Commun ty Matters Manor of the Plains
October 2017
Two aging decisions to consider soon Sometimes, growing older feels like one loss after another. Yet when we put off making the decisions ourselves, others are pressed to step in. When we understand what we’re afraid of, we’re able to discover options that can alleviate the fear and take responsibility for the decisions that are truly ours to make. Here is an aging decision to make before someone makes it for you: The decision to stop driving
What makes a not-for-profit senior living campus different? While shopping for a senior living community, it is common to consider the layout of the residence, the taste of the food and the friendliness of the staff as well as the financial requirements and availability of ongoing care.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers in their 50s and 60s have one of the lowest crash rates of any age. This starts to rise after the late 60s and early 70s and increases more rapidly after 75. But there’s not a universal age when driving is no longer safe.
But what about the operational status of the organization? A community operating with a for-profit business model vs. a not-for-profit business model can make a significant difference in the overall operation and culture of the organization.
What we fear most is the loss of independence. Having a car means freedom. Asking for rides feels like we’re a burden. It affects our health as well.
As a not-for-profit organization, there is one governing philosophy to which all operational decisions must align – the mission!
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Five major differences are worth exploring to understand the contrast better. 1. Faith-based; mission-driven
At Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, our mission is to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. COMMUNITY, continued on page 2
a not-for-profit company doesn’t mean the organization never makes We have a culture that makes all money. The real difference is how decisions by wearing two lenses, one that income is managed. Naturally, is quality, and the other is Christian in a for-profit, revenue goes to serve values. All things must measure up the shareholders. Conversely, there to those standards. are no shareholders for a not-forprofit; therefore, all net revenues go 2. Continuous ownership back into the community to improve A popular avenue through which the quality of life for the residents. for-profit organizations gain revenue 5. Good Samaritan Programin senior living is acquisition and resale. supported by philanthropy COMMUNITY, continued from page 1
In fact, it is common to see ownership change every five years or so. However, this growth model is simply a grab at revenue which makes it a rarity in the not-for-profit sector. Enjoying the consistency of continuous ownership can be a huge plus! 3. Oversight is provided by a volunteer board of trustees
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Manor of the Plains by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Jerry Korbe, executive director Kurt Lampe, marketing director Lisa Montoya, activity director Jacque Soltero, health care activity director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Kurt at klampe@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-225-1928 Fax: 620-225-3982 Address: 200 Campus Dr., Dodge City, KS 67801-2760
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. ManorofthePlains.org
Who is at the helm of an organization? The shareholders? The CEO? The board? In a for-profit business, many decisions are based on what will be pleasing to the shareholders. Compare that to the way a notfor-profit is managed. A volunteer board of trustees is holding the organization and its leadership accountable to the mission and the best interests of the residents. The fact that this group of highlyqualified individuals serves in a volunteer capacity means that there are no alternative motives outside of the mission. This means that residents are always the priority. 4. Net revenue is reinvested back into the community Just because Presbyterian Manor is
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Community Matters October 2017
One of the number one fears of American seniors is running out of money. In more than 68 years of serving seniors, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America has stood in that financial gap for those who no longer had the resources to pay for their cost of living in the community. The Good Samaritan Program is supported by philanthropic efforts to ensure residents always have a secure future. Choosing a senior living community is a complex decision with many variables. As you go through the process remember to ask these questions: 1. What is the mission of this organization and how is it implemented each day? 2. Who owns this community and for how long? 3. Who is in charge? (Shareholders? Volunteer board?) 4. What happens to net revenues? 5. What would happen to me if I ran out of money? Like us on Facebook
Residents relish an eclipse viewing party
Lorie Fortmayer, Veronica Batres and resident Jane Tyler take in the eclipse together.
Mae Rodgers didn’t miss a chance to see this rare celestial event. Nothing could have friends gathering While at the watch party, residents and staff members ate spacetogether to watch the eclipse like eat- themed treats and goodies like these donut moon rocks. ing a Moon Pie.
Tony Indiek is impressed by the Beverly Unruh enjoys the eclipse. watch party. Like us on Facebook
Manor of the Plains
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Tell your holiday stories We will feature Christmas in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a story about Christmas, whether a favorite tradition or a memorable holiday celebration, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story.
Sign up to receive our newsletter by email. Visit
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Contact Kurt Lampe, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
Manor of the Plains 200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760 Return Service Requested
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To make the driving decision yourself, first complete a short self-assessment for an honest look at your driving skills. Then, make adjustments to your driving if needed. There’s a wide range of choices before hanging up the keys, including taking a refresher driving course or avoiding high-speed highways. Finally, determine how you’ll decide if it is time to stop driving. Plan for that day and what possibilities will help you keep your freedom.
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Community Matters October 2017
You should also consider alternatives to driving. These include the local bus or rail system, which often provides discount fares for those 65+; transportation offered through senior centers, churches or other organizations; and ride services including Uber, Lyft or taxis. Depending on your area, accessible vehicles are often available. The decision to stay in your home We struggle with the choice and we
often ignore reality when we say we want to age in homes that can’t support that. Review the checklist from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for what makes an age-friendly home. Then, talk to a remodeler about which modifications your house might need. Think, too, about what situations might make you uncomfortable living alone and actions you can take to avoid them. Like us on Facebook