Psalm 71:9
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”
Introduction to Faith-Based Senior Support Services
Sadly, the poor and the elderly are often the forgotten demographic in our modern, relatively affluent society. Those with family members who can offer support can be considered fortunate and blessed. However, there are others that must fend for themselves. My target audience for this resource is both and I hope you find it helpful.
As I researched this topic, I found a majority of the faith-based service organizations provided both support and residential care. Though not all of the resources listed here include senior housing, many do. On the other hand, if you are not looking for residential services, the first few listed offer a variety non-housing support services.
Faith-based service/residential organizations are most often not-for-profit, dedicated to a selfless service philosophy. In comparison to for-profit service providers, management and staff at faith-based providers are committed to compassionately supporting each resident, as well as offering comprehensive and faithful advocacy and care. With a Godly perspective, they take joy in witnessing seniors lead vibrant, active lives within our communities, and I believe that opting for a faith-based assisted living or senior living community enhances this experience, particularly for older adults who share common faith values.
Key Benefits
- Access to On-site Worship
- Support for an Active Prayer Life
- Opportunities for Bible Study
- Ability for On-site Fellowship
- Care that Actively Supports Faith
The Salvation Army
As a core foundation of their services, each local Salvation Army corps community center serves its senior citizen community in unique ways to meet specific needs. A wide variety of program offerings – ranging from clubs and classes to groups and gatherings – empowers older adults to learn, laugh, and thrive among like-minded friends.
The Salvation Army provides a host of services beyond those described at the local community center. For more information, check the link to their website below.
Catholic Charities
Other than the perhaps the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities is likely the most well-known support services organization for the disadvantaged. Support for senior citizens is only a small part of the services they offer.
Catholic Charities Senior and Caregiver Support Services
Lutheran Senior Services
For over 160 years, Lutheran Senior Services has been at the forefront of exceptional quality services with a faith-inspired, mission-driven focus. Every senior we serve, each family member and friend, and every single team member who works alongside us is unique, with life experience, wisdom, gifts, and talents to be honored, cherished, and celebrated. We are also grateful for both national and local partnerships who support us in our Christian mission – from church partners to other not-for-profit organizations. To learn more about Lutheran Senior Services and its many communities, programs, and services, complete the Contact Us form on this page.
National Church Residences
Founded on a faith-based mission, National Church Residences (then Ohio Church Residences) has grown from a flagship community, Bristol Village, in Waverly, Ohio, to become the nation’s largest non-profit provider of senior housing in the country. Today this organization owns and/or operates 340 senior housing communities in 25 states. And, they continue to add new communities and senior services every year.
Christian Horizons
Christian Horizons takes pride in dedicating itself to a mission aimed at empowering older adults in mind, body, and spirit through faith-driven service. Attentive to the needs of the elderly, they have crafted support services and senior living communities to assist those under our care in discovering fresh horizons marked by independence, purposeful opportunities, and a life tailored to their preferences.
United Church Homes
Founded in 1916, UCH began its mission at a time of ethnic discrimination, poverty, and pandemic. There were no safety nets for the poor or older adults like there are today. Over the years, people and situations have changed, but their mission has remained the same to provide quality and affordable housing and healthcare options to older adults. Today, United Church Homes is a leading provider of healthcare and senior living services with a mission to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness, and peace for those we are privileged to serve. United Church Homes, working with the United Church of Christ, currently serves seniors in 15 states.
Faith and Community Engagement
Many Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) programs are delivered in faith-based and community settings. Together, these effective partnerships support mental health services, substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery at the national, state and local levels.
Find Help for Substance Abuse and Mental Health
SeniorGuidance.org
As we age and become wiser, with a more expansive view on life, faith can become an integral part of our lives and can play a pivotal role in our decisions. Many seniors are contemplating a move to an assisted living facility. Faith-based assisted living facilities represent ¾ of the largest assisted living facilities in the U.S.
80% of continuing care retirement communities in the United States are owned and operated by non-profit organizations. Two-thirds of those are run as faith-based assisted living facilities. Faith-based assisted living is the natural progression of the purpose and mission of many religions.
Faith-based assisted living facilities are administered much like non-religious facilities. There are fees, rules and contracts. However, many consider that faith-based assisted living facilities are more likely to “see the whole person” and better provide for the human, spiritual, and social needs.
Faith-based senior living facilities provide the same services and practices of the faith. Services are held conveniently in the same building, on-site so it is relatively easy for residents to attend. There is assistance available to escort residents to and from services.
Faith Assisted Living Retirement Communities
Related Resources from Optimal Retirement Living