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Read the Latest News and Community Information From ESLC

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.

 

Older Adults Deserve Better from our Governor

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—

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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.

 


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Rockwood Resident Celebrates New Years Day Birthday

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 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.

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Holy Cross Students Donate Christmas Trees to Beatrice Place – The Father Wheeland Project

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.

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Episcopal Church Home Named to Newsweek’s 2024 Best Nursing Homes List

The Episcopal Church Home has been acknowledged on Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes list for 2024.

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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.

You can learn more here.


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Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Featured in the RBJ Senior Living & Long Term Care Supplement

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Lisa Marcello, President/CEO

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.

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Michelle Halloran, Vice President of Human Services and Organizational Development

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Loren Ranaletta named as a Rochester Business Journal ICON Honoree

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.
graphic of the Icon Honor Award recipient of 2023


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Summer Generations 2023 – Message from Lisa Marcello

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Lisa Marcello, President/CEO

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, here.


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ESLC’s 26th Annual Golf Tournament Raises Funds for New Housing Project

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.

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Lisa Marcello Honored on the Rochester Business Journal’s Power 30 Health Care List

 

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the power 30 Rochester business journal logo

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.


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Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Breaks Ground on Ninth Campus

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ESLC) broke ground on our ninth campus, Ellen’s Place on June 20. This community will be located right on Culver Road on the current St. Cecilia Church Campus. Ellen’s Place will offer 74 apartments, many gathering spaces for residents, program members and guests to enjoy. We will continue to grow our signature Neighborhood Program in partnership with Saint Kateri Parish.

The Neighborhood Program is a community-based health and wellness program that offers fitness classes, educational programming, social gatherings and clubs for residents and community members to enjoy – we have already started offering lunch and learns in the Newcomb Center – we look forward to growing this program together.

Ellen’s Place is named in memory of Ellen McNellis. Ellen was raised in Irondequoit but spent much of her adult life out of the area. When Ellen’s life circumstances and health needs became challenging, she longed to return home and to be near family – especially her devoted, loving brother who immediately coordinated Ellen’s return to Rochester.

ESLC celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking in partnership with Pike Residentiall, Pardi Partnership Architects, MRB Group, St. Cecilia Church, future residents of Ellen’s Place, ESLC’s Board of Directors, Ellen’s family and loved ones and the ESLC Project team.

In speaking on the project, Lisa Marcello, President & CEO mentioned, “Perseverance and passion were certainly a factor in getting us to where we are today. Planning for Ellen’s Place began many years ago, there have been countless designs, schematics, layouts, meetings, discussions, cost variances, and – of course a pandemic – that could have derailed us. Nonetheless, here we are, and it is due to the perseverance and passion of many in this room. We are extremely honored to be joining the vibrant community that has been established by the parishioners and staff at St. Cecilia and are grateful for their trust and belief in Episcopal SeniorLife Communities.”

Architect rendering of Ellen’s Place.

We certainly look forward to the future of our newest senior housing community, check out coverage from 13WHAM here.


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