assisted living Archives - AHEPA Senior Living

Addressing The Senior Housing Crisis

Posted on April 16, 2024April 17, 2024 by Andrew Kaffes

The Senior Housing Crisis

The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies highlighted a pressing issue in the United States in an alarming report about the unpreparedness to provide adequate housing and care for the rapidly growing population of older Americans. Amidst this crisis, AHEPA Senior Living (ASL) is actively working to mitigate these challenges through our development projects. AHEPA Senior Living’s role in expanding housing solutions demonstrates a proactive approach to a looming crisis that threatens millions of older Americans’ well-being and financial stability.

The Growing Need for Senior Housing and Services

The United States is witnessing an unprecedented surge in its older adult population, underscored by the fact that all of the baby boomer generation will be 65 or older by 2030. The demographic shift substantially challenges affordable and accessible senior housing and aging services. The Harvard article emphasizes the dual challenge of securing housing and the necessary supportive services that older adults require to live independently and with dignity.

Securing affordable housing and necessary services for older adults has become increasingly challenging. High costs, limited availability and accessibility issues are just the tip of the iceberg. Professionals underscore the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to address these issues, pointing out the severe cost burdens many older adults face, compromising their ability to afford other essentials like healthcare and nutrition.

Current Challenges in Senior Housing

Senior housing is fraught with challenges. High costs and limited accessibility are sizeable barriers couple with the added frustration of insufficient or stalled government investment. The Harvard article sheds light on these challenges, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to provide adequate housing for seniors. Additionally, disparities in housing equity and the impact of climate change further complicate the situation, underscoring the urgency of addressing these multifaceted issues.

Renters Cost Burdened at Record Levels. According to a January 25 report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University, America’s Rental Housing 2024, a record number 22.4 million renter households spent more than 30% of their incomes for housing and 12.1 million renter households spent more than 50% for rent in 2022.

One potential solution to these challenges is the HUD 202 program, which focuses on providing affordable multifamily housing for older adults. However, in the marketplace, the affordability issue of rising rents indicates a growing gap between housing costs and the financial capabilities of older adults. This gap further stresses the importance of comprehensive solutions that address both affordability and accessibility.

Learn how rent is determined via HUD Section 202 housing

AHEPA Senior Living’s Response

With these broad challenges looming, ASL continues to initiate development projects to provide affordable, accessible housing and supportive services for seniors. These projects seek to address the immediate needs of older adults and incorporate innovative approaches to ensure their long-term sustainability and resilience.

In 2023 alone, AHEPA Senior Living closed a $23.5 million deal to build their fifth community in Iowa as well as a $25.18 million deal to rehabilitate and preserve three properties in Mobile, Alabama. The nearly $50 million investment in several communities is in addition to hiring Rory Neubrander to lead the AHEPA development team as vice president.

Also, with policy changes in effect in Ohio, ASL aims to bring its Hellenic Senior Living affordable assisted living lifestyle brand to the Buckeye state. This unique model of providing seniors with affordable access to assisted living services combined with affordable housing is AHEPA Senior Living’s response to the high cost of long-term care that older adults face. As reported by the Joint Center, just 13 percent of older adults can afford to move to assisted living.

These recent actions implemented by ASL are a testament to the organization’s forward-thinking strategy. By providing quality affordable and accessible housing solutions, ASL sets the standard for affordable senior living communities, continuing to pave the way for a future where senior living is about providing peace of mind to loved ones, allowing them to thrive.

The Future of Senior Living

The need for creative and sustainable solutions in senior living has never been more critical. With strategies focused on the future, ASL is even exploring opportunities for integrating renewable energy sources into their communities and projects, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency.

AHEPA Senior Living’s commitment to shaping the future of senior living is further underscored by its recent strategic hires in the development team, who bring fresh perspectives and expertise in sustainable development. By hiring these forward thinkers, development efforts continue to look toward communities that promote longevity, happiness and peace of mind. ASL’s initiatives offer a glimpse into a future where senior living is synonymous with vibrant, supportive communities catering to older adults’ comprehensive needs.

Conclusion

AHEPA Senior Living’s proactive approach to senior housing challenges demonstrates a dynamic model of innovation, sustainability and inclusivity. By addressing the pressing needs of today’s senior population and laying the groundwork for future advancements, ASL exemplifies leadership in transforming the affordable senior living sector. The organization’s commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults through affordable, accessible, and high-quality housing solutions sets a benchmark for excellence in the field.

To learn more about AHEPA Senior Living’s innovative projects and how you can support efforts in improving senior living solutions, visit our website and join us in creating a better future for our seniors.

U.S. Congressman Yakym Visits Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka

Posted on June 8, 2023August 10, 2023 by Andrew Kaffes

MISHAWAKA, INDIANA— U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) visited AHEPA Senior Living’s Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawka, a 136-unit affordable assisted living lifestyle community, on June 2, 2023.

“We were excited to welcome Congressman Yakym to Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka,” AHEPA Senior Living (ASL) President and CEO Steve Beck said. “We applaud his commitment to Indiana’s older adults, and his interest in learning about our mission to provide seniors with safe and dignified affordable housing and the quality aging services they need to thrive. We thank him for choosing to visit our community and for spending time with our residents, board members, and our team.”

In a Facebook post, Congressman Yakym wrote, “Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka does great work to serve our senior Hoosiers and ensure they can enjoy an independent lifestyle. Thanks to the residents for welcoming me and sharing your wisdom with me today!”

Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka is located at 1540 Logan Street. It is owned and managed by AHEPA Senior Living.

Video tour of HSL of Mishawaka

Hellenic Senior Living offers low-income seniors, 62 and older, access to affordable and safe residential apartment-home living with the availability of personal assistance, medication administration, and a variety of support services, such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, socialization, and transportation. Residences are one‐bedroom or studio apartments, which include a handicap-adaptable full bathroom, individually controlled heating and cooling, an emergency call system, and a kitchenette.

In addition to HSL of Mishawaka, ASL manages three other affordable assisted living lifestyle communities under the Hellenic Senior Living brand in Indianapolis, New Albany, and Elkhart.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we have been delighted and honored to welcome many public officials to our communities,” ASL Chairman Ike Gulas said. “We are most pleased to welcome Congressman Yakym, with whom we just met in Washington in May. His visit marks the ongoing affirmation of the appreciation of public officials for the bold vision of our company’s mission-driven founders, and their commitment to give back to the community, by providing quality affordable housing for older adults.”

In addition to Congressman Yakym, ASL has welcomed several U.S. government officials to its communities. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) visited AHEPA 232 Apartments in Indianapolis, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN) visited AHEPA 78 VI in Merrillville, Ind., U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge accompanied by U.S. Reps. Al Green (D-TX), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) toured AHEPA 29 Apartments campus of Houston; U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) also visited AHEPA 232 in Indianapolis, and the late U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) visited Hellenic Senior Living of Elkhart.

About ASL

Serving more than 5,000 older adults across the United States, AHEPA Senior Living (ASL) is a mission-driven, nationwide provider of affordable independent and assisted senior living communities. Since 1980, it has developed and managed more than 90 affordable independent senior living communities in 21 states administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program.

Through its subsidiaries, ASL owns and manages four affordable assisted living communities with 532 units in Indiana.

The mission of ASL is to provide older adults with safe, healthy, and enriching affordable residential communities and quality services that allow them to thrive and enjoy peace of mind.

ASL is based in Fishers, Ind.

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Making new friends while in Assisted Living

Posted on March 14, 2023January 19, 2024 by Andrew Kaffes

A fear many residents experience before moving into an assisted living community is that they will be lonely, but this is simply not true! When you live in assisted living, staying connected with others is essential. All of AHEPA Senior Living’s Hellenic Senior Living affordable assisted living lifestyle communities host many group activities and opportunities to learn new things, see new places, and meet new people. In fact, after moving into an assisted living community, many residents find new friends with similar interests. If you’re thinking about moving into one of our communities, but think you won’t have any friends, this post is for you – keep reading!

Planned Events

Events are a great way to make new friends. At Hellenic Senior Living communities, we have events that residents can attend. Check out our busy Community Calendar at Hellenic Senior Living of New Albany! By attending these events, residents can make new friends and have fun! We regularly host off-site outings which can be an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in your community.

Not everyone is outgoing, and that’s okay! We also host community activities in which learning is the main objective. There are so many activities you can take part in to ease yourself into getting to know others. For example, we host bingo nights, crafting classes, book clubs, and so much more. The recent holiday season, members of the Hellenic Senior Living of Indianapolis community got together to decorate stockings, listen to Christmas music, and play Christmas Bingo—and even holiday shopped thanks to paparazzi jewelry and craft vendors!

Common Areas

It’s essential to leave your room, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You might not think it, but leaving your room can help you meet new people. By walking around and meeting people in common areas, you can easily strike up a conversation about what they’re currently doing, any hobbies you might have in common, places you’ve traveled, or anything else you can think of. You’ll find that others in your community have similar interests and just want to make friends! Frequenting the common areas will likely result in meeting other residents in a less formal setting.

One-on-One Activities

Everyone is nervous about asking someone to do something one-on-one. What if the other person says, no? Well, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Start small – ask if the other person would like to join a community activity with you. Maybe you know they love a dish you’ve got a great recipe for – ask if they would let you make it for them.

If you still want to ease into it, invite friends outside of the assisted living community over for dinner parties or other gatherings so that they can meet new people who live in your new community! Other ideas can include attending a movie together, going out for food, or even hosting small group gatherings at your home.

Keep an Open Mind

Be friendly and keep an open mind when meeting new people. If you’re new to an assisted living community, it’s easy to feel like you don’t know anyone there – you might not, but neither did anyone else when they first got there. But if you try your best to make friends with others in your community, your circle will eventually grow and expand beyond just the people directly adjacent to your room!

You’ve heard the phrase, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” This holds especially true because you don’t know what others are going through. It is crucial to keep an open mind when trying to connect with others. Once you get to know the individual, you may find that your initial thoughts were off, and they were just having a bad day.

Stay Connected!

It’s important for seniors living in assisted living communities to stay connected with others. By staying open to making new friends and following the above advice, residents will scoff at the idea that its lonely in the community. At our Hellenic Senior Living communities there’s always something new to try and someone new to meet!

Debunking Myths about Assisted Living

Posted on February 8, 2023February 8, 2023 by Andrew Kaffes

Introduction

AHEPA Senior Living’s Hellenic Senior Living affordable assisted living lifestyle communities are attractive options for income-qualified older adults, 62 and older, who are seeking assistance with daily activities yet desiring to maintain their independence. Our communities provide the support and assistance necessary for residents to age with dignity among their friends and peers.

Unfortunately, there are misperceptions out there about assisted living. Often, someone’s negative experience is retold and embellished, over and over. And while it’s important to do your due diligence when researching living options for you or your loved one, it’s also important to be able to distinguish between truth and myths.

Over the years, we’ve heard several persistent myths circulating about the living conditions inside an assisted living community. Today, we’re here to debunk some of the more popular ones. Just have a look at a series of activities conducted by Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka that easily dispel them.

Myth: Residents aren’t allowed to leave

Fact: Residents are allowed to leave the facility whenever they want, and many choose to participate in community-sponsored events!

Residents of our communities are free to come and go as they please. Our community members frequently go to church functions or other social events with family and friends in the area, visit a museum or a movie, or enjoy group outing to a local eatery. For example, HSL of Mishawaka residents toured the National Studebaker Museum in South Bend. We even provide transportation services to local area events a few times a month on average.

Myth: Residents have no autonomy

Fact: Residents are free to be themselves and pursue their passions

In addition to residents being able to be active and out and about in the community, an assisted living setting allows a resident to be one’s own self and pursue passions or interests, including charitable or philanthropic. Twelve HSL of Mishawaka residents attended a luncheon fundraiser in support of the Alzheimer’s Association at the Local Hacienda. REAL Services and AseraCare Hospice Care were the two main contributing hosts organizations for the event. Both companies actively are involved with the Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka community, providing various services.

“We went in support and the residents enjoyed a wonderful lunch,” HSL of Mishawaka Executive Director Leslie Dezarn.

Separately, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a resident showcased her memorabilia in celebration of Dr. King and his legacy.

Myth: Residents are lonely and bored

Fact: Residents typically find a sense of community

Senior isolation and loneliness are serious concerns, even gaining the attention of the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging. 33% of older adults suffer from loneliness.

Assisted living communities are designed to help individuals get the assistance they need without inhibiting the sense of exploration and learning that all of us enjoy. They provide a safe environment so residents can go out on day trips or join activities with their friends and families.

Further, many community activities are hosted, from arts and crafts, classes to learn new things such as cooking or another language, and games with other residents.

You’ll find even the simplest of things will make a difference — for example a Valentine’s Tree at Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka that showcases “Community Love.”

Myth: The food is horrible

Fact: Assisted living communities offer a broad range of dining options!

Variety is the key to a healthy diet, and our dining room helps provide a wide range of options. At Hellenic Senior Living, we offer a “light lunch affair” alternative to a heavy meal at noon, and it’s turned into a resident favorite! Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to get off-site and enjoy a meal!

We have an open invite for interested individuals to schedule a lunch and tour anytime.

Don’t believe everything you hear about assisted living.

AHEPA Senior Living’s Hellenic Senior Living assisted living lifestyle communities are designed to be a place where older adults seeking assistance with daily activities can live affordably and maintain their independence!