Our ministry to the elederly

One of our ministries that is mentioned from time to time is a ministry to the elderly. In Connecticut, our Baptist Churches founded two Convalescent Homes and continue to support them. In Brooklyn Connecticut we have the Pierce Memorial Baptist Home and in Meriden we have Connecticut Baptist Homes. Both of Boards are filled with members of local Baptist Churches. At Pierce, I currently serve as the chairman of the Board and June Deptulski and Scot Ropoza are members. Curt Brockway is a former chairman and Bob Sullivan, Bob Booth and a few others have served on the board.

Years ago Louise Strouse and Edith Robinson, active ladies in our congregation, were very active members of the Women's Board. They did volunteer ministry at the home. They provided a link between us and all of the activities up in Brooklyn. Years ago I led a Bible study up at the Home and took a few turns leading weekly worship on Sunday afternoons.

Merving Leffingwell, Sallie Pierce and a few of our members have been residents of the Home over the years. It has been rated one of the top ten homes in Connecticut and one of the premier homes in New England. It something we can be very proud of.

Over the fifteen years both of the Homes have become Continuing Care facilities in that they added a housing component. At Pierce we have Creamery Brook as an independent living facility. Residents have their own apartments and can enjoy all kinds of services. They even have one communal meal in a very nice dining hall each day. If a resident gets sick and needs more care, hey get first priority into the Pierce Home. It is a great deal.

Connecticut Baptist Homes has also added housing and their units are beautiful and set up as duplexes. I recently got to take a tour and was very impressed.

The ministry to the elderly is changing rapidly and dollars from Medicare an medicaid are shrinking. In the next twenty years things may be very different. Many homes today are closing because they can't make ends meet. Pierce and CBH have had a history of good management and that has allowed them to stay competitive.

Recently Pierce has become an advocate for the industry as they look to fight for those who need nursing home care. Here is a news report which features Pierce Home and its staff and residents. Enjoy.


http://www.wfsb.com/video/20386951/index.html