1st Quarter 2016                   

Michigan can be a cold location in January for a Grand Opening of Green House homes, but it was certainly warm and welcoming on the inside!  These two homes were developed by Kalkaska Memorial Health Center.  The festivities included a number of leaders from the area, along with Elders, families, staff and members of the press.  Lela, an elder moving into one of the homes attended the special Grand Opening event with special anticipation.  She had started the countdown to her move 191 days earlier and was most excited about her new home.   This organization is not new to culture change having been an Eden certified home for 15 years, however the opening of the skilled nursing Green House homes takes their journey to a whole new level!  They opened the first home to 10 elders on January 14th and the second will open soon once the licensing process is completed.

Click below to read more about this project and take a look at all the other projects that are slated to open in 2016!
   
The Green House model "goes to the idea that regardless of age people still have a chance to have a meaningful life where they can experience joy and create value," Scott Brown, Director of Outreach, The Green House Project says.  In a recent article Kiplinger Retirement News editor, Susan Garland, visits two Green House organizations, Leonard Florence Center for Living and Eddy Village Green and shares her experience with this innovative model:

It's a common refrain that adult children hear from their parents: "No matter what, promise that you'll never put me in a nursing home." These seniors obviously have not visited a Green House, a unique alternative to the traditional nursing facility.


Jeff Shireman, President and CEO of Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, shared the following story and video:

At  Lebanon Valley Brethren Home  we believe in empowering our elders and providing innovative ways to care for their needs both in mind, body and spirit. This video is the story about our  Green House homes , which are designed to serve those who need the highest level of nursing care.

We decided to tell our story by video for a few different reasons.  First and foremost, we wanted to create a clear and visual way to describe The Green House model to prospective elders and their families.  Because we limit outside visits to preserve the value of 'real home',video is another way to create that "seeing is believing" experience.


Twice a year The Green House Educator program is held at The Eddy Village Green in New York.  During the past session held earlier this month, team members from Colorado decided to seize the travel opportunity and see the big city before attending Educator.  

Thanks to Libbie Schuetz, Jamie Arfsten and Amber Morgan from the Washington County Nursing Home in Akron, Colorado for writing the blog below and sharing some fun pictures of their special weekend.
 
New York City!
After being asked to become educators for our home we were told that the education was going to be in Albany New York.  The first thing we all thought was New York City.  

We all three agreed that we would probably never get another opportunity to be so close to the city again.  So it was decided that we would leave 2 days early and fly into the city.

It was a great adventure and so much to take in, from Time Square, to the Statue of Liberty, and more.  The best part of New York City was all of the lights and people in Time Square.

Ingrid was a bright light and a champion of change...our hearts are heavy with this loss in The Green House movement.



February 17, 2016

It is with heavy hearts today that we share news of the passing of a colleague and friend to all in the Porter Hills family. Ingrid Weaver, 51, our Vice Preside nt of Business Development, died today due to complications from a pulmonary embolism. Our thoughts are with Ingrid's husband Matt, daughters Olivia and Maddie, mother Tieke, and extended family as we grieve her loss and celebrate the gift of her life, including many important contributions to Porter Hills.  

Issue: 1
In This Issue
Joyce (right) with her mother
 Joyce was inspired to champion the development of Tabitha's four Green House homes after listening toDr. Thomas speak about The Green House vision in 2001. As an administrator of a traditional facility, she knew the opportunity to imagine a blank page, and create more of what she knew elder care could be through The Green House model was the next step in writing Tabitha's future chapters. After sharing the vision, the board approved the development of one Green House home after half the initial funds were raised. Joyce identifies that engaging with a grant writer to help locate available funding sources and network with organizational leaders was a crucial strategy to raise the initial funds for the Martin house, their first Green House home to nine elders.

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May 10
 

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The Green House Project Team
The Green House Project
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Mary Hopfner-Thomas

Co-Editor

mhopfnerthomas@capitalimpact.org

 

Rachel Scher McLean

Co-Editor

rmclean@capitalimpact.org

 

 

THE GREEN HOUSE Newsletter

Published monthly to share information with providers, elders and others about THE GREEN HOUSEĀ® Project, a new and innovative approach to long-term, skilled nursing care. To learn more, visit www.thegreenhouseproject.org