Even today, people still cling to outdated perceptions of retirement communities as disheartening institutions where seniors are forced to follow a regimen of limited activities in a dreary setting. But that’s not what the modern Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is about.
At Episcopal Retirement Homes, our mission is to enrich the lives of older adults in a person-centered, innovative and spiritually based way. We’re a not-for-profit organization, so our only commitment is to the seniors we serve. We want to see older adults maintain their lifestyle and continue to live with dignity.
We Have What the Institutions Are Missing
Episcopal Retirement Homes was the first retirement services organization in Cincinnati to implement the Person-Centered Care philosophy throughout our skilled nursing centers. Unlike at an institutional nursing home, we encourage our residents to make their own choices and to approach each day on their own terms rather than follow a regimented schedule.
“This provides the same sense of independence the residents would experience in their own home,” says Chief Executive Officer Doug Spitler.
Skilled-nursing at Lee Gardens at Marjorie P. Lee and Duepree Cottages on the campus of the Deupree House provide residents with the highest level of care— ranking among the top in the country. We actively subvert the image of the dreary nursing home. In fact, the innovative design, architectural features, and non-traditional Person-Centered Care approach at the Deupree Cottages saw us recognized in the 2012 book, Design for Aging: International Case Studies of Building and Program, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dignity and Independence at All Levels
Our premier communities at Marjorie P. Lee and Deupree House sets a gold standard for retirement living.
“Think of us as a luxury resort, college campus, and summer camp all in one,” says Ken Paley, Vice President of Marketing. “The staff doesn’t think of the residents as living in their buildings, but rather they believe they are working in the residents’ homes.”
We strive to bring dignity and independence to adults at all levels. Our affordable retirement communities cater to independent older adults with limited financial resources. Residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, along with amenities and services including transportation, gardening, laundry facilities, and chaplaincy services— amenities found in few retirement communities for low-income seniors.
“We provide an affordable place for older adults to live with dignity,” says Kathy Ison-Lind, Vice President of Affordable Living and In-home Services. “These are deserving individuals who have worked hard their entire lives. These are former firefighters, teachers, and other worthy individuals who may have fallen on hard times or weren’t able to save a lot of money.”
Episcopal Retirement Homes is dedicated to helping older adults remain independent longer and live with dignity. Both in and out of our communities.
ERH in the Community
Over the years, we’ve had a role in implementing a variety of community outreach services for seniors in southern Ohio and the Greater Cincinnati area. Every day, the kitchen at Deupree House provides nutritious meals to homebound seniors through the Meals-on-Wheels Program. Last year, our volunteers and staff delivered 79,000 meals to older adults in eastern Cincinnati.
“It has been simply wonderful,” says Katherine Riley, a meals on wheels recipient. “I enjoy the visits and am thankful for what they do. I call them ‘angels on wheels’ because these are volunteers. The whole program is really great. It’s what keeps me going!”
But we do more than serve hot meals. Our geriatric care management program, Living Well Senior Solutions, helps meet other vital in-home needs. Our network of trusted care providers and skilled professionals do everything from accompany seniors on doctor’s visits to assist with housework and pet care.
“We are there when family members can’t be,” Ison-Lind says. “We’re experts in guiding seniors and their families through the difficult and complicated transition process when they are discharged from a hospital or need to change their living situation.”
The Parish Health Ministry allows us to extend our health and wellness services throughout southern Ohio. In coordination with over 75 churches, the Ministry offers a variety of programs and services like diabetes screenings and blood pressure checks.
