We represent the Cathedral (SPC) on the St. Paul’s Senior Services (SPSS) board; SPSS is led by CEO Michael McHale. Representatives for the Cathedral typically serve two three-year terms and are chosen by the Cathedral Dean and Chapter. This relationship now goes back 65 years! Our role is to be the eyes and ears of the Cathedral and of SPSS to keep both aware of current news and status.
It is a joy to participate in framing a long-term vision for St. Paul’s Senior Services that honors the intentions of our founders, congregants and clergy of the Cathedral while recognizing that the world in which we operate has changed significantly. Addressing the needs of seniors is a core mission of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Our programs currently include: Independent Living at the Manor, Assisted Living/Memory Care at the Villa, and Skilled Nursing Care at St. Paul’s McColl Center (approximately 325 residents in all). Members of the Cathedral congregation reside at SPSS buildings, some taking advantage of the quick walk from their residence to the Cathedral.
We are national leaders in PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), enhancing seniors’ lives and giving a lifeline to those who want to stay at home (approximately 1440 participants). On any weekday, you may see the St Paul’s PACE vans around town, ensuring access to community members who need our support.
We are currently focusing on the needs of the “hidden middle”: seniors who are at risk of outliving their resources. Toward that end, our current efforts include:
- Designing and testing new healthcare delivery models through studies with UCSD and SDSU;
- Investing in new technologies to improve our ability to support and manage disease progression through our Technology Collaboration Hub in Mission Valley;
- Creating new affordable housing communities including testing models to try and lower the cost of Assisted Living and Memory Care. SPSS recently purchased property across from our Administration building in Bankers Hill to make the affordable housing part doable.
St. Paul’s Senior Services is partnering with TRU Community Care of Lafayette, CO to increase impact through shared structure and leadership. With an aligned mission, TRU provides hospice services, palliative care, and grief support in a strong PACE program which mutually benefits the resources of St. Paul’s Senior Services.
Aging can be exciting as well as challenging. St. Paul’s Senior Services is maintaining quality and access to housing and healthcare for our seniors, while growing thoughtfully to meet the challenges of the next decades.
We are pleased to serve as liaisons between these two resources. If you have questions or comments, please get in touch with us!
