Hundreds of organizations, serving hundreds of thousands of seniors across the United States, proudly point to the Presbyterian Church when they describe their origins. Collectively, they are members of the Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (PAHSA).
Coast to coast, border to border, in urban areas, suburbs, medium-sized cities and rural towns, on a daily basis PAHSA member organizations meaningfully contribute to the quality of life of individuals and communities. The histories of some PAHSA organizations date back over 100 years, with most having existed at least 50 years.
PAHSA members share in the following common attributes … they are:
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Non-profit
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Mission and values driven
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Faith-based, each connected in some way to the Presbyterian Church
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Socially responsible and accountable
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Volunteer governed
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Resident/client centered, committed to excellent quality
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Committed to staff members
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Resources to Presbyterian Church, and its members
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Benevolent
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Philanthropically supported
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Leaders and advocates in their communities
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Leaders and advocates in the national and international senior living/aging services field
There is great diversity in the range of accommodations, services, programs and care provided by PAHSA members. Some organizations emphasize assisting lower-income seniors, some concentrate on those with moderate or higher incomes. Some organizations focus on so-called continuing care retirement communities, and some are developing more housing with services. Some specialize in sub-acute rehabilitation care and some are dedicated to an expanding array of home and community-based services.
Many PAHSA members offer multiple options that may include:
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Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)
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Independent living senior housing
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Assisted living
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Memory support
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Nursing care
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Rehabilitation care and services
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Affordable senior housing
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Special needs housing
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Home health care
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Senior centers
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Comprehensive wellness programs
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Hospice and palliative care
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Congregate dining, nutrition and home delivered meals
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Parish nursing and health ministries
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Program for the all-inclusive care of the elderly (PACE programs)
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Assisted and enabling technologies
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Information and referral services
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Educational programs
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Intergenerational programs
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Service coordination, care coordination and case management
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Home and community-based services
In the annual LeadingAge Ziegler 100 Report for 2011, Presbyterian-affiliated senior living systems tied with those of Lutheran affiliation for the largest in the entire nonprofit senior living field. Combined, PAHSA members serve over 90,000 residents and over 200,000 individuals in the broader community. They employ over 35,000 staff members, have annual budgets in excess of $2 billion, and provide benevolent/charitable care worth at least $65 million per year.
In so doing, they enhance the quality and meaning of life for seniors, provide high-quality employment opportunities, strengthen local economies and communities, and address the changing expectations of the aging population — the nation’s fastest-growing demographic group.
To learn more about PAHSA and its member organizations, please visit pahsa.org.
ROGER L. MYERS is president & CEO of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and secretary of the PAHSA Board of Directors.
