Friday, March 4, 2011

Here's some surprising news from Summit's Trace. Chaplain Jensen will be leaving at the end of the month. When Peregrine took over on April 1, 2009, it was agreed that the chaplaincy would be continued for two years. It will not be continued, at least not with Jim Jensen, beyond that. He doesn't know what the future may hold for Sunday worship services. He will be a visitation pastor on a part time basis for another church until his wife Nona, who works at the seminary, turns 65 and is eligible for full retirement. Then they plan to sell their home in New Albany and move to Tennessee, where they already own a lot in a senior community. There hasn't been any official communication with residents on this, so most of them will be surprised when they do learn about it. Some, I imagine will be very upset. Nelson sure was when I saw him in the hall today and told him. At a meeting announcing the Peregrine take over, there were pointed questions from residents and some relatives about the chaplaincy and Jensen and their importance. Some residents might move, or be moved by their families if the issue is that important to them. But many residents in the care center (nursing home) are on Medicaid. I have no idea how mobile they might be, as far as actually moving out is concerned. The same is true in assisted living where more and more are on the Assisted Living Waiver program where we are headed - Mom first and me as well in time. Not all facilities will accept such cases.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hopefully some decisions will be made to keep Jim or retain another pastor for the Sunday services. He has been a blessing there. Moving at this late stage in life can be tough, maybe some who are upset will calm down and take it in stride?