History

The idea that there be a nursing home in the Kane area was originated in 1953 when John Benson of Augustana Lutheran Home in Brooklyn NY, proposed to the Lutheran Services that they take a serious look at rural area in Northwest PA.  As a result of his suggestion, two surveys were made, one in the Kane locality and one in the surrounding five counties.  Results of these surveys showed the need for a nursing home in Kane as the strategic point. Rev. Theodore Scheifele, Professor of Sociology at Thiel College, was assigned by the Western Pennsylvania - West Virginia Synod to gather together all facts and figures on the proposed home.

In 1961, the Kane Mansion on Edgar Street was purchased. Architects were contracted to plan the remodeling of the mansion and for the planning of a three-story addition.  The Articles of Inc. were established in June 1966 and the 1st Board Members took a leap of faith:   Mr. Norman Deane
                                                Rev. Paul Kroon
                                                Rev. Mallard Nelson
                                                Mr. Theodore Rydquist
                                                Rev. Edwin Swanson

Dr. Hanley & Rev. Linke were actively involved in the early discussions regarding the facilty.  Groundbreaking ceremonies for the home were held in June of 1965. Approximately sixteen months after ground was broken, the Lutheran Home at Kane admitted its first resident on September 26, 1966.

As the years passed, the Lutheran Home continued to conform to Federal and State regulations, however, this was becoming costly, and the need for more beds was evident.

In 1973, Tressler-Lutheran Service Associates were contacted to look at the operational feasibility of the Home. In August 1973, the Lutheran Home contracted Tressler-Lutheran Service Associates to provide management services to the Home.  Tressler-Lutheran began to streamline the operation of the Home. The idea of a new, more efficiently constructed building was unveiled late in 1973.  A Planning Committee was appointed to look into this idea.  Plans for construction began and after approximately one year of construction, the residents were moved from the Edgar Street location to the Clay Street site on June 13, 1980.  It took three months to reach a 99% occupancy.

The Board of Managers voted to remodel the Edgar St. Building and set up a 33-bed residential care facility. By using Building/Memorial Gifts, funds from the Clay Street facility, the work was done.       

In June 1982, the building opened as the Lutheran Home Residential Care Center, a 33 bed licensed Personal Care Boarding Home, and in 1983 cottage units were constructed at the Clay Street site to make independent living accommodations available for those who wished to maintain their independence, but have services available if needed.

In 1985, Linda Carlson was hired as the Administrator.  She had been with the facility in the business office since 1974 and had received her NHA/Nursing Home Administrator’s License in 1983.  Mrs. Carlson had worked with several administrator’s prior to this promotion.

Administrators
1966 - 1967	Rev. Theodore Scheifele
1967 - 1968	Mr. Donald Trotter
1969 - 1973	Mr. Harold Roesch
1973 - 1976	Rev. Alfred Ambrose
1977 - 1983	Mr. Donald Kacmar
1983 - 1985	Mrs. Betty J. Bush
1986 - present	Mrs. Linda D. Carlson

The first Chaplain, Rev. Sigmund Decker, was hired to serve as Chaplain/Social Service Director.  Grants, bequests and memorials were received to offset the general operating budget, which offset the additional expenses.  A four-year term call was established and long-range goals were to be implemented to cover the cost beyond that period.

The three major national church bodies merged - American Lutheran Church (ALC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church in America (LCA).  This merger forced the facility to redo the Constitution, the By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, etc.  Final approval was received from the Synods after careful attention to all the documents.

The facility became an Agency/Institution of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod and Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the new ELCA on January 1, 1988.  As a Social Ministry Organization, the tax-exempt status remained on ELCA 501(c)(3).

In 1990 plans for the 25th Anniversary were implemented.  Renovations were completed at RCC, improving the home-like atmosphere in the entrance, front lounges and dining areas.                

Staff at the nursing home continued to develop new policies and procedures as mandated by the Nursing Home Reform Act, with nurse aide certification and Resident Rights the major changes.

The Chaplain (employed full-time) went to part-time status and a full-time social service director was hired.  This created a major improvement in meeting the spiritual needs of the residents.

In 1992, the nursing facility received the best inspection record in the history of the Home.  RCC continued to have an excellent survey.

There was a continued interest in Cottage Units and two more units were built, these had attached garages and were located at the entrance to the Home. The Home entered into a contract with The Third Age Group for a marketing plan and feasibility study for potential expansion. The plan was completed in the fall of 1992.

The highlight of 1994 was the kick-off of a $500,000 renovation project in November at the nursing facility.  The face-lift included a change in colors, decorative style and furnishings.   

1995 was a very successful year for both facilities.  The Nursing Facility and RCC recorded deficiency free inspection surveys.  This was the first ever for the Nursing Facility!

A special individual named the Lutheran Home in her estate.  An endowment fund has been established to commemorate her generosity.  A portion of the gift would be utilized for a full-time Chaplain position with ministry responsibilities for both facilities and community outreach.

Rev. Sigmund Decker retired June 30, 1995 and Pastor David Pflieger was selected to replace Rev. Sigmund Decker and assume the responsibilities of full-time Chaplain. Pastor Pflieger completed Pastoral Care at the Hershey Medical Center.  Pastor Pflieger is formerly from Reading, Pennsylvania.

The Donor recognition "Tree of Life" was finalized and unvieled to ensure the legacy would be preserved for future generations. 

The nursing facility renovations were completed, along with some other improvements:  new sidewalks, handicap accessibility and drainage.  A large maintenance shop, garage and storage building was completed, along with a conference room for meetings, etc. 

For the second year, both the nursing facility and personal care home had no deficiencies in the state licensure surveys.

A special celebration was held honoring Rev. David Pflieger's 30 years in the ministry.

A major bequest was received for an "Improvement Fund", which could be used for services, programs and/or building improvements.  The Board allocated interest income for helping to fund the position of Resource Development.

The strategic planning process was continuing, and the Board of Directors authorized the development of a "Master Site Plan".  The Long Range Planning Committee was assigned responsibility for re-visiting this process.

The Board hired Hayes Large Architects to prepare the Master Site Plan.  It identified four "Phases" of construction that will occupy the 13.5 acres on the Clay Street Campus.  Each phase relates to the provision of anticipated services.  The entire plan could take up to thirty years to complete.

The facility ranked #1 in McKean County and in the top 15% in the state, based on an independent publication from Times Warner. "The Inside Guide to America's Nursing Homes" by Robert Bua.  A major public relation campaign to promote the report was completed.  Staff, management and board were praised for this special accomplishment.

The beginning of the year 1999 brought the construction to a 95% completion.  Board committees continued to work on a variety of issues, including marketing, public relations, finance, property, and fund raising.

A new wing was opened and with some minor changes, the nine new beds were designated as the Horizon Unit, specializing in the care of dementia and Alzheimer residents. The unit officially opened on 10/14/99. 

The board approved the formation of a foundation.  The High Point Foundation was approved as a separate 501(c)(3).  In September, several board members were assigned to the Foundation Board.   In 2000 the Foundation received IRS approval and the High Point Foundation was formed. 

In March, the Plans for Phase 2 were submitted to Labor and Industry for review.  A special planning meeting was held in September to make the final decision on Phase 2.  The Department of Health approved the change of use for some beds, increasing the number to 14 on the Horizon Unit.

In August, 2000 the K.I.D.S. - Kane Intergenerational Day Care Services was opened.  One of the cottage units were converted for the day care center.

 

In 2001, KTH Architects began working with the Department Heads on a floor plan. Kessel Construction of Bradford, and KTH presented some design/build options at the February board meeting.  Later project estimates were averaging $1,028,682 for the RCC relocation and Horizon Unit expansion.  Ground Breaking was held on June 26, 2001.

The old RCC building went on the market with a local realtor   “For Sale”.

 

Pastor Pflieger continued expanding his services to the community and churches in the surrounding area.  Several educational training sessions were held.

High Point Foundation – fund raising continued.  The Tree of Life and Donor Boards, along with the Raiser's Edge Database was kept updated.

The Child Day Care received a state grant in excess of $100,000 to be used for expansion; this was completed with additional money from the foundation. 

The RCC license went from a Group DayCare to a Licensed Center in December 2002. Zook Motor’s contributed toward the project and by helping to purchase a new van.

Over the years, volunteers were an important part of the organization and in 2002 volunteer hours for the year exceed 6,700, with a total of over $50,000 in donated services. A Volunteer Recognition Dinner is held annually to honor our volunteers.

The relationship with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA was terminated in 2003 by mutual agreement.  The Constitution was updated with the recent changes and approved by the Synods, ELCA, the Board and legal counsel.

Both the Lutheran Home and High Point Foundation received approval for the year from the State Bureau of Charitable Affairs. 

Contributions, bequests and pledges fully paid for the most recent construction costs. (RCC continues to owe the Nursing Facility for the % of space converted to personal care).

The Child Day Care program continued to struggle financially, but enrollment did increase.  A grant was received for the purchase of playground equipment.  The K.I.D.S. – Child Day Care Center did receive a grant from the Kane Community Foundation for $2,000.  A special grant was received from the ELCA for the years 2005 - 2006 for $32,000.

In 2004 the facility electrical system was upgraded with additional services that were operational with the emergency generator, and a complete new security/alarm system was installed.

A gift of stock was presented to establish a new “Resident Fund”.

The Department of Health surveys were completed with four deficiencies, none related to sub-standard care, and the plans of corrections were accepted by the DOH. All other inspections were performed, with the facility in compliance. 

The new “Feeding Assistant Program” was submitted to the DOH for review (approved early 2005).

The facility received a grant to participate in specialized behavior management training, and a special recognition ceremony was conducted when staff completed the training.  Training was completed by Gero-Services.

In 2005, the High Point Foundation received several major gifts. The High Point Foundation began work on the Chaplain Endowment Fund Campaign (Spiritual Care Fund).  It was presented in June 2007 and approved by the Northwest Synod, ELCA.

RCC Inspection – No Deficiencies  and census improved with the closure of other personal care homes.

The Day Care Center received a STAR from the day care Keystone Star Program, along with some financial assistance for training and software, and a new system was installed, late in 2005. Linda Carlson, NHA/CEO at the Lutheran Home at Kane is pleased to announce the K.I.D.S. Day Care located at the facility has been awarded a Star One Designation from the Keystone Stars Program.

The Cottage Units were fully occupied, but maintenance noted that in the future some needed repairs were forthcoming. 

In the nursing facilities 1980 portion of the building – boilers were replaced at a cost in excess of $100,000, also connected the 1999 heating system to maximize.  The cost of utilities increased, and due to the age and damage of the boilers, it was a good time to improve the overall system.

In 2006 the roof replacement was budgeted and work began.

Surveys for all operations remained positive with no negative public relations issues, serious complaints or concerns.

A grant writer was hired to help with Day Care Grants.

The Activities Department improved and resident satisfaction surveys continued in a positive note. 

The American College of Health Care Administrator’s awarded Linda Carlson for her service.  The facility received an award for being one of the top rated facilities in the nation. 

The facility continues to work with the Kane Area School District to restore the nurse aide training program which was approved 1/11. 

A special program, Bathing without a Battle Program was provided with a grant, and the Horizon Tub Room was remodeled.

A shared ministry conversation began with the Synod, etc. with involvement of the Home.

The K.I.D.S. Day care Center and the Kane Area School District worked on an after school program called K.A.S.P. (Kids After School Program) that would benefit the older children.

In 2010 the CCRC application was approved by Department of Insurance.

Cottage construction for 2 units started in late Fall of 2010 with completion expected in the spring of 2011.

88 Clay Street             

14 Cottage Lane         

The application for additional beds for Sklled Services was denied. RCC and Nursing Home census remained high with a waiting list.

For Home Care Services to the cottages, a Home Care license application was submitted and approved. While only serving cottage residents at this time, the organization could provide home care services within the community.

During the year, succession planning continued with a special board committee.  Finalized late in 2010 – LHK signed an agreement with Lutheran Services of Jamestown, NY to provide an emergency licensed administrator if needed, and to help assist the board in recruitment/hiring.

By year-end, there had been excellent surveys, no serious complaints or unannounced visits from regulators.

Pastor Pflieger remained part-time caring for the Spiritual Needs of the residents. 

The fund raising efforts were successful, including the Annual Bell Tree of over $20,000.  A new van was purchased and was possible with the gifts of several major donations. The Collins Companies Foundation awarded the organization enough funds to add on a walk-in freezer and cooler.

Medicare Rating–4 out of 5! 2010–Admissions NH 70–highest in the last 9 years.

Presents for Patients has been an ongoing gift program at the Holiday Season and was another great success in 2010.

In 2011 conversation began with the Kane Community Hospital due to their affiliation with Hamot and UPMC.  Representatives from Kane Hospital presented basic information about health care, their position in the community and to open the door for further conversation regarding networking, partnerships and working in a collaborative effort.  The LHK board agreed to continue these conversations.

In July 2011, Brenda Baker, Child Care Services Director and Linda Carlson, CEO attended the annual conference "Gen-link" and were honored to receive national recognition for the Intergenerational Programs provided by the organization.

As the year winded down, the annual Resident/Family Holiday Christmas Dinner was held on 12/8/11 with almost 500 in attendance.  As always, an excellent effort by the staff and volunteers to bring joy and happiness to the residents during the special season.  

 

Today, the non-profit CCRC organization is licensed to serve up to 90 residents in the licensed skilled area (Lutheran Home at Kane); 33 residents in the licensed personal care unit (Residential Care Center); provides 6 independent living units (Cottages); services children in the licensed day care center (K.I.D.S.) and in the after school program (K.A.S.P.).  The volunteer Board of Directors are elected by the existing board and/or through the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA.