Page 104 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2023

HOME
story and photo courtesy of Methodist Senior Services
e
The Green Hous
Deinstitutionalizing Nursing Home Life
THE PROBLEM
There was a time when silver hair meant wisdom and knowledge and, even, joy. Elders were to be respected, protected and loved. Unfortunately, it seems that commitment has faded and those from generations before are often forgotten, ignored or locked away.
THE SOLUTION
Enter Methodist Senior Services (MSS). Their answer? The Green House® Home. Based on the Eden principles of Dr. William Thomas, the Green House® concept seeks to deinstitutionalize nursing home life and give elders the experience of home while still receiving the care they need.
Twenty years ago, this revolutionary approach to elder care was introduced by MSS on the Traceway Retirement Community in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Green House® Homes are a different kind of care designed as small homes with dedicated outdoor space, a great room or hearth area, an open-concept kitchen
and each elder has a private room and bath for privacy. Most importantly, the Green House® Homes creates an environment for elders to continue to thrive, enjoy life and where each person is deeply known and valued.
It didn’t take long for this innovative concept to catch fire
in the industry. Organizations from all over visited Tupelo to see firsthand the Traceway homes. Soon the Green House® movement was popping up everywhere. Offering various styles of services, ranging from assisted living to full skilled nursing care, Green House® Homes offer a comfortable alternative to traditional settings. With nearly 400 Green House® Homes now operating throughout the world, MSS believes this change in eldercare is something to celebrate.
THE CELEBRATION
After 20 years of service, it’s time to celebrate the anniversary of the first Green House® Home ever built! MSS is planning to celebrate this landmark occasion with “TaleGate” events across Mississippi. These celebrations will be held at three locations marking significant anniversaries for the Green House® Homes on those campuses.
• APRIL 20, 2023
Traceway Retirement Community (Tupelo, MS)
20th Anniversary of the first Green House® Home • APRIL 24, 2023
Martha Coker Green House® Homes (Yazoo City, MS)
15th Anniversary of Green House® Homes • APRIL 26, 2023
Seashore Highlands Retirement Community (Gulfport, MS) 10th Anniversary of the Community that boasts the FIRST Green House® Home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Make your plans to join the celebration today by. Two decades of changing the lives of elders. Visit www.mss.org for more information.
104 | April 2023
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