NEXT: Neighbors Matter
As I mentioned in a previous article, our strategic principles for the near future are built around the acronym, NEXT – Neighbors Matter, Economic Stability, eXceptional Care, and Team. For the next several editions of this newsletter, I want to focus on each of these strategic principles, beginning with this edition.
Neighbors Matter
In the history of Baptist Homes, we have referred to those we care for in a variety of ways. The original term used to refer to those living at the Home for Aged Baptists was inmate. While this is admittedly an unfortunate moniker, it was the language of the day for elderly living in a healthcare environment. Sometime in the early 1930’s, the term patient came into vogue. This title was soon supplanted by a term that lasted into the 21st century – resident. I admit this title is the easiest for me to use personally. Recently, under the leadership of our Arcadia Valley campus executive director, Dan Stiles, we have begun using the term neighbor. Neighbor is reflective of a community of people living together. A neighbor is someone with whom you have a relationship.
Who are these neighbors? What are their lives like? Our neighbors live with us in a variety of conditions. Some are independent living neighbors. They live in duplexes or apartments and have the opportunity to be a part of a community of other neighbors who live independently on our campuses. Other neighbors live in one of the healthcare levels that we provide. These include everything from limited healthcare services experienced in residential and assisted living care, to skilled nursing care where services are provided around the clock.
These neighbors come to us from a wide variety of social and economic backgrounds. Some are lifelong residents in a farming community, while others have been urban dwellers who worked in industry or commerce most of their lives. Some come from strong family backgrounds with significant support systems, while others have no family and have lived very singular lives. A few are people of significant financial means, while most live with the concerns of one day running out of their own resources. Some are in relatively good health, while others come to live with us after a significant health issue that has changed their lifestyle permanently.
Regardless of the unique differences for each of these people, it is our responsibility to build an environment conducive to the development of new friendships, new social habits, and ultimately with new neighbors. We do this in a variety of ways. But the core of our ministry to them is to serve them as people created in the image of God, helping the believers to continue to grow in their faith in Christ, and for those who have never come to faith in Christ to create an environment that is conducive to hearing and responding to the life-changing message of salvation in Christ alone.
Neighbors – will that always be the word used to describe those living at Baptist Homes? At some point in history, someone will advocate for a ‘cooler’ title, but for now, I think it is a great reflection of our desire to become the standard of Christlike care for the aging.
In His Grace,
Dr. Ron Mackey, Acting BHHM President
