The Not-for-Profit Difference
Mission-Driven
Ohio Living is committed to our mission of providing adults with caring and quality services toward the enhancement of physical, mental and spiritual well-being consistent with the Christian Gospel. As a chartered not-for-profit provider of senior services, Ohio Living has a direct obligation to our community and our residents.
A not-for-profit organization focused on aging services dedicates itself to addressing the unique needs of the senior community, putting purpose before profit. Rather than routing any excess earnings to shareholders, these funds are channeled back into the organization, empowering it to push forward its vision and goals. With a broad spectrum of services and assistance designed especially for older adults, from healthcare and housing to social engagement and advocacy, not-for-profit organizations place a significant emphasis on enhancing the lives and well-being of seniors. Their commitment lies in elevating the health, autonomy, and respect of older adults, which in turn enriches the fabric of the community at large.
The legacy of Ohio Living is founded in enduring faith, compassion, and community.
In the early 1920s, an elderly church member in Troy, Ohio, grew ill and found herself with limited funds. Her Bible class had formed a close-knit community, and the members were filled with compassion. They petitioned the Presbytery to establish a home for the aged so that others like their friend could have a safe and loving place to live.
When Rev. W. Blake Love heard about the project, he recognized how important it was to meet this need. He spoke regularly to his congregation in Sidney, Ohio, about putting their faith into action for the cause.
Rev. Love’s daughter Dorothy was fatally struck by a car in 1921, and his congregation was moved with grief. The Russell family, who had planned to sell land to fund the girl’s education, instead donated it to the Synod in her honor. The land was designated for the cause Rev. Love had championed, and Dorothy Love Retirement Community was founded in 1922.
Over one hundred years later, our organization has changed and grown, but the foundation remains the same. You can feel the sense of community when you walk through our doors; witness people putting their faith into action both in our chapels and their everyday lives; and see our staff’s compassion as they serve residents and patients with diligence and heartfelt care. We cherish this legacy, and will continue to find new ways to demonstrate it in the century ahead.
Quality
Not-for-profit providers of aging services offer a commitment to quality that stems from a mission of service and a history of compassion.
At Ohio Living, quality care isn't just a goal; it's the guiding principle ingrained in every aspect of our organization.
We understand that providing exceptional care starts from within, which is why we invest in our employees, nurturing their skills and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. Our team members are empowered to make choices that always put the well-being of those we care for at the forefront. Extensive training programs and access to the latest tools and resources ensures they are prepared to offer unmatched experiences to our residents and patients.
Our dedicated Quality Improvement Committee is also central to our commitment to quality, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to drive innovation and excellence in care delivery. By continuously evaluating and refining our practices, we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our residents, patients, and their families.
We're not content with merely meeting standards at Ohio Living; we set the bar higher, striving to create an environment where every individual thrives and receives the highest possible standard of care.
Stability
As a not-for-profit organization, Ohio Living epitomizes stability in aging services, providing residents, patients, and their families with reliable care and caregivers they can trust. Our commitment to our mission and values ensures steadfastness and continuity, guaranteeing that the people we serve receive unwavering care and support. Ohio Living's status as a not-for-profit further reinforces our dedication to serving older adults with integrity and compassion, prioritizing their well-being above all else. This steadfastness establishes Ohio Living as a consistent pillar in the community, offering residents, patients, and their families the assurance of consistent, high-quality care for generations to come.
Continuum of Care
A continuum of care provides a seamless transition between different levels of care and support for older adults as they age while living in a life plan community. For example, residents may begin with independent living arrangements and gradually transition to assisted living or skilled nursing care as their needs evolve, ensuring they receive the right level of support at each stage of their aging journey.
A continuum of care fosters continuity and familiarity, reducing the stress associated with moving to unfamiliar environments or adjusting to new caregivers. Older adults can build trusting relationships with care providers and fellow residents, creating a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, having access to a range of services within the same organization streamlines coordination and communication between healthcare professionals, ensuring a cohesive, teamwork-driven approach to managing medical needs and enhancing health outcomes. Overall, a continuum of care empowers older adults to age with dignity, security, and peace of mind, knowing that their evolving needs will be met with compassion and expertise.
Life Care Commitment
An unwavering promise to our residents is encapsulated in the Life Care Commitment, which has been a cornerstone value at Ohio Living since our inception in 1922. Unlike many other communities for older adults, where exhausted financial resources can result in displacement, we stand firm in ensuring that no resident ever faces eviction when — in good faith — they run out of the funds meant to see them through.
The Life Care Commitment is more than just a program; it's a testament of our dedication to providing security and peace of mind to every member of our community. Regardless of financial circumstances, every resident receives consistent, high-quality healthcare and services within our communities.
Currently, the Life Care Commitment is sustained in part by the generous contributions of donors, covering 20 to 30 percent of its total costs annually. Recognizing the potential economic challenges ahead, we are committed to bolstering this program to ensure its resilience and effectiveness in the face of future uncertainties.
Growth
"True growth for a non-profit organization isn't measured solely in financial gains, but in the depth of impact it creates within the communities it serves."
In recent years, not-for-profit organizations in aging services have experienced notable growth, driven by an increasing demand for high-quality care and support for older adults. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, not-for-profit organizations in aging services are poised to continue their positive impact, ensuring that older adults receive the care and support they deserve to thrive in their later years.
Donors have significantly impacted Ohio Living residents, patients, and employees by providing essential funding that enables the expansion of services, facilities, programs, and training. This generosity has greatly benefited our team members and enhanced quality of life of many for the people we serve.
Governance
In a not-for-profit organization, governance is led by a board of directors, rather than an owner. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction, policies, and operations, ensuring alignment with its mission and objectives. They are typically volunteers who serve in a fiduciary capacity, making decisions collectively for the benefit of the organization and its stakeholders.