheran congregations,” Ms. Damschroder asserts. This volunteer base will be available to assist seniors with matters such as grocery shopping and transportation to doctors’ appointments.

Lutheran Homes Society provides social service coordination at no charge to seniors in the Toledo area. For more information on LINCS services, area residents can call 419-724-1525. LHS has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860. Today, more than 2,300 individuals located throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan benefit from the residential and community services offered by LHS.

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State Sen. Mark Wagoner and State Rep. Barbara R. Sears Visit Lutheran Homes Society

HOLLAND, Ohio, March 12, 2008 – State Sen. Mark Wagoner, 2^nd Senate District, and State Rep. Barbara R. Sears, District 46, recently visited Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek, 2001 Perrysburg-Holland Road, to tour the continuing care retirement community and meet residents.

The purpose of the visit was to learn about the issues Lutheran Homes Society and its extended care residents are facing. The legislators talked with residents and staff and learned about how Medicaid affects the lives of their constituency, specifically how the cost to cover care of residents is not fully covered under the current Medicaid system.

Sen. Wagoner requested that Lutheran Homes Society provide him with statistical data and other information relative to the Medicaid issue that will help them in their legislative duties. Rep. Barbara Sears commented to David Roberts, President/CEO of Lutheran Homes Society, that “I am looking forward to working with you on upcoming issues that affect your industry and the care and well-being of your residents.”

Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860. Today, more than 2,300 individuals located throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan benefit from the residential and community services offered by LHS.

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