Couple Experiences Enduring COMPASSION AND CARE


During the Landis Homes 60th anniversary celebration, in February 2024, and in their comments below, Ed and Rhoda Longenecker reflect on changes through time, as well as enduring features of Landis Homes.


E


d began as the Associate Administrator of Landis Homes in 1976 and retired with the title of President in 2006. When asked to share some of the largest changes he experienced during


his tenure, several jumped to mind. “When the West Campus was created, it meant enlarging our leadership team and board. The organization had grown from a small, fairly simple home to something much larger. Strategic planning was important,” he says.“We had to look carefully at our founding dreams and visions and ask key questions. Was our vision and mission up to date? What about our guiding values? We also knew there was a call to continued excellence in service as we grew. We needed to make sure we had ways to measure that from the perspective of residents and family members.”


A second important change during Ed’s tenure was the beginning of long-considered Home and Community-Based Services to the wider community. The launch and growth of Landis Adult Day Services, and later Landis at Home, increased the footprint of the organization, calling to mind an early leader’s challenge to grow a “Landis Homes community without walls.” This growth has extended in recent years with the creation of Landis Communities and the addition of Welsh Mountain Home, rental apartments in downtown Lancaster and expanding housing options for those with fewer financial resources.


Rhoda served from 1983-2004 as a nurse at Landis Homes. She notes some changes during that time. “Updating Personal Care and Healthcare buildings and the launching of the patient-centered care philosophy were huge steps forward for residents, and I think for team members as well. Having spaces specifically for those with memory loss was very important.”


In addition to changes to the physical structures and appearances of the rooms, schedules and other choices were adapted around resident preferences. (i.e., mealtime and breakfasts made to order.) Rhoda explained that embracing the “Honoring Lives” philosophy highlighted an existing culture already focused on valuing the lives of those being served. The focus on listening, empowering, demonstrating sensitivity, extending grace, and encouraging choice makes a place where residents can experience home and develop relationships.


Ed and Rhoda say these focuses have stayed constant, both through their service to the organization and now as residents. Ed says, “The emphasis on community has always been strong. I am grateful for the Leadership Team’s support for spiritual and social ministries, using the phrase “Jesus Christ in Street Clothes” to personalize the Guiding Values of Joy, Compassion, Integrity, Stewardship and Community.”


20 • Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2024


CULTIVATING GROWTH


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