SENIOR: Lutherans collaborate to test aging and caregiving models

A coalition of Lutheran organizations announced they are launching a two-year pilot project to address aging and caregiving.

Called the Aging in Community Initiative, the goal is to develop new models for in-home nonmedical care for aging people and provide support for in-home caregivers.

The collaboration includes Lutheran Services in America, 14 Lutheran social ministry organizations and the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation.

By bringing the organizations together to learn from each other, the initiative seeks to develop and test new models that result in individuals remaining in their homes longer and caregivers feeling less burdened.

“This initiative represents an exciting new approach to creating successful, affordable and sustainable programs that benefit the lives of the elderly and their caregivers,” said Jill Schumann, president and CEO, Lutheran Services in America, in a prepared statement. “The Aging in Community Initiative will place Lutherans at the very center of dependable, compassionate care for an aging American population.”

The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation provided $560,000 in grants to the 14 participating social ministry organizations. The funding will enable the organizations to develop and test new programs.

Tags: caregivers, elderly, medical, care