2011 LeadingAge-Ziegler 100 names LHM among largest not-for-profit, multi-site senior living organizations  

The 2011 LeadingAge-Ziegler 100 revealed what Lutheran Homes of Michigan has known all along: Lutheran Homes of Michigan is committed to ensuring senior citizens age enriched, whether it’s at one of LHM’s senior living communities or in their own home.

Lutheran Homes of Michigan debuted at #94 in the 2011 LeadingAge Ziegler 100 report as one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit, multi-site senior living organizations – and there are presently 5,500 across the United States. In the categories of independent living units, assisted living and nursing care beds, LHM debuted at #91, #58 and #59, respectively. 

The growth of Lutheran Homes of Michigan is due, in part, to the vision of CEO David Gehm and its board. It also stems from the strength of the leadership team, and the attention to service provided to all of the LHM residents and their caregivers. 

“As an association representing 5,500 not-for-profit senior-living communities across the country, LeadingAge understands the commitment it takes to expand the world of possibilities for aging. That’s just one reason we were excited to be named in the top 100,” says Dave Gehm, president and CEO of Lutheran Homes of Michigan. 

Overall, LHM experienced an aggregate growth of 22 percent, bringing its total number of units to 845 statewide. Contributing to the growth was the 2010 acquisition of AuSable Valley Community CCRC in Oscoda County.

That’s not the only area in which LHM has experienced significant growth, though. The Lutheran Home Care division, comprised of Home Health, Hospice of Hope and Personal Assistance, has been booming. Home health has grown 100 percent, while LHM’s Hospice of Hope has experienced 150 percent growth. LHM’s Personal Assistance division has opened additional branches in Alpena, Monroe and Clinton Township in the past 12 months, with more to follow.

Home care services are the fastest growing segment of the senior services market, with an ever increasing number of seniors wanting to stay in their own homes as long as possible. “The aging of the baby boomers will only increase the demand for these high quality, needed services,” says Lynn Zuellig, chief operating officer of home and community-based services. 

“As the hands and feet of Christ, our commitment is to serving the elderly and their caregivers with compassion, respect, spiritual support and an unwavering focus on independence, personal dignity and service excellence. This is what continues to fuel our growth,” says Gehm. 

LeadingAge and Ziegler partner each year to survey the nation’s 100 largest not-for-profit senior-living multi-site organizations, government-subsidized housing multi-sites and single campuses. The 2011 report lists the largest not-for-profit, senior-living systems in the United States in order by the total number of market-rate senior-living units they owned as of Dec. 31, 2010.  

For more than a 100 years, Lutheran Homes of Michigan has been providing services to seniors and their caregivers. Grounded in faith and dedicated to helping seniors and their caregivers embrace an aging enriched experience, Lutheran Homes of Michigan champions dignity and self-respect at every stage of senior life. Headquartered in Frankenmuth, Mich., LHM provides a continuum of services in the home, as well as in independent and assisted-living residences across Michigan.