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Click on a heading to view the article:
• Diane Grassilli, RSM sponsor & long time friend of Elder Care Alliance died July 16, 2006
• AlmaVia of San Rafael at Faith Center - Ground Breaking and Site Dedication
• AlmaVia of Camarillo Receives Special Recognition
• Elder Care Alliance Breaks Ground on Assisted Living Community - Union City
• AlmaVia of San Francisco Opens it's Doors to the Elderly
• Salem Lutheran Home is a Teaching Site for Medical Students
• AlmaVia Provides Special Place for Prayer & Meditation
• "Heart & Soul" Eldercare Alliance Newsletter
• AlmaVia of Camarillo
Diane Grassilli, RSM sponsor and long time friend and supporter of Elder Care Alliance died July 16, 2006
"She was a rare combination of the visionary and the realist."
Sister of Mercy Diane Grassilli, a dynamic leader in her religious community as well as its ministries, including Elder Care Alliance, died July 16th, 2006 of cancer. "She was a rare combination of the visionary and the realist" said Sister Carolyn Krohn of the Sisters of Mercy Leadership Team. "She saw clearly how to find common ground to bring people together and what practical steps were necessary to accomplish our goals. She also was an unusual blend of powerful gifts combined with little ego. Her passion was to bring Community and ministry into effective service for those who have little access to our society's resources."
Sr. Diane was the President of the Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest Community and a major contributor to the effort of shaping the future of the Sisters of Mercy. In addition she was Chair of the Board of Directors of Catholic Healthcare West from 2002-2005; a past board member and corporate sponsor representative of Elder Care Alliance; past board member of Mercy Housing and she held many other official and informal positions to help strengthen the role women religious play in health care and their moral impact in the wider world.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Sisters of Mercy 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010. For more information about Sr. Diane and the Sisters of Mercy visit www.mercyburl.org.
AlmaVia of San Rafael at Faith Center - Ground Breaking and Site Dedication March 10, 2005 What an exciting, wonderful, hopeful day this is! There is so very much to be grateful for. I'm grateful that the Alma Via at Faith Center project is finally under way, and will soon be able to provide elders here in Marin with high-quality residential care. |
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I'm grateful for the vision of Janeane Randolph, who saw that the existing residential care ministries of the Sierra Pacific Synod and the Sisters of Mercy could be combined and expanded to provide care for elders in other areas. I'm grateful for the people of Faith Lutheran Church, whose faithfulness in prayer and study, and generous hearts, made them open to the movement of God’s Spirit. I'm grateful for all of you, who have come to celebrate, and for all those who have worked over many years to bring this project to fruition. And, more than anything, I'm grateful for God’s faithfulness and compassion.
It’s been just over five years since the parish council of Faith Lutheran Church first met with Janeane Randolph and Larry Kohlerer of ECA to discuss whether there might be a match between Faith’s ministry to and with elders, and Elder Care’s mission to provide high-quality residential care for seniors, but God’s Spirit was moving to set the stage for this project long before that time. Three particular events during 1998 helped make it clear to us at Faith that this was the direction in which God was leading us.
Marguerite, an elderly member of Faith, who suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease, needed to move from her home of many years to someplace that could provide the care she needed. There wasn't any decent place in Marin that could take her at any price. Other members of Faith took turns staying with her, hoping space would become available, but eventually, it was necessary for her to be moved out of the area, away from her friends and community. It was heartbreaking.
At about the same time, the Marin Independent Journal published an article saying that, by 2000, Marin would have the highest median age in the country. The lack of high-quality residential care for the elderly was a growing problem here. What happened to Marguerite would happen to others with increasing frequency.
The people of Faith Lutheran Church had been involved in a process of discernment about the direction of Faith’s ministry, and, after prayer, study, conversations, and meetings, Faith’s parish Council had concluded that the parish was called primarily to a ministry with elders. The day before the Council was to meet with Bp. Mattheis to discuss what that might mean for Faith, we received a letter from Elder Care Alliance, asking for help in finding property that would be suitable for a residential care facility for the elderly. If we were looking for some sort of sign, this certainly was it.
Early in 1999, Faith Lutheran Church entered into an agreement with Elder Care Alliance that made our dreams official.
A lot has changed over the past few years. We had dreamed of and planned for a collaborative ministry between Faith Lutheran Church and Alma Via, but that was not to be. Three years ago, on April 7th, Faith Lutheran Church celebrated the Eucharist here for the last time. But our God is a God of resurrection, who can and does bring life from death, hope from despair, and good from evil. We at Faith knew ourselves to be a resurrection people. Faith Lutheran Church is no more, but the ministry of Faith Lutheran Church to and with elders will live on in Alma Via at Faith Center.
Indeed, this is an exciting, wonderful, hopeful day! There is so very much for which to be grateful.
Camarillo, Calif. – The Camarillo Health Care District will recognize AlmaVia of Camarillo, an assisted living community, as a top health care facility. AlmaVia will be presented with the Apple of Excellence Awards under the category of Health Care Facility during a presentation scheduled for Saturday, February 5 at the Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo.
The Apple of Excellence Awards were initiated ten years ago as the Camarillo Health Care District Board of Directors recognized the importance of rewarding health care professionals whose hard work, dedication, kindness, and courageous acts add significantly to the quality of life of the residents of the Greater Camarillo area and throughout Ventura County. The Camarillo Health Care District presents these awards to individuals and organizations that have been recognized by their peers and other professionals for exceeding the expectations in the chosen category.
Award recipients have included Ventura County physicians, nurses, police and fire personnel, and other support and health care professionals who routinely provide service “above and beyond” their normal call of duty.
AlmaVia of Camarillo is located adjacent to St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and is a nonprofit assisted living and dementia care program sponsored by Elder Care Alliance.
For more information, call AlmaVia at 805/388-5277. Visit the website at www.almavia.org.
The assisted living community will be located at 33883 Alvarado-Niles Road and consist of a 79-unit community serving 71 residents in need of assisted living services and 24 residents in need of dementia care. AlmaVia of Union City is expected to open in September, 2005. Reservations are now being accepted.
As part of the Union City Redevelopment Agencies’ Senior Village master plan, AlmaVia is the final phase of the project which also includes two senior apartment complexes developed and managed by Eden Housing and the Ralph and Mary Ruggieri Senior Center. Because of the support of the city of Union City and the Union City Redevelopment agency, the assisted living community will be able to offer a limited number of affordable units to qualified seniors. “There is no government reimbursement or subsidy for assisted living services; therefore it can be difficult for seniors on limited incomes to access services when they need them. Because of the commitment of Elder Care Alliance and the City of Union City, we are able to increase the access of our services to those with moderate and lower incomes.” stated Janeane Randolph, Elder Care Alliance President and CEO.
The program will offer studios, one-bedroom apartments and suites, and spacious gardens and walking paths. Other amenities include leisure activities and social events, scheduled transportation, gourmet and home-style meals, spiritual care services, and much more.
Residents can access an array of personal care and health services including medication management, assistance with personal care, wellness checks and coordination of health care needs and family and caregiver support groups.
“AlmaVia of Union City will be the first nonprofit assisted living and dementia care community open to all seniors in Union City,” stated Ms. Randolph. “Seniors in need of services will no longer have to leave their community to access them. We are very excited about this program and look forward to serving those in need,” she added.
AlmaVia of Union City will be located adjacent to James Logan High School, the William M. Cann Memorial Civic Center and the Union City Library. Union Landing, a large shopping and entertainment plaza, will be situated close by.
To commemorate the new community, a joint celebration hosted by Elder Care Alliance and Eden Housing will highlight AlmaVia and Eden Housing’s newest project Wisteria Court. The event will be held on Tuesday November 16 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the site.
Elder Care Alliance is committed to providing high quality senior housing with support services and amenities that promote independence and foster dignity, respect and personal choice for seniors.
For more information, call Elder Care Alliance at 510-434-2800 or visit the website at www.eldercarealliance.org.
By Evelyn Zappia - Printed in the Catholic SF Magazine March 12, 2004
Age-related issues were getting hard to ignore for 85-year-old Mary Ann Freiberg. "I felt lonely when I realized my life was changing, and it was necessary to adjust," she said. The widow decided to research and visit several assisted living communities - AlmaVia of San Francisco passed her tough inspection, and secured the approval of her five children.
The nonprofit faith-based organization, cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, has more than 100 years experience serving the elderly, like Mrs. Freiberg who make major life-changing decisions to move into the assisted living community. Long before construction began on the facility, adjacent to St. Thomas More Church, in July 2002, AlmaVia prepared for their future residents, realizing they could experience unique and difficult transition challenges.
Mercy Sister Joan O'Donnell supports residents through their rough journeys. Many of our residents are going through major transitions," she said. "There is vitality in people of this age that needs to be supported, and a spiritual wealth that they have to offer."
"AlmaVia celebrates the individuality of each of its residents," said Sylvanna Rinehart, community relations director. "For that reason, it is not a cookie cutter environment. There is no pre-determined package for any of our residents. We listen to the people and get to know them before providing physical and mental care, along with spiritual care for those who want it."
"Assisted living means keeping someone independent as long as possible, allowing them to stay connected to the community, and helping them to enjoy life, regardless of age," said Rinehart.
The residence provides a variety of programs, services and activities designed to meet the changing needs and requests of the residents, aging from their early 60s to 90s.
Standard for all residents is dining services (three meals a day), scheduled transportation, resident programs, weekly housekeeping and laundry, chaplaincy program, social services and a variety of seasonal programs and events.
The types of assisted living provided at the residence are extensive. Custom care approaches are individually designed for independent residents, those with mild to moderate degrees of dementia, and others suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia.
"We have incredible programs for our residents with dementia," said Rinehart. "The programs are held in our gardens area with state-of-the-art floor plans designed to provide a structured and predictable environment, two things our residents want and need."
Residents with mild to moderate degrees participate in the BridgeHaven program, where specially designed memory support programs are provided in a structured environment.
The AlmaVia Gardens Dementia Care Program provides current technique sessions for residents suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia. The residents have 24-hour supervision. To protect the residents from wandering, the doors open only when a special key code is punched. "Caregivers, activities people, and the director are working constantly for the residents, keeping them entertained and active in a peaceful environment," said Rinehart. "The dementia programs consist of a lot of hand holding and encouragement."
The director of AlmaVia, Thomas Pembleton, knows firsthand the enormous patience it takes when caring for a person with dementia. He said his mother is suffering from a form of dementia called Sundowners. He admits, "I lose patience with her."
Not so, for the staff of the dementia programs whom, Pembleton said exhibit endless patience with the residents suffering from dementia. "I would have no qualms having my mother here," he said.
Enriching the spiritual well being of older adults is part of AlmaVia's mission statement. Sister Joan plans a variety of Catholic and Interfaith services for the community. She also provides grief counseling, pastoral support, and is available to residents individually.
The chaplain encourages the predominantly Catholic residents to attend St. Thomas More Church that is just outside their door. She also schedules a variety of spiritual care services, including praying the Rosary and communion services.
"Interfaith services held in the St. Francis Room (meditation center) include, inviting religious leaders from different faiths to which our people belong," said Sister. She takes advantage of the numerous faith leaders ministering on Brotherhood Way, just a short walk from the housing.
As the only Jewish resident, Freiberg said, "I knew I was really accepted here when Sister Joan asked me to explain Hanukkah to the residents at an Interfaith service during the holiday season."
Although Freiberg had to sell her San Francisco home of 55 years, she is getting over being homesick. "I do like it," she said. "It is warm and very secure. Sister Joan has been very supportive - just listening and caring."
Sister Joan seems to easily win the hearts of others. Inez Blank, a former Sunday school teacher at the City's Lakeside Presbyterian Church toured the facility with her and said, "Sister and I had a wonderful conversation. I remember thinking 'I don't know about the guests, but she is awfully fun.'"
The first applicant to register at AlmaVia, Blank said she admires Sister's openness to all faiths. "Anyone should feel welcomed here," she said. "It's a good idea to reach out to the Catholics because while Sister makes Catholics feel at home, she takes everyone else with her."
After living in her San Francisco home for 50 years, the 92-year-old realized it was getting too big, and would need major repairs some time. "To my children's delight I moved here," she said. Her three daughters are impressed with AlmaVia.
"Everybody asks me how's the food," said Blank. "If food was my only worry, I would not have to make the move."
She is delighted with the large bathrooms equipped with necessary safety devices for the elderly, huge closet space, triple paned windows, and the very pleasant staff. "I love my place, even on a rainy day it is cheerful," she said.
Although the State does not require a nurse on duty in assisted living communities, there is a nurse on staff seven days a week.
All residents are provided alarm pendants, making a call for assistance just a push of a button away at all times. Hal and Marian Ward, both 90-years-old, do not wear their alarm pendants. "That's because we're always together," said Hal. The longtime parishioners of Daly City's Our Lady of Mercy have been married for 62 years.
The inseparable couple had to sell their home. Marian is losing her sight, which was "turning Hal into the house chambermaid and cook," she quipped.
Hal admits, "I was running out of gas. We needed to make a decision."
How do they like AlmaVia? "What's not to like," said Hal. "I can't believe how pleasant all the employees are. The food is excellent, and the place is beautiful."
Inside, the 119 unit residence are elegantly furnished community rooms, dining rooms, and a library. The unique gardens and walking paths add an additional sense of serenity to the environment.
The second floor is highlighted by the St. Francis Room. Inside, is a stunning icon cross of Jesus, who is surrounded by images of many faiths, created by Mercy Sister Celeste Maria Nuttman. Also, a beautiful bright batik wall hanging of Our Lady of Mercy is displayed and said to represent a warm welcome to everyone under Mary's blue cloak - furthering the focus of faith AlmaVia offers to all residents.
A cluster of 11 beautiful apartments are being held for retired diocesan clergy, as structured in the lease agreement with the Archdiocese of San Francisco from whom AlmaVia leases the land. "The apartments are ready and available," said Sister Joan.
The on-site beauty parlor provides the opportunity for residents to spruce up before social events.
The possibility of an endowment is under discussion for "below market rate placement of residents" without the economic means to live at AlmaVia. "Once we reach capacity, (119 units, 135 residents) we're hoping to raise the money for an endowment, and add more programs," said Rinehart. Building another AlmaVia in San Rafael is also under discussion.
"My biggest pride for working with a non-profit is that all the money we acquire from the residents goes back into the programs for the residents," said Rinehart. "We don't have shareholders or receive state or government money. There are no high paid employee members either. The people working here just love what they do," she said.
For more information on AlmaVia at One Thomas More Way in San Francisco, visit www.almavia.org or call (415) 337-1339. Elder Care Alliance is a nonprofit organization cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest Community and the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Excerpt from November 14, 2003 Older Americans Report, Page 357
California Schools Take Medical Students Into Retirement Facilities for Training
For decades, advocates for seniors have complained that medical schools treated geriatrics as a specialty, and something to be taken up late in one's training, at that. That has changed at the University of California, Berkeley, where students in the Joint Medical Program (JMP) this fall started meeting with residents at Salem Lutheran Home, a continuing care facility in Oakland. The Salem facility was chosen because it has residents at all stages of care and because it shows what a good facility looks like, according to Diane Driver, academic coordinator for the Resource Center on Aging at Berkeley. "Some people might say, 'Well, the real world is that most nursing homes aren't so good,' " Driver told OAR. "We wanted them to carry this real ideal place with them."
Getting to Know Seniors One-on-One
During each visit, a student spends up to three hours taking a resident's medical history. It could be a different resident each time, or a student could follow the same individual over the entire three years, observing any changes. Using a nursing facility as a venue for teaching makes it like a teaching hospital, and that is part of the idea, Driver says. It may also inspire students to later specialize in geriatrics, which cannot hurt in California, where there is only one geriatrician for every 4,000 seniors. Students in the JMP program, a three-year master's program followed by a year at the medical school at the San Francisco campus, are also seeing geriatric issues come up more often in the classroom, where the goal is to have geriatric content in one-third of the case studies. The two-pronged initiative was spurred by state legislation passed almost 20 years ago as well as a more recent law, the Geriatric Medical Training Act of 2000. It has parallels at four other campuses of the university system, each of which is making geriatrics a larger part of the curriculum for health science students. What makes the JMP effort special is that is paves the way for students from a wide range of disciplines, including social work, religion and law, to get first-hand exposure to geriatric care. Already, two students from the gerontological advanced practice nursing program at the San Francisco campus are spending time at Mercy Medical Center, another of the facilities run by the Elder Care Alliance. Liz Macera, an assistant clinical professor in the advanced practice program, would like to get all 40 of her unit's students involved, and plans to have them start giving presentations to residents on senior health issues. The JMP initiative has won plaudits from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) as one way to meet a gap in the long-term care workforce. "It's great to be using actual nursing homes as a training ground for young people to learn hands on how to provide quality care for older adults," spokesman Bruce Rosenthal told OAR. "It will go a long way to attract young people into a field where there is a shortage and a field that is growing."
Contact:
Diane Driver, UC Berkeley, (510) 643-6427,
http://ist-socrates.berkeley.edu/~aging/
Liz Macera UC San Francisco, (415) 502-7774;
Bruce Rosenthal, AAHSA, (202) 783-2242,
Anita Ramlo, Salem Lutheran Home 510-534-3637
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A light-filled St. Francis Room at Alma Via in San Francisco offers quiet and the beauty of a carefully designed jewel. In this small second floor space, Sister of Mercy Celeste Maria Nuttman created an atmosphere of prayer for the residents at Elder Care Alliance’s newest assisted living facility. Her icon cross contains images of many faiths, and the bright batik wall hanging of "Our Lady of Mercy" welcomes a diverse group under Mary’s blue cloak. |
| The space is an essential part of the chaplaincy program which another Mercy Sister, Joan Marie O'Donnell, heads at Alma Via. She sees this service as one that will connect seniors with the community and support their inner lives. "This population is going through a major transition," she said. "There is vitality in people of this age that needs to be supported and a spiritual wealth that they have to offer."
The staff hopes the St. Francis Room, with its luminous images of faith, its quiet and its graceful lighting, will serve as a reminder of that meaning. "Attention to spiritual life is what distinguishes our program," said Larry Kollerer, Elder Care's Vice President of Development and Facilities, who carved the altar and tabernacle for the room. "It becomes more present to us as human beings. Having a place of worship or a place to gather our thoughts about who we are is of great value to seniors." |
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Click here to download the first edition of "Heart & Soul" the new Elder Care Alliance newsletter that connects our residents and their family members, donors, caregivers, and community leaders with the exciting developments of our network. (509KB pdf format - requires Acrobat Reader) |
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AlmaVia of Camarillo celebrated its opening on November 10, 2001 with over 200 supporters, community members and local officials participating. Mayor Mike Morgan welcomed Elder Care Alliance to Camarillo and thanked us for the service we provide to older adults.
AlmaVia provides programs to older adults needing supportive services such as meals, housekeeping, personal care and medication management. Most importantly, our Resident Program Director, Social Service Coordinator and Chaplain offer programs that address the recreational, social and spiritual need of residents. In addition, AlmaVia offers a dementia care program that combines the most current technologies and techniques with old fashion compassionate care.
For more information about tours and move-in information, contact Diana Chambers at:
Email: dchambers@eldercarealliance.org
Phone: (805) 388-5277
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July 18, 2008