Here’s where you’ll find recent press releases and other important news from our senior living communities. If you have any questions about what you’ve read, please feel free to give us a call or email us. Get in touch.
Lisa Marcello, President/CEO and Jeff Sweeney, Vice President of Community Programs at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities recently commented in an article in the RBJ on helping families navigate the health care system. To learn more, see below.
The organization developed its neighborhood program, an effort to create community with programs for people in its own housing and independent older residents who live nearby. ESLC has nine programs in Monroe and Livingston counties where older adults can gather for health and wellness events, attend presentations on senior programs and services, and get peer support.
ESLC is part of the Monroe County Aging Alliance and sees itself as a convener rather than an agency that wants do all things for all people.
“We want to be able to help people find the services and the care that they need that might already exist that maybe they don’t know about,” said Jeff Sweeney, vice president of community services for ESLC.
Lisa Marcello, president and CEO of ESLC, said the organization sees itself as educating seniors and their families about how to make care decisions before there’s a need to take action.
“If that discussion starts with the family earlier,” Marcello said, everyone involved is better equipped when loved ones have to step in. “They’ve already been introduced to an organization that will support them through those transitions.”
To read the full article, from RBJ click here.
This article ran Sunday, Feb. 4, in the Democrat & Chronicle and was submitted by Michael S. King, President & CEO at Jewish Senior Life on behalf of the Alliance for Senior Care members:
Lisa Marcello, President & CEO at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
Glen Cooper, President & CEO at Friendly Senior Living
Michael McRae, President & CEO at St. Ann’s Community
Charlie Runyon, President & CEO at St. John’s
You can see the news article here. Governor Hochul doesn’t care about older adults in New York State. It’s the only plausible reason she would propose cuts to nursing home reimbursement in her budget delivered Jan. 16. With inadequate rates that already translate to a Medicaid funding gap of $810 million, cutting the long-term care sector by an additional $600 million or more indicates an alarming level of confusion in Albany.
New York nursing homes serve a critical role within the health care system. Approximately 97,000 New Yorkers and their families depend on them when care at home is no longer possible. Over 70% of residents in nursing homes rely on Medicaid to pay for their care, but the State is not honoring its end of that arrangement. The reality is that New York is ignoring its responsibility to properly fund the Medicaid rate; and in effect, is defaulting on this promise to care for our most vulnerable.
The impact extends to our local health care systems and paints a grim picture—
resulting in the hospitals’ inability to discharge patients in need of lower levels of care, extremely long emergency visit wait times, and EMTs waiting hours to move patients out of ambulances. Likewise, families reach out to us daily seeking care for their loved ones. Sadly, we are often forced to turn them away due to inadequate Medicaid funding. This trend is unsustainable. Why isn’t the care of the oldest members of our community—and the fastest growing population—a priority?
Since 2008, the rate has remained largely stagnant while costs have risen by more than 40%. Last year’s increase of 6.5% was the largest in decades, but that adjustment didn’t even cover last year’s cost increase due to the 8% inflation rate. After decades of underfunding, an $810 million funding gap persists—this is the dire reality.
Nursing home closures are happening at an accelerating pace, especially not-for-profit or county homes that have been in the community for generations. Over 90% of nursing homes in upstate New York are unable to cover operating costs; and 75% struggle to find sufficient staff to meet minimum staffing levels, making beds unavailable to those in need.
So, what is the Governor’s plan? There is no plan. It’s now up to our State Assembly and Senate representatives to clear up the Governor’s confusion and misplaced priorities. It’s time to face the risk of inaction, the damage of underfunding, and seeing our nursing homes have to close their doors. This, too, is reality.
Norm, a resident of Rockwood Center enjoyed celebrating his 94th birthday in style on New Years Day. With 18 people in attendance, he received a special shout-out on News 8 Celebrates, you can watch the video here. Norm said, “this is the best birthday ever, bring on the cake and wine!” We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with Norm.
The project named, The Father Wheeland Christmas Tree Project was created in honor of Father Wheeland, of the former Our Lady of Mercy Parish. These trees are all made by the students in their classrooms at Holy Cross, featuring different themes and decorations. The students have enjoyed this tradition, excited to share their work and gifts with residents. You can see the full video here.
The Episcopal Church Home has been acknowledged on Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes list for 2024.
The rankings are based on five data sources, including performance data, peer recommendations, management of the COVID-19 situation and accreditations from The Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. For the first time, resident satisfaction data for nursing homes, based on National Safety Goals from The Joint Commission and Google Scores, has been added to the scoring model.
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities recently contributed to an article in the Senior Living and Long Term Care edition of the Rochester Business Journal. Lisa Marcello, President/CEO and Michelle Halloran, VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development offered insight on how ESLC prioritizes health and wellness for employees utilizing a holistic approach. You can read the article here.
ESLC is excited to announce that Loren Ranaletta, President of the ECH Foundation, has been named one of Rochester Business Journal’s Icons! This is award is given to local business leaders for their notable success and demonstration of strong leadership both within and outside of their chosen field. Loren’s vast experience in building ESLC and dedication to serving as a volunteer for numerous other organizations – make him truly worthy of this great honor! Congratulations, Loren!
We are excited to sponsor and attend the awards ceremony on December 4. You can view the full list of 2023 honorees here.
It has been an unforgettable summer at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ESLC). We reflect on the cherished memories and joyous moments that have filled our days across all communities and programs. We have experienced outings in and around Rochester, made heartwarming connections with new friends and longtime friends and celebrated new ventures. Perhaps most notably – the groundbreaking ceremony for our upcoming ninth campus – Ellen’s Place.
One of my favorite annual events is our summer staff picnics which give us an opportunity to rest, break bread and enjoy each other’s company – I am incredibly grateful for all our staff members do to contribute to the lives of our residents and appreciate any time I can get to know each of them a bit better. I would like to offer a special “thank you” to our Dining and Hospitality Department for the fantastic meal!
Also, this summer, ESLC launched our EMPOWER! Learning Academy and celebrated the first graduates of the Management Development Program – the first of many learning opportunities that will be available throughout the year. Establishing our learning academy demonstrates our commitment to creating a culture of continuous learning and development as we continue to empower those who have made it their lives work to care for others. Congratulations to all of our graduates!
As we all prepare for the change of season, we do so with fond memories of summer and an eagerness to create new as we welcome fall. But for now – please take a moment to review some of our fun adventures from this summer.
ESLC held our 26th Annual Golf Tournament at the Penfield Country Club with over 150 golfers, proceeds raised are going to benefit the upcoming housing project in Irondequoit, Ellen’s Place. See WHEC’s coverage of the event here.
Congratulations to Lisa Marcello, President/CEO of Episcopal SeniorLife Communities for being honored as one of the power players for the RBJ’s Health Care Power 30 List. Lisa continually inspires residents, families, program members and staff at ESLC. Read Lisa’s interview with the RBJ here.
© Episcopal SeniorLife Communities 2024
Content by Sally Dixon Concepts & Copy
Photography by WalterColleyImages.com
