Mission

Light Heart Foundation’s mission is to increase visitation to our Elders living in retirement, assisted living, and skilled nursing communities and promote awareness of the isolation they experience in facilities. Amazing as it may seem, more than half of our Elders living in these communities have NO Visitors.

Visiting

With our community involvement projects, we train students and adults to visit and raise community awareness of the isolation and loneliness our Elders are experiencing. During a typical year, Light Heart’s programs and projects create a tapestry of connection that touches the lives of close to 10,000 people.

The basis of our visitation projects is to nurture enriching relationships so that all people involved are better from the experience. Addressing possible stereotypes, fears or lack of trust between the ages takes time and understanding. At Light Heart, we practice patience, joy, and faith in the unfolding of the process. Our motto is:

“Making A Difference One Smile And One Visit at a Time”

Advocacy

Light Heart not only designs direct visitation services to our Elders but also believes in the importance of education and advocacy on a community level so that the roots of unnatural age segregation are addressed. We participate in state-wide and national organizations that assist in developing and promoting strategies and practices in language, philosophy, and policies that ensure a more sustainable future where all ages are playing, working and learning together.

Light Heart also works to support senior residential facilities in being able to provide the best care possible. Patient Centered Care is now being mandated by most states. The Activities Directors in each facility play important roles in making sure the facilities can meet these required mandates and achieve a more social model approach toward senior care. Light Heart works closely with the Activity Staff to assist them in addressing the whole person.

The Light Heart Foundation offers opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to pool their unique experiences, talents, and resources together to build a bridge to stronger communities and a brighter future for everyone.