from the president


Research will help Society change the way care is provided for seniors


ou’re only old once Y


Brainerd, Minn.


David J. Horazdovsky President and


Chief Executive Officer of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society


My father meant those words in a most sincere and purposeful way. It is not uncommon to hear the phrase “you’re only young once,” implying we should pack as much living as possible into our younger years. But applying that same zest in one’s later years is just as important. What my father was saying is that it’s important to experience and live life in a meaningful way, no matter what our age may be. There is purpose to each of our days and all should be spent as a treasure from God ... for that is what they are.


It was with that spirit that both my father and mother wanted to help out with one of the Good Samaritan Society’s new directions. My parents have signed up to be a part of the LivingWell@Home research project. (You can read about this initiative on pages 2 – 9.) This exciting work is one way in which the Society is leading the way in services for our elders. We all want to be in control of our own lives, especially our own health decisions. LivingWell@Home does just that; it helps us focus on being and staying well. This Society initiative uses supportive technology to empower elders to live more independently and remain longer in the places they choose to call home. It not only focuses on healthy living, it also holds a key to reducing healthcare costs by being proactive rather than just reactive to episodic care needs.


The Good Samaritan Society is committed to being a driving force behind new and life- changing innovation for the purpose of changing the way elders — including my own father and mother — are served. Because “you’re only old once,” the Society is dedicated to making that time the best it can be within all our Christian communities, both on our campuses and in the homes of those we are honored to serve.


In Christ,


ou’re only old once.” Those were the words my father shared with me the last time I visited him and my mother at Good Samaritan Society – Woodland in


The Good Samaritan • 2011 • Vol. 45 • No. 1


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24