Changing Times, Unchanging Need
For 110 years, gifts to The Baptist Home supported the daily care of men and women whose resources had been exhausted. In the early days, contributions were in the form of chickens, eggs, cows and canned goods. As times and regulations changed, canned goods and eggs were replaced by cash gifts and gifts of cows and chickens were superseded by estate gifts. What did not change over these years were how the funds were used for the daily care of those we served. Over time, these gifts could not keep up with the need.
In the past four years, Baptist Homes has secured Medicare and Medicaid certification at several campuses. These programs are funded through your tax dollars. Medicare covers short-term stays for rehab while Medicaid covers long-term nursing care once one’s resources have been exhausted. So, what does Baptist Homes, a not-for-profit ministry, do with these gifts?
First, your gifts help keep the cost of care reasonable for those we serve. Private pay is still the most common way to pay for long-term care. The average cost of assisted living in Missouri is $4,850 per month. At Baptist Homes, our average is $1,000 less. Skilled nursing in our state averages $310/day for semi-private rooms and $340/day for private rooms. Baptist Homes rates average 20% less. Your gifts help keep Christlike care affordable and accessible.
Next, your gifts support campus improvements, such as upgrading rooms to private restrooms and providing enhanced dining options for residents. In the past four years, significant upgrades have be undertaken through your generosity. Adrian, Arcadia Valley and the soon-to-be-opened campuses at Ashland and Smithville reflect these improvements.
Third, your gifts support the soul care of our residents. Spencer Huston, our Church Relations Specialist, works with pastors, churches and Baptist associations to ensure those we serve have plentiful opportunities to worship, study God’s Word and engage in discipleship and missions.
Finally, your gifts support the Burney Assistance Grants, named after Baptist Home’s third president, John H. Burney, a leader who tirelessly sought to ensure finances were not a barrier to care. These resident grants help bridge the cost of care with the available resources for those needing assisted living or residential care. These grants also assist pastors who may have opted out of Social Security and Medicare and would otherwise not be able to afford Baptist Homes care.
While much has changed, the most important elements of this ministry have not. These include our unwavering commitment to Christlike care, supporting families through education and advocacy, and our purpose to please God and help others do the same.
Your prayers and support make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for caring.
Together in His service,
Rodney Harrison
