Highlights
APRIL 2000 - VOL. 8, NO. 1
The following are the articles that ran in the above issue of Highlights. This corporate newsletter provides news about Lutheran Homes of Michigan and related services.
Articles in this issue (just click on the article you'd like to see):
- Lutheran Homes of Michigan
Annual Meeting
- LHM Benefits from Lutheran
Brotherhood Funds
- Music Links the Generations
- Livonia to Celebrate Nursing
Home Week
- News from Monroe Ladies Guild
- Frankenmuth Auxiliary
Hosts TV Anchorman
- Update from the Frankenmuth Home
- Home Care Celebrates 7th Anniversary
- May is Older Americans Month
- Welcome New Members
- Coming Events
Letter from the CEO/President
Dear Friends of Lutheran Homes of Michigan:
The 21st Century arrived with a whimper. Doomsayers were hushed; revelers were enthused; and Y2K bugs were apparently exterminated. Nevertheless, the future has arrived.
For decades, futurists' pointed to the 21st century with predictions of how life would be in the 2000's. In 1900, a group of prognosticators convened and predicted that with the influence of the industrial age upon them, by the time the year 2000 rolled around, the work week would be at 30 hours. Also, Americans would be enjoying the benefits of leisure time produced by working smarter, not harder! While their predictions of technology and efficiency were far exceeded, the application of that benefit to society has erred. Americans are working longer and harder, faster and quicker.
Now it is my turn to predict, although I will stick to what I know best, the future of aging services in the next 20 to 30 years. Demographically, we are on the cusp of an aging boom like never before. Baby boomers begin to turn 65 in the next five to 10 years, and over the next 30 years will increase the 65+ population by more than 30 million. The elderly, as a percentage of the overall population, will increase from 12 percent today to more than 22 percent in that same period. The 85+ age group will grow at an even faster rate, increasing 355 percent over the next 50 years! These really are not predictions; they are statistical facts.
During this period, we also know that more senior care services will be provided in the community; either in the home of private citizens or in adult day care settings. We further know that assisted living arrangements and senior housing will grow significantly, and that nursing home care will decrease in relation to overall senior care and services. Most important, we know that seniors and their families welcome these changes, wanting to stay in their homes and communities as long as they possibly can.
Technology and cutting edge clinical care will allow for this. Nursing homes of today are taking care of folks who, 10 and 15 years ago, were hospitalized. Home care services are now able to provide a high degree of clinical skills and rehabilitation right in the home. This century, working smarter with technology and medical advances in geriatrics will allow this trend to continue.
What does all this mean for Lutheran Homes of Michigan? Where do we fit into this new way of thinking and delivering care? Our home care agency and home hospice programs put us at the forefront of senior care providers, giving us skills and organizational competence on which to build. Our strong nursing home programs and services will continue to be in demand. These, coupled with planned growth in the area of assisted living, senior housing, and community-based services will keep Lutheran Homes of Michigan a premier provider of senior care well into the next century.
Your Board of Directors and staff are already hard at work bringing this future to reality. Planning is underway to strengthen our capacity for growth, to build upon the strength of our present, and to implement growth plans that will serve the seniors of Michigan for decades to come.
Our May 13, 2000 Annual Membership Meeting (see related article) will be a showcase of the future. There, participants will hear the planning steps underway. They will learn of the exciting plans for the future and the role of the member congregations in the expansion of this ministry. We will discuss the trends in the field, the government's plan to fund these endeavors, and challenge our collective thinking regarding new programs and services.
Good and proper planning is invaluable in today's changing world. However, we must realize that no matter what the future brings, Lutheran Homes clings to one constant; the saving love of Jesus Christ that commands and motivates us to care for the elderly and their families. In doing so, we become the serving hands and feet of Him, touching lives in a very real way.
We truly appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry. I hope to see you on May 13th.
In His service and yours,
David M. Gehm, President and CEO
Lutheran Homes of Michigan Annual Meeting
When: Saturday, May 13, 2000, 9 a.m. Where: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI Purpose: To unveil plans for the future of LHM To elect members to the Board of DirectorsAnyone interested in the ministry of Lutheran Homes is invited to attend.
For reservations, please send the following information to the address listed below. Alternatively, you may e-mail the information to jfields@lhminc.org.
LUTHERAN HOMES OF MICHIGAN, INC. 9710 JUNCTION RD. P.O. BOX 329 FRANKENMUTH, MI 48734I plan to attend the Annual Meeting of Lutheran Homes of Michigan, Inc. on Saturday, May 13, 2000, 9 a.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI.
Please make complimentary luncheon reservations for _____ persons.
Name___________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________________
Street Address_______________________________________________
City_____________________State_____________ Zip______________
LHM Benefits from Lutheran Brotherhood Funds
Lutheran Homes of Michigan recently received $5,155 from the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation through the Matching Gift program. The latest payment matches 49 gifts from Lutheran Brotherhood members made during the 1999 annual fund-raising cycle.
Lutheran Brotherhood's Lutheran Social Ministry Matching Gift Grant program matches members' gifts of $25 to $100 per year to Lutheran social ministry organizations nationwide.
Since the beginning of the Lutheran Social Ministry Matching Gift program in 1994, Lutheran Homes of Michigan has received $9,655. During that same period, Lutheran Brotherhood has allocated almost $1.7 million on behalf of the more than 100 participating Lutheran social ministry organizations.
Lutheran Homes is grateful to our donors and to Lutheran Brotherhood for helping us to provide Christian care to the elderly.
Music Links the Generations
Sara Kopmanis has a real following of residents at the Lutheran Home - Monroe. Once a month she joyfully entertains them, dressed in her full German attire, by playing the accordion. She brings a variety of hand-held instruments, which the residents use to accompany her as they express themselves in rhythm and dance.
Sara performs with all residents. She gives special attention to those with dementia. Other residents participate both in playing the instruments and reminiscing of attending dances and playing instruments in bygone days. Employees and family members join in as well, clapping and swinging to the tunes.
In March, a school of special needs students will visit the Home to participate with Sara and the residents. This should prove to be a grand reward for all involved, as music links the generations.
Livonia to Celebrate Nursing Home Week
This year the Lutheran Home - Livonia will celebrate Nursing Home Week May 13 - 18. Their activities will encompass the theme "Stars Among Us: A Celebration of Age."
Beginning May 13 the residents will kick-off Nursing Home Week with a "Senior Swing," an intergenerational event encompassing music, games, dancing, and refreshments. Other theme days include a day of games with a carnival atmosphere, Western day, "Puttin on the Ritz," and a Disney day. Staff, families, and volunteers will be included with all events.
News from Monroe Ladies Guild
The Lutheran Home Monroe Ladies Guild held a luncheon and card party March 1. The next regular meeting of the Guild was March 29 at 1 p.m. at the Lutheran Home. Mary Ann Pinter gave the devotion. The hostesses were Thelma Dietrick, Claribel Kamprath and Irene Kurtz.
Newly elected officers for the year 2000 are:
Ann Stanifer, President
Nelda Hanson, Vice-President
Lela Zink, Secretary
Bonnie Kregel, Treasurer
Marie Nolan celebrated her 100th birthday on December 21st. Esther Eipperle celebrated her 95th birthday on January 6. Her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Clayton Dick, provided refreshments for her family, friends and many of the residents.
Frankenmuth Auxiliary Hosts TV Anchorman
Mike Redford, TV25 News anchorman spoke at the January meeting of the Auxiliary. He gave an inside view of how the news is gathered and presented.
The Auxiliary recently purchased a Maxilift for the Home. This equipment assists the nurses and aides in transferring residents.
The spring meeting of the Auxiliary will be April 24 at the Home. Valarie Thompson, Midland, will be the guest speaker. Valarie is the Ministry Coordinator for Russian Orphans Lighthouse Project. There will be a bake and bake-less sale.
Update from the Frankenmuth Home
Three cats have joined the facility. Sam, Calvin and Fritz have grown to be the center of attention to residents, staff and visitors alike. Fritz is the most recent addition and lives on the main floor along with Calvin, while Sam is busy earning his keep on the second floor.
These animals are part of the Eden Alternatives project in this facility. If you have any questions about this project, please contact us.
A special thank you goes out to the family and friends of Estelle Sigelko and the Frankenmuth Auxiliary for making it possible to purchase new resident room signs. These memorial gifts and contributions made it possible to purchase signs for each room of the facility. The signs are placed next to the doorway of each resident's room and include a recent picture of the resident, for easy identification.
We continue to be blessed with donations for our Christian Art Fund. We receive many wonderful compliments about the special line of art purchased from the P. Graham Dunn Company of Ohio. The pieces are carved from cherry and oak wood. The newest addition will be a portrayal of the Last Supper. Other pieces include the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the 23rd Psalm and various scriptural plaques.
The Resident Sewing Circle recently purchased a computerized sewing machine. Resident Lillian Fillinger helped choose this sewing machine and took lessons to learn how to use it. Among the items being sewn are baby quilts, aprons and vests to sell at the annual Spring Bazaar in April.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we strive for outstanding Christian care for our residents.
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming the Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him. -- Psalm 92:14,15
Caring, One Patient at a Time
HOME CARE Celebrates 7th Anniversary
The year 2000 marks seven years of service by Lutheran HOME CARE Agency staff to over 2000 patients and their families in the Saginaw Valley and Thumb area. Its mission, to respond to the home care needs of people in the Saginaw, Bay, Tuscola, Genesee and Sanilac counties, has prompted the expansion of "Christ-centered" care through an array of services.
The certified home health division began providing skilled nursing, therapy, social work, nutritional and personal care services in 1992, becoming certified in 1993. People who are recovering from surgery, an acute illness, or exacerbation of a chronic illness receive these services to promote healing and independence.
Many regulatory and reimbursement changes in this area of home care have posed challenges to those providing home care. Over 100 Michigan agencies have closed during recent months. Determined to continue to keep these services available, LHCA staff have worked hard to survive and thrive.
In 1996, the Private Duty division's doors opened to offer patients individualized assistance needed to safely remain at home. Personal care, medication assistance, light housekeeping, companionship, meal preparation, and transportation and care management are the most commonly used services.
Now one year old, the Hospice of Hope division has provided care and support to over 30 people living with terminal illnesses. Hope, comfort and relief are the goals for each patient and their family. Approaches of skilled nursing, pain and symptom management, personal care, homemaking, pastoral care, counseling, companionship, medical equipment and supplies are offered and provided based on the person's needs and desires. These approaches allow each family to be free to enjoy the remaining time they have together.
The staff of the Lutheran Home Care Agency is truly blessed to serve the people of our communities, realizing with gratitude, that if it weren't for the trust and backing of Lutheran Homes of Michigan, we would not exist. We look forward to continued opportunities to provide "Christian care for loved ones," and are committed to responding to community needs for home care.
May is Older Americans Month
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) and its members celebrate May as Older Americans Month. Each year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed this month a special time for older Americans.
This year AAHSA has adopted the theme, Stars Among Us: A Celebration of Age.
Our Lutheran Homes facilities are planning special activities during the month of May for residents and to recognize the work of staff.
The mayor of Monroe, Alan Cappuccilli, will address residents, staff and family members during the dinner hour on Wednesday, May 17. He will highlight the present strengths of the community and how those strengths correlate to existing and future foundations our residents and staff establish.
Other planned events at the Monroe Home include a presentation by Mrs. Clemens Gruber, well known in Michigan, the community and Trinity Lutheran Church for her many years of service and faithfulness to the Lord. Her presentation is entitled, "The Body of Christ."
Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson, former Miss America and current Director of Hospice will offer a presentation for the Lutheran Caregivers. She will stress the importance of every caregiver and the impact of the services provided by each individual. The dates and times of these two events will be announced at a later date.
Welcome New Members
We are pleased to announce the addition of Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church, Detroit and Christ Lutheran Church, Stevensville as Members of Lutheran Homes of Michigan, Inc. Our Membership now consists of 74 Congregations.
Coming Events
May 13, 2000 - (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. Annual Meeting of Members St. Matthew, Walled LakeJuly 14, 2000 (Friday) Annual Golf Outing Cracklewood Golf Course Macomb
Lutheran Homes Sunday September 24, 2000