Protecting Our Community from Influenza

Leaders get Vaccinated!  Please be a leader.

Over the past few months, Homestead Village has focused its efforts on vacinating as many residents and staff against The Flu as possible.  The results have been better than ever imagined.  Nearly all of our health care residents are vacinated.  100% of our dining services partner, Cura Hospitality's, employees have been vacinated.  All of Homestead Village's full time employees and all but one regular part-time employee have been vacinated.   No other hospital or retirement community can claim that level of commitment on the part of the staff to the health and well being of their residents. 

Why are we so conmmitted to vaccination?  Because studies show that when community members are vaccinated, the incidence of flu is reduced including cases of death resulting from the flu. 

Here are all of Homestead Village's recommendations:

• If you are a family member or visitor, we highly recommend that you be vaccinated.
• If for somne reason you have not been vacinated, then we strongly recommend that you wear a mask when you visit.
• If you are not feeling well, coughing, sneeing or experiencing a runny nose, please consider postponing your visit until your symptoms have subsided.
• Remember to wash your hands and use sanitiser regularly.
• Remember that bathroom faucets and door handles are dirty and sources of bacteria that cause sickneess.  Use a paper towel to turn off faucets and open doors.

If we all work together we can minimize the terrible impact of the flu!



Homestead Village Achieves CARF Accreditation For The Third Time.

Back in 2002, Homestead Village was initially accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission.  That process involved an exhaustive self-study and conformance with hundreds of standards.  It was Homestead Village's first accreditation by an accrediting body.  The very next year. CCAC merged into CARF and the process changed dramatically.  Gone was the self-study aspect of the process, replaced with hundreds of additional stringent standards with which Homestead Village had to conform.  Our re-accreditation in 2007 was a challenging process.  

At at time when many other retirement communities were voluntarily giving up their accreditation, Homestead Village's Board voted unanimously to continue the accreditation process.  In 2010, both Carol Carter, Executive Director of Homestead Village, and Douglas Motter, President pursued the training process to become CARF surveyors.  Since that time, Carol and Doug have traveled around the country and to Canada to conduct accreditation surveys in a wide variety of health care organizations.  As Homestead Village prepared for its second re-accreditation, its understanding of the process and scope was enhanced greatly by the many surveys Carol and Doug had conducted over the last three years.

Accreditation is a voluntary process involving a rigorous peer review process and demonstration to a team of surveyors during an on-site survey that the organization is  conforming to CARF–CCAC’s accreditation conditions and standards.  An organization that earns CARF–CCAC accreditation is commended on its quest for quality programs and services.

Accreditation is also a wonderful process that causes an organization to consider and address many standards, practices, policies and procedures that it would not focus on otherwise.  The end result is an organization that is much better prepared to meet and even exceed the expectations and needs of its current and future persons served.

Battling the Flu

Every fall and winter, we face a battle with a hidden enemy - Influenza.  In the past, we did not take this enemy as seriously as we should have.  Not any more.  Recognizing the danger of Influenza, Homestead Village is taking every precaution to keep our community safe and illness free.  The Influenza fight begins with the flu shot.  We encourage every resident and every staff person to be immunized.  To that end, we provide the vaccine to every health care resident and staff member.  All other residents should take advantage of the many options available in the community.  If you are unable to get a flu shot from your physician, pharmacy or grocery store, then please contact the Homestead Village staff to see if we have any vaccine remaining.

The second weapon we possess is proper and frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers.  It is remarkable how many people do not understand the importance of proper hand washing.  The first thing to remember is that the door handles leading into and out of a bathroom and the faucet handles at the sink are both dirty.  Shutting off the faucet with your clean hands reinfects them.  Touching the door handle on the way out of the bathroom also puts the germs of all the other people who may not have washed their hands back on your clean hands!  Use a paper towel or your elbow to turn off the faucet.  Use a paper towel to open the bathroom door.  Use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day and especially after coming in contact with items touched by many other people such as money, utensils in a restaurant such as at a salad bar, shopping carts, etc.  Try not to touch your face or rub your eyes.  If you need to cough or sneeze, use your upper arm rather than your hand to cover your mouth.

The third weapon is to limit your contact with others when you are not feeling well.  Every year we can trace serious illness in our health care areas to a family member, staff member or visitor who comes to work, or comes to visit when feeling ill.  It is better not to visit if you are not feeling well.  This year as in the past, we will limit visitors if respiratory illness is found in our health care households.  We will encourage the use of masks to minimize the spread as well.  Staff members, family members and visitors who have not received a flu shot will be asked to wear a mask when visiting or working around residents.

Influenza causes serious illness including death.  Working together and putting the health and well being of others first, we can limit the negative effects of the flu.  Get vaccinated.  Properly wash your hands often.  Use sanitizer.  Limit your visits if you are not feeling well.  Use a mask if you have any doubts.  Let's win this war!

A Fantastic Journey

A little over a month ago, eleven Lancastrians and one Virginian embarked on a 197 mile journey from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington D.C. - on foot - running.  The journey actually started many hours earlier, with a middle of the night van ride from Lancaster to Cumberland, leaving at 3:00 AM and arriving at beautiful Rocky Gap State Park outside Cumberland a little before 6:00 AM.  Why you might ask?  The reason for this 40 hour adventure can be summed up in the motivational picture to the right.  The combination of fitness, fun, and fellowship drove the twelve contestants and over three thousand other participants to take part in the fourth annual Ragnar Relay Washington DC.  The Lancaster Team, ranging in age from fourteen to 52, proudly wore Homestead Village colors and drove around in vans decorated with Homestead Village images.  Throughout the trip, other participants and observers asked about Homestead Village and even happily took a brochure!  Running the Ragnar Relay is much like living at Homestead Village.  Combining the attributes above with encouragement, support and assistance, each runner completed their arduous task and the team completed the 197 mile journey in just 31 hours!

Homestead Village's Ragnar Relay Team at the finish line.
The team  featured teachers, accountants, a speech therapist,
an IT consultant, a nursing student, a high school freshman,
and even a retirement community president.

Preparing to leave at 3:00 AM
Note the Homestead decorated van.

Ragnar early in the morning.

One of the scenic vistas in the mountains.

Ragnar at sunrise

Nearing the end

Homestead Village Embarking on Significant Memory Support Education Journey!

In September 2012, Homestead Village will be engaging in the most extensive and important culture change training in its history.  Approximately 1000 hours of training will be conducted in four separate training sessions with over 160 employees - all focused on improving our overall competence when it comes to providing excellent customer service to residents requiring memory support services including Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.  While this training will greatly benefit our memory support residents and their family members, it will actually improve the service we provide to all of our stakeholders because this training will increase empathy, understanding and appropriate response to every situation.

This extensive training will be provided by the Alzheimer's Resource Center of Connecticut (ARC), a leader in Alzheimer's care and training.  Perhaps the best description of what ARC can do for Homestead Village is summed up in their mission statement: "Our mission is to empower your organization to respond faster and more intuitively to the changing culture of dementia care.  We enable you to become more capable and competitive through leveraging our practical knowledge and training expertise.  We have the knowledge enthusiasm, and capability to give you the tools you need to chart your own direction and achieve lasting transformation in dementia care." In addition to being one of the nation's top Alzheimer's training organizations, ARC operates one of the finest nursing homes in the country, having been awarded the Best Nursing Homes in America Award two years in a row by U.S. News and World Report.  Our staff is looking forward to the insight and practical knowledge that ARC will impart.  

This is another example of Homestead Village's commitment to fulfilling our mission and providing the best possible care for our residents.

Saying Thank You!

As we draw nearer to the completion of our successful Capital Campaign, the Board and Capital Campaign Steering Committee began the process to determine how to recognize the contributors to the campaign.  Every gift has made a difference in the lives of the residents of the Apostles Center for Care and Gelhard House and we are thankful for each of them.  A special recognition display has been created to recognize the major contributors to the campaign.  Featuring panels of crystal, the names of the givers will be etched into the crystal and lit using special LED lights placed in the decorative bases supporting the crystal.  The recognition wall will be located near the dining room entrances to Fickes House and Gelhard House.  All gifts in excess of $3,000 will be recognized on the display.  A representation of the display can be seen below:

It Is Not Too Late!

It is not too late to contribute to the "Leading the Way in Comfort and Care Campaign."  We will be accepting contributions to the campaign for years to come, but new panels cannot be added until all the spaces have been occupied.  If you would like your name displayed on the initial display, then please make your contribution by the end of July, 2012.  

The capital campaign allowed us to create the new households and this display will allow us to honor those who made the dream a reality.

Outreach Programs Become Way of Life

Helping others has become an important part of the Homestead Village mission:

Enhancing independence and dignity as together we create a compassionate community.  

A vital part of building community is helping those around us in need.  Several years ago, an environmental services staff member suggested that Homestead Village residents and staff spend a year assisting the Water Street Rescue Mission.  That program was very successful, blessing both those in need as well as the givers.  Every year our residents and staff fill several mitten trees, and for the past several years, many staff members have contributed to a needy family at Christmas time rather than exchanging gifts.

Homestead Residents sponsor Mother's Day
Jewelry gift opportunity for Schreiber Pediatric Children

This past year our residents contributed money and supplies to Hempfield School District to assist needy school children; and for Mother's Day, contributed and distributed gifts of jewelery for Schreiber children to give their mothers and grandmothers.

The Homestead Village Resident Council has recently created a task force to oversee its outreach activities, making outreach as important as the many internal committees such as the Library Committee, Activities Committee and Safety Committee.  Integrating outreach into the fabric of daily life at Homestead Village is a great step toward making Homestead Village an even better community in which to live and to work.

What is next?  Residents and staff are excited to identify and assist other organizations that make a difference in Lancaster County.  Watch closely for our next outreach opportunity in the very near future!  

Tulips, Transportation and Memories

It has been a wonderful spring at Homestead Village.  The beautiful weather and the flurry of activities has made it memorable in many ways.  The photographs above capture some of that spring magic as well as the benefits of living at Homestead.

Spring came early in 2012 and it has blessed us with many weeks of sunny skies, warm temperatures, flowering trees vibrant spring gardens.  The Homestead Village main entrance and flag circle have never looked better, awash in a large expanse of brightly colored tulips.  All around the campus, flowering trees provide spectacular vistas.  We will be sorry to see the last vestiges of this spring season.

In addition to the beautiful grounds, a walk out our front door usually involves an encounter with one of the  many unique vehicles from the Homestead Village motor pool.  Our fleet of white GMC pick-up trucks are a common sight around the campus.  The big Chevrolet Diesel Bus still looks as striking as the day it joined our fleet over three years ago.  The Transit Connect darts all around the campus and around Lancaster proudly advertising the benefits of Homestead Village as it ferries wheelchair bound and ambulatory residents to appointments.  The Lincoln Town Car is our most stately and elegant vehicle and it has been serving our residents for nearly nine years.  It still looks brand new.

In the midst of the beauty of the spring season, we said farewell to many Homestead Village friends and neighbors this past winter and spring.  Their hard work, dedication and impact on Homestead Village, Church of the Apostles and even Lancaster County was outstanding.  Many of our lives were brightened and made better by their efforts and their presence.  We will miss them; but we will not forget!

Truth in Marketing: Enhanced Senior Living at Homestead Village

It is more than just a tag line or a marketing slogan.  Enhanced senior living is the perfect description for life at Homestead Village.  In every area, we excel in enhancing the lives of those who have chosen to make Homestead Village their home!

Enhanced Care

Perhaps the most important reason a person chooses a senior living community is the availability of future care.  Homestead Village has spent ten years developing the most comprehensive aging in place program available.  With both Supportive Services and Homecare Services, Homestead residents are able to age in place wherever they live.  Homecare allows cottage and villa residents to stay in their homes longer.  For a more comprehensive solution to aging in place, our Supportive Services program offers a cost effective 24 hours a day.  When a resident requires more comprehensive care, the households at Homestead Village offer the most homelike memory support and nursing care available.

Fickes House Dining Room and Kitchen

Enhanced Location

No other retirement community is tucked into the beautiful neighborhoods of western Lancaster and just minutes from Lancaster’s hospitals, the Fulton Opera House, Central Market and downtown shopping.  Looking up and down Good Drive, the largest, most comprehensive collection of medical offices in Lancaster is anchored by Lancaster General's Health Campus.  Good Drive is also the home of Stauffers of Kissel Hill's flagship store and leads to great shopping at Park City Mall.  Homestead Village is also located between Franklin & Marshall and Millersville University and just minutes from Route 30.  There is no better location.

Enhanced Dining

Homestead Village's dining program continues to improve its quality, freshness and selection.  With great chefs like Eloy Jaimes and Ross Keene, the food is outstanding.  Residents enjoy a wonderful Sunday Brunch and many fresh, cooked to order options throughout the week.  Our chefs enjoy moving out into the dining room to put their talents on display nearly every week.  CURA's gold standards are a promise that Homestead Village's meals will be healthy, fresh and tasty.

Enhanced Life Enrichment

One of many summer picnics featuring great food,
entertainment and fun for all!

Adventures in Life is our outstanding life enrichment program.  Homestead residents have so many great choices - educational, entertainment, social, travel, and dining.  The list goes on and on.  What used to be known as activities is a highlight of life at Homestead Village.  One look through the monthly Adventures in Life booklet will convince you that Homestead Village is the place for living an enriched life.

Enhanced Health

Do you like to swim?  Walk?  Play basketball?  Lift weights?  Practice Tai Chi?  Homestead Village has many healthy choices.  With our beautiful swimming pool and fitness club, as well as exercise programs such as Tai Chi, health is an important part of living at Homestead Village.  With Rader Park and its miles of walking trails, and outdoor sports opportunities, outdoor exercise is always available, too.

Enhanced Faith

Homestead Village's Rose Window

Founded by Church of the Apostles and forever an integral part of its ministry, Homestead Village's mission and its purpose is founded in the Christian tradition of caring and compassion.  Many Homestead Village residents have made COA their home church.  Right across the street, Faith Baptist Church offers another faith tradition and just down the street St. Leo the Great serves our Catholic residents.  Degel Israel Congregation is only minutes away on Columbia Avenue.  Many other faith opportunities exist in the immediate area around Homestead Village.  Church services our held every Sunday in the Apostles Center for Care and devotions and Bible Studies appear regularly in our "Adventures in Life."

Enhanced Senior Living did not spring out of a marketing idea that was then turned into a campaign.  In fact, Enhanced Independence and Dignity has been a core element of Homestead Village's mission statement for decades.  Our mission is:

"Enhancing independence and dignity as together we create a compassionate community."  It just made sense to feature enhanced senior living in our advertising because it clearly defines life in our community.  If one asks the question, "What does enhanced senior living look like?"  The answer is obvious.  It looks like Homestead Village!

Townstead Update!

We are nearly half way to our goal of 70% pre-reserved for Phase One of Townstead.  We have been listening to our customers and can now offer the following improvements to the already fantastic Townstead living experience.  Phase one now features two new apartment floor plans.  The Harriet Lane is a spectacular 1650 square foot residence with two balconies, a study, 21/2 baths and beautiful finishes.  The George Ross is a spacious one bedroom deluxe apartment.

The Harriet Lane, 1650 square feet, 2 Bedroom, 21/2 bath

In addition to new floor plans, the big news is smaller meal plans.  The new standard Townstead Meal Plan mirrors our cottage and villa meals plans, currently just $67 per person per month.  The Homestead Village dining department offers fresh, delicious, healthy meals throughout the day, everyday.  Contact Susan Doyle or Nettie Cimadamore in the Homestead Village marketing department for more details.  Remember Phase One depositors receive a free granite counter upgrade!  Come see why Townstead is your best senior living choice.

Scams Come in Many Flavors. Some Might Really Appeal to You!

Some of the political solicitations for money that one
Homestead resident received so far in 2012

Phone calls, e-mails and letters in the mail.  All three bring needed information, greetings from friends and family and requests for money.  Recently a Homestead Village resident asked me to review her mail because there were so many requests for money.  In the stack of official looking documents were many, many requests for donations from organizations that appear to be reputable but all wanted the same thing – hundreds of dollars to help “them” protect “us” from the evil politicians on the other side.  This is not a Republican or Democrat, Liberal or Conservative problem.  Whenever people have passionate feelings about a topic, entrepreneurs find a way to make money on it.

It is not just politics though; religious organizations, animal rights and environmental groups and nearly every other social issue attract questionable groups that solicit money allegedly for the cause.  What should you do?  Here are some suggested responses to the avalanche of requests for donations.

Just say NO to any organization that seeks you out for money.  The sad truth is that once you give money to a cause, that organization may sell your personal information, allowing a plethora of copycats to solicit you as well.  If you are passionate about a cause, you should seek out a reputable organization or two and give to them exclusively. 

Throw away, delete or hang up on any request for money that you did not initiate.  These requests for money use passionate language and create a sense of urgency designed to cause you to write a check.  You must resist these sophisticated schemes.  Only give money to organizations that you have sought out and confirmed their integrity.  Any money sent to an unknown organization may end up in someone’s personal bank account and do nothing for the cause you are passionate about.

In other words, check writer beware!

Property Tax Article in the Lancaster Sunday News Fairly Portrayed the Story

Mews Boulevard

Property tax is a very passionate subject in today's society.  It is the principal source of revenue for most school districts and local municipalities and the tax rate varies significantly from district to district.  By law, charitable non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania are not required to pay property tax, yet most non-profit retirement communities do pay taxes or make payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs).  In Lancaster County, the non-profit retirement communities pay over $10,000,000 in property taxes a year.  In Hempfield School District the three largest tax payers are  non-profit, health care and retirement organizations - paying far more in property taxes than the many large industrial neighbors in the district.


Homestead Village has paid many millions of dollars in property taxes over the past decade.  As an organization, we believe it is our civic duty to pay our share of the cost of providing quality education and services to the community. It is important to note that we maintain all private streets and infrastructure.  From paving to snow removal to lighting to sidewalks, Homestead Village is 100% responsible for our miles of roads We cost the township no money for maintenance.  When we built The Mews and expanded to the other side of Good Drive, we paid a significant portion of the cost of the creation of Noll Drive and we paid for nearly half of the cost of the traffic light at Noll and Good Drives.  it goes without saying that Homestead Village's neighborhoods do not contribute any students nor place any financial burden on Hempfield School District.

Our property tax for last year was approximately $650,000 representing one of our largest budgeted expenses.  In 2010, we refinanced our long term debt.  As part of that process, the financial institution required an appraisal on The Mews property.  To our surprise, the appraised value was 50% of the assessed value.  That discovery prompted our leadership to hire an independent consultant to analyze our property taxes.  His determination was that Homestead Village's property taxes should be reduced 30%.  It is important to point out that the consultant we contracted  with was recommended by another retirement community.  In that case, the same consultant determined that community was paying the appropriate amount of taxes.  Thus we believe our consultant is very conservative in his determination.

Lastly, it is important to note that Homestead Village is committed to paying our fair share of the property tax burden