It can be difficult for caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to “let go” and allow them to find a more independent lifestyle. As with any change, there is always a natural fear of the unknown. Caregivers may ask themselves questions like:

Will he be able to get along on his own?

Will she be able to take care of her daily needs?

Will people overestimate their abilities and put them at risk?

Will they get hurt?

Will they become isolated or withdraw from too much stimulation?

But, caregivers can take heart by a recent focus group study that found most individuals with intellectual disabilities want to lead a life where they can live as independently as possible within their communities.

Residential or community living has been shown to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve the sense of independence they’re seeking while receiving the level of physical, mental and emotional support they need.

An enhanced support network fosters shared responsibility

Community living builds a more extensive network of caregivers and teachers who take the time to let individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn on their own. “Gentle teaching” where individuals are provided the space they need to develop skills and accomplish daily tasks helps them take on more responsibility. And, that, in turn, promotes a sense of pride and independence.

Social interaction helps break the chain of dependence

Having people to interact with in addition to primary caregivers is one way for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to build more self-confidence and involvement. Community living may also contribute to an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Research finds that there’s a long list of healthy-living benefits to having an extended community of supporters, including:

o   Reduced stress and anxiety

o   Faster healing

o   Improved memory function

o   Less pain

o   Generally, leading a longer, happier life.

Everyone deserves to be a part of his or her community and reap the benefits of having a supportive network of peers and friends.

Community living expands choices

With the right learning opportunities, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities can flourish. But when it comes to learning, one size does not fit all.

Community groups offer encouragement, not control, of an individual’s choices for their hobbies and interests. Sometimes all it takes is exposure to one new activity for your loved one to find what he or she really loves to do.

Increasing your loved one’s opportunities to make their own decisions about what’s right for them is just one more step on the way to building their independence.

At Graceworks Enhanced Living, building community is what we do

Graceworks Enhanced Living, affiliated with Graceworks Lutheran Services, provides residential living, support, and daily care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We create strong, safe settings for growth where the people we support and their caregivers can come together to form a positive, nurturing community. We provide services in nearly 40 residential settings including intermediate care facilities (ICFs), licensed and non-licensed homes. See the locations we serve.

At Graceworks Enhanced Living, we believe that individuals thrive when they can make their own decisions and live interdependently with others. Our innovative day programs provide group and individual recreational and leisure activities that will give your loved one a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Find out more about our supportive residential services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We’re here to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease.

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, it’s projected that the number of Americans over the age of 65 will more than double by 2040, increasing to about 91 million. The rapid growth of the senior population means that there will be an increased need for housing options that are safe, affordable, and accessible for older adults who want to age in place.

However, for older adults with limited income and/or disabilities, access to affordable housing can be a major barrier. Modifying or renovating a home to accommodate changing needs (such as limited physical mobility) is often expensive, especially for older adults already living on small, fixed incomes. Seniors residing in houses without accessibility features may be more likely to experience dangerous accidents like falls when trying to move around their home. Likewise, older adults with limited mobility may become socially isolated if it is difficult to leave their homes.

Without supportive services, home accessibility features, and access to transportation to nearby conveniences such as grocery and retail stores, and medical facilities, older adults with limited income and/or disabilities may be unable to age in place safely and comfortably.

To meet the unique needs of this vulnerable senior population, Graceworks Housing Services offers affordable, accessible housing options. Designed for retirees living on fixed incomes or older adults who need a supportive downsizing option, Graceworks Housing Services is a safe and comfortable solution that helps older adults enjoy more independence and improved quality of life.

Graceworks Housing Services recognizes that housing is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. For this reason, Graceworks apartments are like communities within themselves. Residents enjoy common areas for social, recreational, and educational activities, allowing them to create new friendships with their peers in a welcoming, caring, and familial environment.

Each individual’s residence is designed to be clean, secure, and offer accessibility features for older adults with mobility impairments. The apartment communities include appliances, affordable utilities, laundry facilities, and 24/7 on-site maintenance staff in case of emergency repairs. Most communities are located near grocery stores, shopping centers, medical facilities, and other local resources, enabling residents to remain fully connected and engaged within their respective communities.

With 18 Graceworks apartment communities available throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, there’s bound to be one that’s right for you or your loved one. For more information about our supportive housing services, contact us today.

Everyone deserves the right to be fully included and immersed in their community and enjoy opportunities to live, learn, grow, work and socialize with others side by side. This includes older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, who need varying levels of support with things like transportation, shopping for groceries and clothes, and finding community employment.

All people, with and without disabilities, should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose. But older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities often face barriers to finding the right housing for their needs and becoming fully immersed in their communities. However, through residential living services like those offered by Graceworks Enhanced Living, older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities are able to live in homes, apartments, and communities of their choice with access to the care and supports they may need on a daily basis.

According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, there are numerous benefits to living in smaller community settings. People with disabilities who live in these environments lead safer, more independent, and more satisfying lives. Living in a community setting allows residents to enjoy a rich social life in a welcoming, family-like setting made up of their peers, something that they might not have been able to experience if they lived with family or on their own.

Community living gives older adults with disabilities a chance to live as independently as possible, enabling them to become more active and contributing members within their communities while still ensuring their needs for care and safety are met.

At Graceworks Enhanced Living, we believe in the value of community inclusion for everyone, and we understand how important it is to find supportive residential services for loved ones with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We strive to break down barriers to community inclusion by providing residential living, support and daily care in a safe and loving environment. We also provide day programs and non-medical transportation for those living with intellectual disabilities.

Find out more about our supportive residential services and day programs. We’d be happy to speak with you and answer your questions.

On March 3, 2019, Judy A. Budi officially became the eighth CEO of Graceworks Lutheran Services. After 20+ years with the organization in a wide range of capacities, Judy is well able to lead us forward as the future of healthcare and the workforce continues to evolve.

Since 1926, the Graceworks vision of faithful caring has never wavered. Under Judy’s mindful leadership, we will remain dedicated to caring for older adults and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our communities. As Judy says … “We’ve been a leader for 90 years and we will continue to be a leader!”

Watch the video to learn more.

On Sunday, March 3, Graceworks formally thanked Willis O. Serr II for his longtime service to the organization. Bill faithfully served Graceworks for over 30 years, with many of those in the role of President and CEO. Bill has earned a happy retirement filled with Ohio State Football games and travel with his wife and adult children.

Today, Judy A. Budi becomes the eighth CEO of Graceworks Lutheran Services. Graceworks was incorporated in 1926 as the Lutheran Inner Mission League of the Miami Valley. Many things have changed over those 90+ years, but the constant has always been the organization’s mission to faithfully care for community members. Today, we serve older adults at Bethany Village, through Graceworks at Home and Graceworks Housing Services. And we remain dedicated to caring for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Graceworks Enhanced Living. With Ms. Budi’s leadership, we look forward to the future.

Bill and Judy recently discussed the history of Graceworks. Here is a video of them reminiscing together.

Centerville, Ohio (January 15, 2019) – Graceworks Lutheran Services, a large nonprofit organization based in Centerville, Ohio is pleased to announce Judy A. Budi will be its new President & Chief Executive Officer effective March 2, 2019.

Budi replaces current CEO Willis O. Serr II who will retire after 30 years of service on March 1, 2019. Budi has been part of the seasoned leadership team developed by Serr and will continue the organization’s strong commitment to mission and values known as Faithful Caring.

Budi will be the first female and the eighth CEO overall in Graceworks’ 93 year history.

The Graceworks Board of Directors launched a four-month long nationwide search to fill the position. Budi was selected from a large pool of candidates. In her current role, Budi serves as Vice President, Residential Care, for Graceworks Lutheran Services, acting as the chief operations officer for Bethany Village, Graceworks Enhanced Living, Graceworks Housing Services, and Graceworks at Home.

A special worship service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church on March 3, 2019, to mark the transition. The service will begin with a celebration of Serr’s leadership and conclude with the commissioning of Budi as the new chief executive.

“The Board had a very difficult decision choosing from several exceptionally well qualified candidates. Ultimately the Board determined that Judy was the best person to continue the Graceworks vision,” explained Jeffrey Teeters, Graceworks Board Chair. “Judy is adept at navigating the changing landscape of healthcare which is essential to so many of our services for seniors and other vulnerable populations. We are confident Judy will successfully lead the organization forward with both strategic vision and compassion for the residents we serve as well as our 1,200 employees.”

“I am excited and honored by this opportunity,” said Budi. “I have devoted the majority of my career championing the Graceworks culture of Faithful Caring, supporting our dedicated employees, and advocating for our residents and clients. I am committed to advancing our great reputation and developing new, innovative strategies for residents who call one of our locations home, and for clients who rely on our services to stay in their homes.”

Willis Serr, current Graceworks CEO observed, “I am delighted with the Board’s selection. Having promoted and mentored Judy in her current position for 15 years, I know that she is exceptionally qualified for her new role. I have great confidence that all Graceworks services will continue to thrive and reflect quality under her leadership.”

A native of Sidney, Ohio, Budi has worked for Graceworks since 1994. She previously served as Director of Food Services for Bethany Village and later as Administrator of Residential Services for Bethany Village and Graceworks Housing Services. She was promoted to Vice President, Residential Care, in 2003. She is a member and immediate past Chair of the Board of Directors for LeadingAge Ohio, an organization that represents over 500 nonprofit senior living communities in the state. Judy is a member and past president of Rotary Club of Centerville and the Centerville-Washington Township Foundation Board. She is a 2008 graduate of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dayton program.

Judy Budi earned her undergraduate degree in dietetics from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. She has completed executive education in strategic management of nonprofit organizations at Harvard Business School and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She lives in Washington Township with her husband, Gerry.

For more than 90 years, Graceworks Lutheran Services has provided a variety of nonprofit residential and community care services. Graceworks provides services in more than 60 locations in southwestern Ohio, eastern Indiana and northern Kentucky.

Programs include Bethany Village, a senior living community; Graceworks at Home, a home health and personal care services agency; Graceworks Enhanced Living serving persons with developmental disabilities; and Graceworks Housing Services providing affordable housing to income qualified seniors and persons with disabilities.