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To meet the needs of a workforce seeking affordable housing in some of the highest cost of living parts of the country, senior living providers are taking matters into their own hands.
Two such operators, Naples, Florida-based Moorings Park in Naples and St. Paul, Minnesota-based Presbyterian Homes and Services, have a variety of projects underway to meet these needs.
Moorings Park, in a joint venture with real estate developer K2 Developers, acquired a Super 8 hotel and has been in the process of renovating it since September 2022, according to Mary Morton, chief financial officer of The Moorings Park Institute, Inc.
Part of the reason for doing so was addressing the immediate need expressed by workers who couldn’t afford to live in the area, where the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,000 per month.
“We acquired [the] hotel in order to deliver much needed housing in a rapid manner relative to ground up development projects, which often take at least four years to get approved, built and stabilized,” Morton said.
For Presbyterian Homes and Services, the need for housing was found through an employee survey, where 19% of workers expressed an interest in workforce housing if the company could provide it, according to Senior Vice President Jon Fletcher.
“If they couldn’t find affordable housing, they may be forced to relocate elsewhere, potentially impacting their ability to continue working with us,” Fletcher said. “We view that as a very high percentage of our employees, that’s upwards of 1,400 of our employees.”
To address the need, Presbyterian Homes and Services acquired an existing independent living and assisted community and converted a portion of the units for workforce housing purposes. After the acquisition in September 2023, the first employees have already moved in and more are on the way, according to Fletcher.
For Moorings Park, the acquisition of the Super 8 hotel turned out to be immediately beneficial.
“The property was fully leased until just recently, because about two weeks after we acquired the property, our area was directly hit by Hurricane Ian,” Morton said. “We were fortunate to be able to provide much needed housing or immediate housing for those individuals who worked at Moorings Park and other local employers who lost their homes or had their homes badly damaged during the storm.”
While renovations are still underway, Morton added there has been positive feedback from the employees that have been living there so far.
In addition to the hotel, the Moorings Park Foundation collaborates with Habitat for Humanity to provide financial assistance for employees to purchase a Habitat for Humanity home and is helping fund the conversion of an old golf course into housing that will be available for essential workers and seniors through a public/private partnership between the county and two other local foundations. The project is noted to be the first of its kind in Florida.
Through discussions with employees, Fletcher said Presbyterian Homes and Services was able to identify a need of 20 to 40 apartments in the markets of St. Paul and Bloomington, Minnesota, and Stillwater, Minnesota. With its current offerings, the communities are designed to be independent senior living communities, and through the Fair Housing Act’s age exemption, 20% of those apartments can be occupied by individuals younger than 55, allowing for 20 to be used by employees.
Despite Presbyterian Homes still being early in the process for allowing workforce housing, Fletcher said there is a known demand. When the housing opportunity was communicated to employees, he said around 40 responded and said they were interested in living there.
“We know there’s demand,” Fletcher said. “At the same time, we also know employees need to terminate or wait until their current lease is ended, wherever they’re living.”
Another community that has been offering workforce housing, at Lake Minnetonka, consistently houses 30 employees. The net promoter scores from those employees are higher than other employees and their length of stay with the company is about twice as long.
“We find that those employees end up being what we call trees for the organization in terms of their longevity. It really helps to provide them with a stable affordable housing option,” Fletcher said.
With its latest project, Presbyterian Homes and Services charges between $800 and $1,500 for rent for all residents, making it intentionally affordable. The cost was determined by charging 60% of the median area income to keep prices below market rate.
Additionally, having affordable housing readily available has allowed both companies to fill vacant positions with foreign workers, whether they are nurses from the Philippines for Presbyterian Homes and Services or seasonal staff from the hospitality industry for Moorings Park.
Based on the current successes seen through the programs, both Fletcher and Morton said there are plans to add additional workforce housing solutions to their respective companies, though it is dependent on the demand.
There are challenges associated with providing workforce housing. Despite being faster than developing from the ground up, zoning and permitting can slow a project down, “not in my back yard” pushback from area residents and businesses due to the stigma of affordable housing.
The hotel acquired by Moorings Park, for example, despite being acquired in September 2022, is still obtaining the necessary zoning and permits for the renovations and as such an anticipated completion date for the project can’t be determined at this time.
“It’s just the process. It’s very complicated,” Morton said.
Another challenge, particularly for providers that operate in multiple regions, is determining where to put housing for employees. According to Fletcher, identifying areas with high concentrations of employees who want to live in provided housing is the key.
“It’s probably going to be more challenging to make it work in areas where we don’t have high concentrations of employees,” he said. “The reality is that even if you do provide employee housing, there might not be a huge percentage of your employees that want to live in housing that you provide as well, there’s probably a stigma associated with that.”
Because employers are providing housing for employees, there’s also the chance of blurring the lines between personal and professional life for residents. To avoid this, Morton suggests utilizing a property manager to handle day to day tasks, alongside implementing policies to “promote fairness and transparency” in housing related matters and smooth out the relationship between employer and employee.
Another approach is having a physical separation for the work and tenant experience, as well as providing privacy for tenants, which is what Fletcher said his company has been implementing.
“In the latest building that we acquired, we are targeting to have all the employees live on a certain floor. It’s easier for them to just kind of check out and go to their own floor so they’re not always having to interact with residents if they don’t want to,” he said.
For senior living providers looking to offer workforce housing, Morton suggests bringing on a development partner. Even if the project hadn’t worked out, she said, Moorings Park would have acquired an asset and it wouldn’t have been “an economic drain.”
“Forming a joint venture with our development partner allowed us to leverage their strengths and expertise, mitigate risks and access additional resources, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable business model,” she said.
Fletcher said he encourages other senior living providers to pursue affordable housing, despite the challenges, as it benefits the greater market.
“I would just encourage folks to try. They don’t necessarily need to try to bite off 100, 200 or 500 units at a time. Just small pockets of affordable units could probably go a long way,” he said.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.
Row-style homesReminiscent of historic row-style homes, the Brownstones feature a charming and unique exterior. One and two bedroom floor plans blend gracious design and inviting style for a truly distinctive interior. This vital addition to Founders Ridge reflects the same creative spirit that is evident throughout the entire community, providing you privacy, independence, and the freedom to pursue a life limited only by the number of hours in a day.View a 3D interactive floor plan of the Breidenbach or Anderson floor plans or scroll down for other floor plans options.Blinds on all windows and patio doorsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsConvenient in-home laundry with washer and dryerFully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove/self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwaveIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningPrivate deck or patio (select apartments)Walk-in storage (most apartments)Senior ApartmentsOur senior apartments offer maintenance-free living and comfortable floor plans with the added benefits of value and convenience. Nicely appointed common areas are well-suited for group events and casual gatherings. Social, recreational and volunteer opportunities help create a sense of community. Other optional services and amenities are available for both pleasure and purpose.Alder wood cabinetry with maple finish throughoutBlinds on all windows and patio doorsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsConvenient in-home laundry with washer and dryerFully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove/self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwaveIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningPrivate deck or patio (select apartments)Walk-in storage (most apartments)Senior Apartments IIThe Terrace II provides additional independent living apartments with desirable upgrades, such as stainless steel appliances, wood-style flooring and solid surface kitchen counter tops. As part of the main campus, residents have indoor access to all common areas, group events and casual gatherings. Social, recreational and volunteer opportunities help create a sense of community.Blinds on all windows and patio doorsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsConvenient in-home laundry with washer and dryerFully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove/self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwaveIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningMaple cabinetry with nutmeg finish throughoutPrivate deck or patio (select apartments)Walk-in storage (most apartments)
Live your life with a little extra support!Thoughtfully designed assisted living apartments, rooms or suites are accompanied by supportive services like housekeeping, meals, and personal care. Nicely appointed common areas are well-suited for group events and casual gatherings. Social, recreational and volunteer opportunities help create a sense of community. Other optional health care services and amenities are available.Assisted Living Details:Alder wood cabinetry with maple finish throughoutBathroom with roll-in shower and grab barBlinds on all windowsBright open floor plans emphasize spacious rooms and nine foot ceilingsIndividually controlled heat and central air conditioningRefrigerator, stove/oven and microwaveFloor plans & pricingStudiostarting at $ 4135 /month1-bedroomstarting at $ 4630 /month2-bedroomstarting at $ 6100 /monthIncluded amenities:24 hour on-site Resident Assistant staffingBilliardsBasic cable tvChoice of two meals daily served restaurant-styleCentral Air ConditioningEscort to meals + activities for first 5 daysElectricFlexible dining hoursFitness centerInitial Nursing AssessmentLibraryWeekly light housekeeping + linen changeMovie theaterTelephone serviceUrgent call systemOther conveniencesFees may applyDining services - additional optionsGarage parkingGuest dining servicesGuest suiteHandyman servicesRehabilitative servicesSalonStorage locker
Discover the difference memory care with purpose can make. Based on years of thoughtful consultation with staff, families and leaders in the field of dementia research, Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) offers a supportive haven where you can connect, engage and experience joy. Employees trained in the innovative Dementia Orientation Values Education (DOVE) program offer you or a loved one care, connection and choices designed to create meaningful moments.DOVE seeks to:Affirm those living with dementia as whole individuals.Celebrate the strengths of those living with dementiaUphold peoples dignity, self-esteem and independence through person-centered care.Foster compassion, flexibility and creativity by our care teams.PHS supportive and caring team of healthcare professionals are dedicated to respecting your choices and helping you maintain your individuality. The team, trained in DOVE, is better equipped to meet your individual needs by understanding disease processes. As a result, you experience the highest standard of skill and compassion which enriches lives. In addition, our memory care apartments enable you to experience a homelike atmosphere, private apartments (where available), 24-hour nursing care, three daily meals and supportive services including housekeeping, engaging activities and personal assistance.Schedule a tour today to learn more about specialized memory care.