Lutheran Homes awarded grants

The N.C. Coalition for Long-Term Care Enhancement has awarded grants ranging from $22,500 to $24,000 to the five nursing homes of Lutheran Services for the Aging (LSA) to fund "culture change" initiatives at each location.

Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks in Salisbury and Lutheran Home–Winston-Salem will use grant monies to install multi-user resident computer systems that offer a variety of recreational and diversional activities as well as applications for therapeutic exercise programs and other therapy interventions.

Lutheran Home–Albemarle will undergo renovations inside and out when grant funds are used to create an ice cream parlor and gathering place indoors, and a garden-patio space outdoors.

Lutheran Home–Hickory residents will soon be drinking lattes and cappuccinos in "The Bistro," an Internet cafŽ and eatery that will be located within the nursing home.

Lutheran Home–Hickory West will turn an outdoor area at the nursing home into a "park" that will include a children's playground, a walking trail, and a garden area for residents, staff members, and guests to enjoy together.

The N.C. Coalition for Long-Term Care Enhancement seeks to improve the quality of life in nursing homes and long-term care settings by providing education and support regarding culture change efforts that involve moving nursing homes away from institutional or hospital-like models of care.

"These grants are wonderful gifts for our residents," said Mary Ann Johnson, director of community and foundation relations for LSA, "and also serve to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of nursing home staff who have dedicated themselves to creating true homes for those they serve."

Enhancement grants are an ongoing project of the coalition. This year, a total of 56 grant proposals were reviewed and 21 grants were awarded. For more information about LSA and culture change, visit the LSA web site at www.lsanc.net.