Between 2010 and 2015, the number of seniors in New Hampshire is projected to double, increasing demand for assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities. There are currently 154 assisted living facilities and 11 continuing care retirement communities in NH that house seniors over 65. These facilities range in size and provide varying levels of care, from help with daily activities to 24-hour nursing care. The aging population is benefiting the economy through jobs and tax revenue generated by these facilities, though finding enough healthcare workers to meet rising demand is a challenge.
LRGHealthcare had a remarkable year in 2012, renewing its commitment to ensuring the healthcare needs of the community come first. It expanded clinical services and invested in new technology like robotic surgery. New programs included a weight management institute and walk-in convenience care. The report details LRGHealthcare's community benefit activities and investments that totaled over $35 million in 2012.
This local newspaper article summarizes news from the Woodmen Valley area in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It discusses the 50th anniversary celebration of Benet Hill Ministries, comments made by state representative Terri Carver about education testing and regulations, and a recent volunteer effort to improve trails at Ute Valley Park. It also profiles local resident Stephen Groves, who has been helping with earthquake relief efforts in Nepal.
The Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas Project 4 Victory program was recognized at a White House ceremony for its success in reducing recidivism. The program served nearly 400 previously incarcerated individuals in 2007, with over half obtaining employment and a 70% retention rate. Additionally, the Urban League's Disaster Housing Assistance Program will provide rental assistance and case management to over 900 families displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita through a $1.5 million HUD-FEMA grant.
After the closure of the Long Island Bridge forced the evacuation of a large women's recovery home, Victory Programs worked to restore lost recovery bed capacity. One year later, they have made progress but still need to raise funds to rehabilitate two properties into new women's recovery homes. The document discusses Victory Programs' history of serving vulnerable populations and their current efforts to rebuild after the disruption caused by the bridge closure.
The St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force announced that it has had over $1 million in economic impact by connecting consumers to mainstream financial services. The task force reported connecting 1,600 previously unbanked individuals to bank accounts, with a 96% retention rate. Its goal is to reach 20,000 households in two years through partnerships with banks and nonprofits. Treasurer Tishaura Jones spoke at the event announcing the task force's progress in bringing financial stability to St. Louis families.
VOAD held a seminar for Wayne business owners to discuss resources available for flooding disasters. The seminar addressed the difficulties businesses and homeowners faced after recent floods, including issues with insurance reimbursement. Speakers discussed the need for a long-term solution to the flooding problem like a proposed $2.8 billion flood tunnel project, and the importance of disaster preparedness through organizations like VOAD. Business owners expressed concerns that continued flooding could force many to relocate out of the area.
Three social studies teachers at the middle school worked on curriculum development during a professional development day while students had the day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hawkeye Community College is asking voters in 22 school districts to approve a $25 million bond to fund expansions and renovations at the college over the next 20 years. The bond would replace outdated facilities and allow the college to continue job training programs. If approved, the average homeowner would pay $1.10 more per month for every $100,000 of home value.
LRGHealthcare had a remarkable year in 2012, renewing its commitment to ensuring the healthcare needs of the community come first. It expanded clinical services and invested in new technology like robotic surgery. New programs included a weight management institute and walk-in convenience care. The report details LRGHealthcare's community benefit activities and investments that totaled over $35 million in 2012.
This local newspaper article summarizes news from the Woodmen Valley area in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It discusses the 50th anniversary celebration of Benet Hill Ministries, comments made by state representative Terri Carver about education testing and regulations, and a recent volunteer effort to improve trails at Ute Valley Park. It also profiles local resident Stephen Groves, who has been helping with earthquake relief efforts in Nepal.
The Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas Project 4 Victory program was recognized at a White House ceremony for its success in reducing recidivism. The program served nearly 400 previously incarcerated individuals in 2007, with over half obtaining employment and a 70% retention rate. Additionally, the Urban League's Disaster Housing Assistance Program will provide rental assistance and case management to over 900 families displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita through a $1.5 million HUD-FEMA grant.
After the closure of the Long Island Bridge forced the evacuation of a large women's recovery home, Victory Programs worked to restore lost recovery bed capacity. One year later, they have made progress but still need to raise funds to rehabilitate two properties into new women's recovery homes. The document discusses Victory Programs' history of serving vulnerable populations and their current efforts to rebuild after the disruption caused by the bridge closure.
The St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force announced that it has had over $1 million in economic impact by connecting consumers to mainstream financial services. The task force reported connecting 1,600 previously unbanked individuals to bank accounts, with a 96% retention rate. Its goal is to reach 20,000 households in two years through partnerships with banks and nonprofits. Treasurer Tishaura Jones spoke at the event announcing the task force's progress in bringing financial stability to St. Louis families.
VOAD held a seminar for Wayne business owners to discuss resources available for flooding disasters. The seminar addressed the difficulties businesses and homeowners faced after recent floods, including issues with insurance reimbursement. Speakers discussed the need for a long-term solution to the flooding problem like a proposed $2.8 billion flood tunnel project, and the importance of disaster preparedness through organizations like VOAD. Business owners expressed concerns that continued flooding could force many to relocate out of the area.
Three social studies teachers at the middle school worked on curriculum development during a professional development day while students had the day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hawkeye Community College is asking voters in 22 school districts to approve a $25 million bond to fund expansions and renovations at the college over the next 20 years. The bond would replace outdated facilities and allow the college to continue job training programs. If approved, the average homeowner would pay $1.10 more per month for every $100,000 of home value.
This document summarizes a study on perceptions of affordable housing in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The study found that 80.5% of survey respondents felt there was a need for more affordable housing. When asked about solutions, the most supported was having the county work with private developers to build more affordable units. The study also reviewed census data showing housing costs have become less affordable over time in Brunswick County as incomes have not kept up. It recommends establishing a housing task force to create a strategic plan to address the affordable housing need through various means like supporting affordable rental units and requiring a percentage of affordable units in new developments.
This document summarizes several stories from the Trinity Standard newspaper. It describes an adoptable dog named Sassy available from Paws of Trinity County animal shelter. It also summarizes the results of the 4-H shooting competition and cook-off, naming the winning teams. Finally, it provides a brief overview of items discussed at the Trinity County Commissioners Court meeting, including ambulance contracts, speed limit signs, and grant project updates.
We often think of health in terms of health care. But our communities—the places where we live, learn, work, and play—also have lasting impact on our health and well-being, as do the forces shaping these environments. So at TEDMED 2016, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) challenged Delegates to re-imagine our perception of health care.
This document discusses financial assistance programs available through the VA for veterans and their caregivers. It provides information on VA pension benefits that can help cover the costs of long-term care like nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These pensions, called Aid and Attendance or Housebound, provide up to $23,000 per year tax-free that can pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. Both professional caregivers and family caregivers may receive this financial assistance. The veteran does not need to receive care at a VA facility and can choose any provider that meets their needs.
Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corp. donated 10 tablet computers and $7,560 to the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County. The tablets will allow club directors to track student progress and be used for homework help. The funding will cover the cost of an additional afterschool counselor, allowing the club to increase capacity from 75 to 100 students. Gulf Chemical reached out to the Boys & Girls Club through United Way of Brazoria County to support education in the local community. The donation will help the club better serve students and allow more children to participate in quality afterschool programs.
Koda Living Community is a new 80-bed long term care facility being built in Owatonna, Minnesota as part of a continuum of care campus. It will provide home-like, specialized care for residents transitioning from the hospital back home or needing long term care. Steele County and Benedictine Health System formed Steele County Communities for a Lifetime to address the growing healthcare needs of the aging population in the area. While construction has begun, additional funding is needed to fully realize the vision of a supportive living community through specialized amenities and equipment at Koda Living Community.
Hearth, Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on ending elder homelessness. It operates housing and services programs for older adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Hearth partners with social service agencies and provides supportive housing, which combines affordable housing with health and social services. Supportive housing models have proven successful in helping vulnerable populations live stable lives. As the Massachusetts population ages over the next 20 years, issues like poverty, lack of affordable housing, and high living costs will continue to impact many older residents without adequate retirement or social security income. Hearth addresses these challenges through developing affordable housing communities that integrate services to support residents' well-being.
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) played a significant role in the racial segregation of neighborhoods and unequal access to mortgages in Kansas City and across the United States during much of the 20th century. The FHA promoted policies that encouraged racial segregation and made it difficult for Black families to purchase homes or obtain fair mortgage rates in many neighborhoods. Some key aspects of the FHA's involvement include:
- FHA underwriting manuals from the 1930s warned against making loans in neighborhoods with "inharmonious racial groups" and encouraged racial segregation. This directly contributed to the practice of redlining, where Black neighborhoods were marked as high-risk on maps.
- Loans were rarely given to Black families wanting to purchase
The cost of living in Brisbane, Australia is discussed. Brisbane has a population of over 2 million residents. There are approximately 544 schools in Brisbane, most being government schools but also Catholic, co-ed, and single-sex schools. Housing prices have increased significantly in recent years, with the median house price over $600,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from $300-500 per week. Groceries and dining out are generally more expensive than other Australian cities. Transportation includes buses, trains, ferries, and the city has invested in infrastructure like bike paths. Utilities are relatively expensive compared to other countries.
The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen in Trenton, NJ has expanded from serving sandwiches out of a car trunk in 1982 to feeding over 100,000 people annually through its main location and 7 satellite sites. It serves 3 meals a day, 7 days a week to the hungry and homeless in Trenton and surrounding areas regardless of ability to pay. While initially aimed at feeding the hungry rather than homeless, the soup kitchen now sees many homeless and those struggling with poverty, unemployment, addiction, and mental illness. It provides not just meals but social services, programs, and a community for patrons in need.
A iminente escassez dos trabalhadores da Assistência DomiciliarConexão Home Care
Why They Leave: Estudo americano publicado em fevereiro/12 revela os motivos da alta rotatividade dos profissionais de saúde que atuam com Home Care, em especial os técnicos de enfermagem.
Perception of Affordable Housing in Brunswick CountyOLIVIA DORSEY
This document provides a summary of a study on perceptions of affordable housing in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The study found that the majority (80.5%) of survey respondents believe there is a need for more affordable housing in the county. Common supported solutions included having the county work with the private sector to develop affordable housing (62.4%), having non-profits develop affordable housing (35.6%), and requiring a percentage of units in new developments be affordable (32.3%). The document notes that while Brunswick County is considered affluent, 15.7% of residents live in poverty. It recommends establishing a housing task force to create a strategic plan to develop more affordable housing options through various means like public-private partnerships
Lori Coyner (State Medicaid Director, Oregon Health Authority), Rachel Port (Public Policy Director, Central City Concern), Leslie Neugebauer (Director of Central Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, PacificSource), Pam Hester (Health and Housing Manager, CareOregon), and Josh Balloch (VP of Government Affairs and Health Policy, AllCare) present on Health as Housing at Neighborhood Partnerships' 2016 RE:Conference
The document summarizes a partnership between Hearth and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) to address the issue of elder homelessness through a national leadership initiative. The initiative aims to further national dialogue on elder homelessness, create an advisory committee to shape policy recommendations, develop a policy paper with goals and strategies, and convene officials and organizations. It outlines Hearth's supportive housing model and outcomes for residents, including improved health, life satisfaction, and lower costs compared to alternatives like shelters or institutions.
Your donations to United Way help create positive change for thousands in need through various partner organizations. A donation of $26 can provide meals for someone in transitional housing, childcare for a mother taking classes, or therapy for a substance abuse client. Your donations support programs that address basic needs, education, and employment to help people stand strong against poverty. United Way brings together donors, partners, and volunteers to invest in services with measurable results leading people to safer, more stable lives.
1) The document is an annual report from Community Renewal Team (CRT) that summarizes their programs and services from 2014. It discusses CRT's Jumpstart early education program that helped over 160 3-year-olds transition to preschool through a hybrid home and classroom model. 2) It also profiles CRT's youth employment programs that provided work experience and career counseling to over 200 high school students, helping them stay engaged in school and develop career goals. 3) The report highlights the many services CRT provides to over 114,000 people across the region, including housing, behavioral health, senior services, employment training, early education and more.
The document discusses the need for health system transformation in Ontario. It notes that over 50% of adults and 20% of youth are overweight, contributing to increased rates of diabetes and costs. It also discusses how people are making avoidable emergency department visits and being readmitted to hospitals shortly after discharge because they are not receiving proper follow-up care. The aging population is increasing health costs substantially. The document outlines plans to shift more procedures out of hospitals and into community clinics to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. TSH will re-evaluate its programs and services as part of this transformation while continuing to engage community partners.
This recruiting book for Wyoming Community Health Centers provides an overview of the wonderful career opportunities that await mission-minded individuals looking for a position that not only pays bills, but is personally fulfilling.
Larry Ellison of Oracle and Kurt Matsumoto of Pulama Lāna'i are developing 150 rental homes on Lāna'i island, with 49% being market rate and 51% being affordable housing. The development will include both affordable rental homes for those earning below the area median income, as well as market rate rentals and homes available for purchase. Affordable housing continues to be an important issue in Hawaii, where housing costs are among the highest in the nation and many workers cannot afford market rate housing costs even when working full time.
The document outlines a plan to end homelessness in Colorado Springs over 10 years. It identifies increasing access to emergency shelter, developing a day center offering services, expanding outreach programs, and increasing access to affordable housing as key goals. The plan calls for $5 million in funding over 2 years from sources like CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants. It establishes leadership roles and accountability measures like annual progress reports.
This document is National City's annual volunteer report. It summarizes the volunteer efforts of the company's 35,000 employees. In 2004, employees contributed over 271,000 hours of volunteer work, equivalent to 34,000 work days. The report highlights several employee-led volunteer initiatives focused on issues like breast cancer, poverty, education, and community revitalization. It also profiles several employees who excel at volunteer work, like Lisa Reichert who fundraises for cancer research and Kathi Moore who helps families purchase homes through Habitat for Humanity.
This document summarizes opportunities for healthcare professionals in Robson Valley, British Columbia. It highlights the scenic beauty and outdoor activities of the region. The Health Service Administrator enjoys the strong sense of community and investment in local healthcare. Robson Valley currently has an opening for a Manager of Patient Care Services and casual positions for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and care aides. The document also provides information on other Northern Health opportunities, including loan forgiveness programs and an employee reimbursement program.
This document summarizes a study on perceptions of affordable housing in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The study found that 80.5% of survey respondents felt there was a need for more affordable housing. When asked about solutions, the most supported was having the county work with private developers to build more affordable units. The study also reviewed census data showing housing costs have become less affordable over time in Brunswick County as incomes have not kept up. It recommends establishing a housing task force to create a strategic plan to address the affordable housing need through various means like supporting affordable rental units and requiring a percentage of affordable units in new developments.
This document summarizes several stories from the Trinity Standard newspaper. It describes an adoptable dog named Sassy available from Paws of Trinity County animal shelter. It also summarizes the results of the 4-H shooting competition and cook-off, naming the winning teams. Finally, it provides a brief overview of items discussed at the Trinity County Commissioners Court meeting, including ambulance contracts, speed limit signs, and grant project updates.
We often think of health in terms of health care. But our communities—the places where we live, learn, work, and play—also have lasting impact on our health and well-being, as do the forces shaping these environments. So at TEDMED 2016, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) challenged Delegates to re-imagine our perception of health care.
This document discusses financial assistance programs available through the VA for veterans and their caregivers. It provides information on VA pension benefits that can help cover the costs of long-term care like nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These pensions, called Aid and Attendance or Housebound, provide up to $23,000 per year tax-free that can pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. Both professional caregivers and family caregivers may receive this financial assistance. The veteran does not need to receive care at a VA facility and can choose any provider that meets their needs.
Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corp. donated 10 tablet computers and $7,560 to the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County. The tablets will allow club directors to track student progress and be used for homework help. The funding will cover the cost of an additional afterschool counselor, allowing the club to increase capacity from 75 to 100 students. Gulf Chemical reached out to the Boys & Girls Club through United Way of Brazoria County to support education in the local community. The donation will help the club better serve students and allow more children to participate in quality afterschool programs.
Koda Living Community is a new 80-bed long term care facility being built in Owatonna, Minnesota as part of a continuum of care campus. It will provide home-like, specialized care for residents transitioning from the hospital back home or needing long term care. Steele County and Benedictine Health System formed Steele County Communities for a Lifetime to address the growing healthcare needs of the aging population in the area. While construction has begun, additional funding is needed to fully realize the vision of a supportive living community through specialized amenities and equipment at Koda Living Community.
Hearth, Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on ending elder homelessness. It operates housing and services programs for older adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Hearth partners with social service agencies and provides supportive housing, which combines affordable housing with health and social services. Supportive housing models have proven successful in helping vulnerable populations live stable lives. As the Massachusetts population ages over the next 20 years, issues like poverty, lack of affordable housing, and high living costs will continue to impact many older residents without adequate retirement or social security income. Hearth addresses these challenges through developing affordable housing communities that integrate services to support residents' well-being.
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) played a significant role in the racial segregation of neighborhoods and unequal access to mortgages in Kansas City and across the United States during much of the 20th century. The FHA promoted policies that encouraged racial segregation and made it difficult for Black families to purchase homes or obtain fair mortgage rates in many neighborhoods. Some key aspects of the FHA's involvement include:
- FHA underwriting manuals from the 1930s warned against making loans in neighborhoods with "inharmonious racial groups" and encouraged racial segregation. This directly contributed to the practice of redlining, where Black neighborhoods were marked as high-risk on maps.
- Loans were rarely given to Black families wanting to purchase
The cost of living in Brisbane, Australia is discussed. Brisbane has a population of over 2 million residents. There are approximately 544 schools in Brisbane, most being government schools but also Catholic, co-ed, and single-sex schools. Housing prices have increased significantly in recent years, with the median house price over $600,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from $300-500 per week. Groceries and dining out are generally more expensive than other Australian cities. Transportation includes buses, trains, ferries, and the city has invested in infrastructure like bike paths. Utilities are relatively expensive compared to other countries.
The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen in Trenton, NJ has expanded from serving sandwiches out of a car trunk in 1982 to feeding over 100,000 people annually through its main location and 7 satellite sites. It serves 3 meals a day, 7 days a week to the hungry and homeless in Trenton and surrounding areas regardless of ability to pay. While initially aimed at feeding the hungry rather than homeless, the soup kitchen now sees many homeless and those struggling with poverty, unemployment, addiction, and mental illness. It provides not just meals but social services, programs, and a community for patrons in need.
A iminente escassez dos trabalhadores da Assistência DomiciliarConexão Home Care
Why They Leave: Estudo americano publicado em fevereiro/12 revela os motivos da alta rotatividade dos profissionais de saúde que atuam com Home Care, em especial os técnicos de enfermagem.
Perception of Affordable Housing in Brunswick CountyOLIVIA DORSEY
This document provides a summary of a study on perceptions of affordable housing in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The study found that the majority (80.5%) of survey respondents believe there is a need for more affordable housing in the county. Common supported solutions included having the county work with the private sector to develop affordable housing (62.4%), having non-profits develop affordable housing (35.6%), and requiring a percentage of units in new developments be affordable (32.3%). The document notes that while Brunswick County is considered affluent, 15.7% of residents live in poverty. It recommends establishing a housing task force to create a strategic plan to develop more affordable housing options through various means like public-private partnerships
Lori Coyner (State Medicaid Director, Oregon Health Authority), Rachel Port (Public Policy Director, Central City Concern), Leslie Neugebauer (Director of Central Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, PacificSource), Pam Hester (Health and Housing Manager, CareOregon), and Josh Balloch (VP of Government Affairs and Health Policy, AllCare) present on Health as Housing at Neighborhood Partnerships' 2016 RE:Conference
The document summarizes a partnership between Hearth and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) to address the issue of elder homelessness through a national leadership initiative. The initiative aims to further national dialogue on elder homelessness, create an advisory committee to shape policy recommendations, develop a policy paper with goals and strategies, and convene officials and organizations. It outlines Hearth's supportive housing model and outcomes for residents, including improved health, life satisfaction, and lower costs compared to alternatives like shelters or institutions.
Your donations to United Way help create positive change for thousands in need through various partner organizations. A donation of $26 can provide meals for someone in transitional housing, childcare for a mother taking classes, or therapy for a substance abuse client. Your donations support programs that address basic needs, education, and employment to help people stand strong against poverty. United Way brings together donors, partners, and volunteers to invest in services with measurable results leading people to safer, more stable lives.
1) The document is an annual report from Community Renewal Team (CRT) that summarizes their programs and services from 2014. It discusses CRT's Jumpstart early education program that helped over 160 3-year-olds transition to preschool through a hybrid home and classroom model. 2) It also profiles CRT's youth employment programs that provided work experience and career counseling to over 200 high school students, helping them stay engaged in school and develop career goals. 3) The report highlights the many services CRT provides to over 114,000 people across the region, including housing, behavioral health, senior services, employment training, early education and more.
The document discusses the need for health system transformation in Ontario. It notes that over 50% of adults and 20% of youth are overweight, contributing to increased rates of diabetes and costs. It also discusses how people are making avoidable emergency department visits and being readmitted to hospitals shortly after discharge because they are not receiving proper follow-up care. The aging population is increasing health costs substantially. The document outlines plans to shift more procedures out of hospitals and into community clinics to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. TSH will re-evaluate its programs and services as part of this transformation while continuing to engage community partners.
This recruiting book for Wyoming Community Health Centers provides an overview of the wonderful career opportunities that await mission-minded individuals looking for a position that not only pays bills, but is personally fulfilling.
Larry Ellison of Oracle and Kurt Matsumoto of Pulama Lāna'i are developing 150 rental homes on Lāna'i island, with 49% being market rate and 51% being affordable housing. The development will include both affordable rental homes for those earning below the area median income, as well as market rate rentals and homes available for purchase. Affordable housing continues to be an important issue in Hawaii, where housing costs are among the highest in the nation and many workers cannot afford market rate housing costs even when working full time.
The document outlines a plan to end homelessness in Colorado Springs over 10 years. It identifies increasing access to emergency shelter, developing a day center offering services, expanding outreach programs, and increasing access to affordable housing as key goals. The plan calls for $5 million in funding over 2 years from sources like CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants. It establishes leadership roles and accountability measures like annual progress reports.
This document is National City's annual volunteer report. It summarizes the volunteer efforts of the company's 35,000 employees. In 2004, employees contributed over 271,000 hours of volunteer work, equivalent to 34,000 work days. The report highlights several employee-led volunteer initiatives focused on issues like breast cancer, poverty, education, and community revitalization. It also profiles several employees who excel at volunteer work, like Lisa Reichert who fundraises for cancer research and Kathi Moore who helps families purchase homes through Habitat for Humanity.
This document summarizes opportunities for healthcare professionals in Robson Valley, British Columbia. It highlights the scenic beauty and outdoor activities of the region. The Health Service Administrator enjoys the strong sense of community and investment in local healthcare. Robson Valley currently has an opening for a Manager of Patient Care Services and casual positions for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and care aides. The document also provides information on other Northern Health opportunities, including loan forgiveness programs and an employee reimbursement program.
This document provides information about three programs that received the 2015 AHA NOVA Award for improving community health. The first summary describes a partnership between United Global Outreach and Florida Hospital in Orlando to transform the poor community of Bithlo, Florida through initiatives like a medical village, affordable housing, and improved infrastructure. The second summary discusses the Mayor's Healthy City Initiative in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a collaboration of over 70 organizations focused on issues like obesity, HIV, and emergency department overuse. The third summary outlines Presbyterian Healthcare Services' program in Albuquerque, New Mexico to address food insecurity and related health issues in the rural South Valley region through initiatives improving access to healthy, affordable food.
This annual report summarizes Acclaim Health's activities and impact from 2015-2016. Some key points:
1) Acclaim Health served over 23,000 clients each year, a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the growing needs of an aging population.
2) New technologies like mobile apps and quality improvement initiatives helped Acclaim Health provide more efficient and personalized care while achieving high client satisfaction rates.
3) Partnerships with other organizations were crucial to help meet the increased demand for services and support clients with complex needs.
4) Acclaim Health's donors, volunteers, and dedicated staff were highlighted as enabling the organization to rise to the challenges of the past year and expand programs to more communities in
Good for seniors, good for us (july 2013)Barclay2014
The document discusses issues facing seniors in Vancouver including affordable housing and maintaining independence. It interviews Eric Kowalski, executive director of the West End Seniors Network, who says that as the population ages, more funding and support is needed for seniors to live in their own homes and communities. Small increases in costs like rent over time can make a big difference to seniors on a fixed income. More affordable housing options and community services that allow seniors to age in place are important both for individual seniors and for reducing healthcare costs.
1. November 2014
Between 2010 and 2015, the number of seniors living in New Hampshire is on
track to double, increasing the demand for assisted living facilities and
continuing care retirement communities, says Bill Ray, managing director of
policy planning and communications of the NH Housing Finance Authority
(NHHFA).
In NH, 154 assisted living facilities and eleven continuing care retirement
communities currently offer housing for seniors, usually those over the age of
65. These facilities range in size from small mom-and-pop homes with only a
few beds, to national companies like Genesis HealthCare that also specialize in
the nursing home industry.
Residents in assisted living facilities pay monthly fees to receive help with daily
living activities, such as bathing, grooming or simply getting around. They also
receive medical attention without the 24-hour skilled nursing found in nursing
homes.
In continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), residents join when they
can live independently and, in addition to a monthly cost, pay an entrance fee
1
by
SHERYL RICH-KERN
Between Home and the Nursing Home
Between 2010 and 2015, the number of seniors living in New Hampshire is on
track to double. Where will they want to live?
2. November 2014
that guarantees a spectrum of care, from assisted living through skilled nursing
care. This guarantee acts as an insurance contract, and as such, the state’s
department of insurance licenses it.
Aging Economics
Nationally, 1,926 CCRCs dot the country with 676,000 residents. The majority
—80 percent—are nonprofits. And 75 percent of these nonprofits are faith-
based organizations. In NH, all of the CCRCs are nonprofits and three of the
11 have religious affiliations.
During the 2008 recession, CCRCs and other retirement developments
struggled with vacancies, says Lisa McKracken, a senior living research analyst
at Ziegler, a Chicago-based investment bank. But the industry is coming out of
its slump, she says, especially with more CCRCs offering more flexible
contracts and a wider variety of living arrangements.
RiverWoods at Exeter is a prime example. With 620 residents, the three-
campus community on 200 acres is 98.5 percent occupied, its highest rate in a
decade, says Cathleen Toomey, vice president of marketing.
RiverWoods has doubled in size since opening in 1994. The spike in residents
doesn’t surprise McKracken. “We’re right in the middle of the age wave,” she
says, with 19 percent of the population expected to be over the age of 65 by
2030.
That’s also good news for communities with CCRCs.
RiverWoods generates $1.45 million in taxes for the town or Exeter and
employs 493 full- and part-time workers. RiverWoods pays out $14.53 million in
wages, half of its operating budget. Plus, it stimulates commerce for companies
that service the property, from construction workers to food suppliers.
According to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, the number
of assisted living facilities has risen by only 10 percent in the last nine years,
from 139 in 2005 to 154 today. The bigger push is in the recruitment of direct
care workers, says John Poirier, president of the NH Health Care Association
(NHHCA). Employers, which include short-term nursing homes as well as
long-term assisted living residences, are hiring nurses’ aides, LPNs and RPNs,
managers, housekeepers and grounds maintenance keepers. Statewide, the
industry employs 7,500, paying out more than $120 million in wages each year.
Benchmark Assisted Living, which operates four assisted living facilities in NH,
employs more than 400 in the Granite State, a number that’s increased as
much as 50 percent in the last five years. “We’re caring for more residents with
2
In NH, all of the
CCRCs are
nonprofits.
3. November 2014
more needs than perhaps we were 10 years ago,” as people arrive older and
frailer, says Christen Bergeron, Benchmark’s regional director of operations.
The company spends close to $8 million on salaries.
Resident care associates are the biggest share of its employee roster, but
Bergeron says the company relies heavily on other positions and encourages
promotions from within. For example, Heidi Cole joined Benchmark in 2000
as a part-time receptionist at the Birches in Concord. By leveraging the
leadership training, tuition reimbursement and in-house courses, she stepped
up the management ladder several times and now serves as traditional care
director at Nashua Crossings.
Arthur O’Leary, vice president of operations for Genesis Health Care in NH,
says the Pennsylvania-based organization runs more than 400 skilled nursing
centers and senior living communities nationwide and provides jobs to more
than 4,000 in the Granite State.
Genesis is one of the state’s largest employers with 30 facilities, of which 22 are
nursing homes. The other eight are assisted living homes Genesis Health Care
acquired. And its employment needs outstrip supply. The challenge, O’Leary
explains, stems mostly from a lack of masters-level nursing instructors in the
schools. He also says eldercare environments compete for staff with fast-paced
emergency room or ICU departments. “I could hire 20 nurses today if they
walked through the door,” says O’Leary.
Older nurses are retiring and younger nurses are not replacing them. Nursing
aides, who do the bulk of personal care—such has bathing and dressing—are
often older women. “We’re a training site for a lot of nursing programs,” says
O’Leary. And once in a while when young students do rotation shifts with
elders, they realize the emotional rewards, he says.
To service the 360 residents at the Hunt Community and the Huntington, both
CCRCs in Nashua, parent organization Hunt Senior Living (HSL) requires a
cadre of 300 full and part-time employees. And since both campuses are a
stone’s throw from large retail centers, local merchants draw from a network of
consumers from these organizations. Teachers and civic leaders also benefit
from the resources that seniors with time on their hands provide. For example,
HSL residents read to elementary school children and retired engineers
participate in science fairs.
For the most part, CCRCs benefit seniors with deep pockets. A national survey
in 2009 by the American Seniors Housing Association identified typical
entrance-fee CCRC residents as earning more than $50,000 a year, with an
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average age of 81, likely to be widowed and significantly more likely than the
average population to have a college degree. Almost all received at least
$100,000 from the sale of their home.
It’s not a stretch for some NH seniors to qualify for these CCRCs. In NH, 30
percent of homeowners don’t have a mortgage, and the majority of these are
older adults, says Bill Ray of the NHHFA.
Where for Art Though, Romeo?
Among those opting for a CCRC are Dick and Barbara Tompkins, formerly of
Rye. Dick Tompkins jokes that he’s one of the “Romeos”—or Retired Old Men
Eating Out—who dines with friends every Thursday. A retired military officer,
he keeps a steady pace other days of the week by volunteering at a nursing
home, collecting medical equipment for developing countries and greeting
troops as they pass through the Pease International Airport.
When his wife gave him marching orders to get off the roof of his 1960s Cape,
the time seemed right for these feisty octogenarians to halve the size of their
living space. The Tompkins sold their three-bedroom home for $399,000,
giving them more than enough cash for the $341,000 entrance fee, which is 50
percent refundable to their estate.
The Tompkins pay $4,900 a month for a one-bedroom at The Woods (the
original campus of RiverWoods at Exeter), a price that eclipses most apartment
rentals. However, the fee also gives them access to the fitness center, spa,
library, music room, at least one meal a day, all utilities, campus shuttles, arts
and education programs, as well as assisted living and skilled nursing when and
if they need it.
Competing for Seniors
Bill Ray of the NHHFA says people in their 60s may grow weary of mowing
lawns and clearing icy driveways, but with the large properties they currently
own, along with “the kayak, the motorcycle, the two cars,” most aren’t ready to
surrender a lifetime of possessions.
In fact, in a recent AARP survey, 95 percent of NH residents say they want to
remain in their homes as they age. But at the same time, disabilities associated
with growing older may require them to seek health-related services.
To prepare for the boomers who will reach their mid-70s in the next 10 years
and want to age in place, RiverWoods and other CCRCs are designing spacious
cottages on bucolic grounds, creating a landscape that’s anything but
institutional looking. The construction of 2,000-square-foot cottages with
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hardwood floors and a walkout basement was the lure that convinced Janet
Brown, a relatively young senior at age 75, to move with her husband from their
cavernous home in Rye to the Huntington CCRC in south Nashua. “It was an
easier downsizing,” says Brown. “We had always had property and privacy.”
The Browns paid a 90-percent refundable $620,000 entrance fee and pay
$6,500 monthly. Deborah Riddell, CEO at Hunt Senior Living, which
oversees the Huntington and the Hunt Community, says these fees are at the
high end of the spectrum for this CCRC. Yet, at the Huntington, the larger
accommodations are the more popular.
That demand signals that the economy is improving, says Riddell. “Yet people
are still cautious.”
While the Huntington guarantees a plan for life, the Hunt Community offers a
fee-for-service version of assisted living or nursing care that is 30 or 40 percent
less than current market rates. And its entrance fees are less expensive, with
fees starting at $109,000.
Continuing Care at Home
To differentiate itself in the marketplace, Hunt Senior Living is offering a third
option that is the first of its kind in New England. Called “Hunt at Home,” it is
a plan for older adults that guarantees the health services seniors would receive
in a continuing care retirement community without having to move there.
Riddell explains those most interested are headstrong about receiving care at
home, and not at an assisted living or a nursing home. And most likely, she
laughs, “they have a social network as it is — or they don’t want a social
network. They’re true loners.”
But should Hunt at Home members want it, the outlet of a CCRC is nearby.
They can exercise in the gym, participate in some of the trips, or attend Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute classes around the state.
While only 30 people have signed up so far, Riddell hopes to grow the
membership to 80 or 120.
“It’s a tough sell,” says Riddell, “because you’re not selling bricks and mortar.”
The continuing care at-home (CCaH) model is an insurance product like the
other continuing care plans. Fees vary widely, with the actuarial rates
dependent on the applicants’ age and health.
Around 17 continuing care at-home (CCaH) models exist in the country, and
many more are in development. According to Leading Age, an industry
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association, they present a growing opportunity for CCRCs to spread out
administrative costs for shared services.
Assisted Living Facilities
Perhaps the largest generation on the cusp of retiring is also one of the most
selective in wanting surroundings that blend with nature, provide light-filled
spaces and feature energy-conserving elements.
That proclivity propels architects of these senior living homes to create
sustainable designs like the LEED-certified building at Bedford Falls, which
opened in 2012 and coincidentally bears the same name as the fictional utopia
from the 1940s classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
It is part of the 50 communities in six New England states operated by
Benchmark Assisted Living, headquartered in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The
$390 million company entered the NH market in 2000 with Greystone Farm at
Salem and the Birches at Concord, with the latter designed exclusively for
residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory
impairment. The for-profit Benchmark also has a location in Nashua and, in
total, serves 325 residents, contributing more than $650,000 in property taxes.
The demand for assisted living in NH is on an upswing, Bergeron says,
particularly as the concept gains acceptance and more facilities manage care for
family members who are gradually losing some of their intellectual functions.
While the majority of seniors say they want to stay in their homes as long as
possible, a new survey by the National Council on Aging revealed that 48
percent say they would consider moving to an assisted living facility if they
could no longer live independently.
Bergeron says she is also seeing a rise in the number of couples entering homes
where only one spouse is presenting signs of dementia, but want a facility that
oversees the social and personal needs of both.
Those who do make the transition to assisted living will do so without
government aid, shelling out an average monthly starting fee of $4,000.
Bergeron says most of the funds come from the seniors’ estates, and in the last
decade, she says more people are leveraging their long-term care insurance to
foot at least half the bill.
BNH
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