By The Lancaster Area Senior Services Group
A feature piece from our Winter 2024 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication.
The Lancaster Area Senior Services, or LASS, represents 17 non-profit retirement communities. In the 2023, the communities served approximately 13,500 residents (almost 2.5% of the population of Lancaster County), employed 8,000 people ($304 million payroll), and generated over $700 million in revenue. This led to $1.22 billion in additional economic activity in Lancaster County and over $547 million in additional earnings and 18,000 jobs in other business sectors.
Together, LASS members paid $16M in taxes and contributed over $75M to help seniors who were unable to pay for the care they need. Importantly, LASS members invest in new technologies, provide personalized care, promote construction and community engagement, and position Lancaster as a leader in modern person-centered care for seniors that is a model for other regions.
Tandem Living
According to John Sauder, President of Tandem Living, the organization he leads has made bold moves recently that showcase the positive, long-term impact of its three campuses:
“Although still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Spring 2022 our Board of Directors authorized pre-sales for a $20+ million apartment building named Falcon Pointe. This innovative 35-unit apartment building, designed by RLPS Architects, sold quickly, and we will welcome 60 new residents in early Spring 2025 to Woodcrest Villa, one of our independent living campuses. Around that same time, the Board determined a name change and rebrand were needed. After 120 years as The Mennonite Home, in May 2024, the nursing center was renamed Trillium Place, and the parent organization, formerly Mennonite Home Communities, became Tandem Living.”
The rollout of the new names was accompanied by a fresh rebranding effort, complete with new signs, logos, letterhead, websites, and social media sites. Tandem Living worked closely with Infantree, a branding agency located in Lancaster, to develop its new brand.
Not content to rest on its laurels, on August 1, 2024, Tandem Living completed its affiliation with Calvary Homes. Located less than 10 minutes from Trillium Place, the affiliation made it possible to close Calvary Homes’ nursing center because its personal care and skilled nursing residents were able to transfer to Trillium Place. Many of the former Calvary Homes staff accepted job offers at Trillium Place. The affiliation resulted in tremendous savings that help secure the future for Calvary Homes and Tandem Living.
In October 2024, a $3.2M renovation of an apartment wing and main dining room was completed at the Woodcrest Villa campus. The design effort was led by RLPS Architects and Paul Risk Construction served as the general contractor.
Currently, the leadership of Tandem Living is working with RLPS Architects and Benchmark Construction to reimagine the main floor of Trillium Place. The design portion of this $2.5M project is nearing completion and construction is slated to begin in February 2025. The project will result in new finishes, as well as a reimagined entryway and expanded café and restrooms.
Today, Tandem Living serves 1,200 residents and employs 600 team members on its three campuses.
Garden Spot Village
Making an Impact
In the fall of 2023, Garden Spot Village, a continuing care retirement community located in New Holland, conducted an economic impact study to assess its economic and social contributions to the community. The findings were substantial, highlighting the significant role of Garden Spot Village and its non-profit parent corporation, Garden Spot Communities, in the local economy and society.
Economic Impact
Independent living residents at Garden Spot Village were invited to complete a confidential survey to estimate their annual spending in the local community. This included expenses such as shopping at local grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers, as well as purchasing vehicles and related services. Collectively, Garden Spot’s 1,053 residents reported spending over $12 million annually.
As an organization, Garden Spot Communities—which includes Maple Farm in Akron and Garden Spot Village—added $97 million to the local Lancaster County economy in 2023 alone, a figure that increases each year.
From Garden Spot’s inception, founder and board chairman Dale Weaver emphasized the importance of being a good neighbor. He once said, “Garden Spot needs to be a good citizen and a good neighbor. We could negotiate better tax rates, but we will pay our fair share.” This philosophy remains impactful. Garden Spot Communities annually pays over $2 million in municipal, county, and real estate taxes, with $1.2 million benefiting local school districts. Notably, this payment is made without adding students to the school system; Garden Spot is the largest taxpayer in the Eastern Lancaster County School District.
This economic activity supports 946 jobs, benefiting nearly 1,000 families across the county.
Social Impact
Dale Weaver also envisioned Garden Spot as a vital part of the broader community, not an isolated entity. Residents and staff actively engage in purposeful outreach through initiatives like the “Making a Difference” campaign, which gathers donations for local nonprofits. In 2023, these efforts provided $26,000 worth of material gifts, including food, clothing, and pet supplies.
Another example is the Swipe Out Hunger Initiative. Residents and staff donate funds through this program to support a monthly free community meal at CrossNet Youth Ministries. Over ten residents volunteer alongside Sodexo Dining staff to serve meals to approximately 100 people monthly.
A third example is Thistledown Cooperative Living community. Garden Spot welcomed residents to the first Thistledown home in 2018; a second home is currently under construction. These homes provide affordable housing for five members of the local community without government programs or housing subsidies.
Garden Spot Village exemplifies the economic and social benefits of the retirement living industry. With 17 nonprofit continuing care retirement communities in Lancaster County, the impact of senior living communities remains vital to the region’s prosperity and well-being.
For more information visit www.gardenspotvillage.org/economic-impact/
Landis Homes
Landis Homes Advances Dementia Care with New Initiatives and Leadership
For decades Landis Homes, has worked to provide the best possible settings for persons with dementia and brain changes. Now they are setting a new standard in dementia care with innovative initiatives designed to create a more supportive and understanding environment for residents living with dementia. At the forefront of this effort is the recent hiring of Stephanie “Teffie” Landmann, as Director of Dementia-Friendly Experience, a leadership role aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals and their families impacted by dementia.
This new position reflects Landis Homes commitment to fostering a community that embraces residents with dementia by prioritizing dignity, respect, and engagement. Teffie, whose expertise spans both dementia care and community-building, is tasked with guiding a dementia friendly initiative that integrates best practices in dementia care while fostering a culture of inclusion.
She says, “We believe aligned with our faith-informed mission we commit to enriching lives of individuals living with dementia at every stage of their journey through authentic connection, with a positive approach, and compassionate care. We walk side-by-side with those living with dementia, focusing on abilities and life-honoring activity that brings meaning and worth to every individual. We honor resident and family choices and support their full participation in a dementia-inclusive community.”
Landis Homes has long been recognized for its resident-centered care, and the new initiatives further this mission. The community offers specialized dementia support in neighborhoods designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment, while balancing autonomy. These areas emphasize friendly, functional, familiar and forgiving space to enhance residents’ independence.
Under the leadership of the Director of Dementia-Friendly Experience, Landis Homes is expanding its staff training programs. All employees, at Landis Homes, and the broader Landis Communities, now participate in workshops and certifications designed to improve their understanding of dementia and their ability to provide empathetic and effective care. From dining services to administration, every team member plays a role in creating a welcoming environment.
Dementia-Friendly Outreach
The focus on dementia care extends beyond the Landis Homes campus. The new director is collaborating with others to establish Landis Homes as a hub for dementia-friendly resources. Additionally, Landis Homes is piloting innovative therapies such as music and art programs tailored to residents with dementia. Recently the Sing for The Moment Choir, made up with persons with dementia and their care partners, practiced together and performed to an overflow audience. Found at https://youtu.be/a28IBdRSOGQ
Looking Ahead
By hiring a Director of Dementia-Friendly Experience and committing to evidence-based practices, Landis Homes is shaping a model of dementia care that prioritizes respect, engagement, and community integration. Through these efforts, Landis Homes continues to lead in creating a space where individuals with dementia can thrive and where families feel supported on their journey. The hope for the future is for people living with dementia to be included and celebrated for the abilities that remain.
Lancaster Area Senior Services Participants
- Brethren Village Retirement Community
- Ephrata Manor
- Fairmount Homes
- Garden Spot Village
- Homestead Village
- Landis Communities – Steeple View Lofts, Landis Place on King
- Luthercare – Luther Acres, Spangcrest, and St. John Herr Estate
- Masonic Villages
- Moravian Manor Communities
- Pleasant View Communities
- Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community
- St. Anne’s Retirement Community
- Tel Hai Retirement Community
- United Zion Retirement Community
- Willow Valley Communities
- Tandem Living – Woodcrest Villa, Trillium Place & Calvary Homes
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