Spiritual Care Grows at ABHM Communities

Chaplains Extend a Loving Hand and Willing Hearts

Mary Olsen and Rev. Randy Fredrikson

Mary Olsen says she's grateful for the spiritual care of Rev. Randy Fredrikson.

In 2011 ABHM set a goal to expand and enhance spiritual care by ensuring all communities offered residents and families a comprehensive Spiritual Services program lead by a community chaplain.

Today, we are proud to say that goal has been met, but there is still more to do. At each ABHM community, chaplains serve as the spiritual guide and provide residents and families the comfort and support they need. Further growth and development of the program is supported by continuing to implement the Chaplains' Standards of Practice for Professional Chaplains in Long-Term Care—industry-leading guidelines that help shape our practice, deepen spiritual relationships and support those receiving care.

A powerful example of how faith and spiritual care provide support in times of need was recently shared by Trail Ridge Senior Living Community resident Mary Olsen and Trail Ridge Chaplain Rev. Randy Fredrikson. Trail Ridge is an ABHM community located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mary speaks softly and deliberately, as though she's simply waiting for the word of God to reach her lips. "I gave my heart to Jesus when I was a young girl," she says, and it's clear that's where the 94-year-old's true source of strength and security still lies. At the same time, Mary feels eternal love and gratitude for the spiritual care she's received at Trail Ridge, particularly after her beloved husband, Wally, passed away in 2013.

That's due, in part, to the special tenderness and comfort, and the reassuring word of God that she received then and still does today at Trail Ridge from the spiritual care team of Rev. Randy Fredrikson and Chaplain Rebecca Trobec.

Mary's story is emblematic of the commitment to spiritual care—given with the utmost respect and dignity to all residents in ABHM communities. Throughout its seven Midwest senior living communities, ABHM's mission is to create healthy Christian communities that empower older adults and provide choices for housing, services and technology that enrich body, mind and spirit.

Shepherds of God's Flock

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
—1 Peter 5:2 NIV

"That verse refers back to Randy and Rebecca," Mary says. "They do care for the flock. We can laugh and cry together. I'm so grateful for the spiritual care they bring."

An American Baptist pastor for 31 years in churches in Hudson, Wisconsin and Brookings, South Dakota, Rev. Fredrikson joined the Trail Ridge staff part-time five years ago. "I'm a Christian pastor, and along with Rebecca, we minister to all 200 residents and staff," he says.

A Rising Need for Spiritual Care

Rev. Fredrikson's parents also were Trail Ridge residents, moving to the community in the mid-1990s. His father, Rev. Roger Fredrikson, visited and "unofficially ministered" to fellow residents. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 95.

In the last few years, Rev. Fredrikson says he's seen a greater need for spiritual care among residents. As a result of the increased need, he spends his days serving in many ways, including visiting residents in their apartments or at area hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, attending funerals and conducting memorial services at Trail Ridge.

The spiritual care program also offers Sunday afternoon and Tuesday morning worship services, along with a once-a month Catholic Mass performed by a local priest. On a monthly basis Trail Ridge also hosts an open communion, sponsored by the local Lutheran church.

Several Bible studies, a women's study group and monthly hymn singa- long round out the current spiritual program, with a grief support group to start up in the near future.

Rev. Fredrikson and Chaplain Trobec also lead daily devotions in the memory care area with hymns. "Music has such a positive effect. It touches residents in such a special way," Rev. Fredrikson says.

Big Moments in Small Places

Maybe it's in the small, unplanned moments at Trail Ridge where spiritual care heals most profoundly. "The other day a resident happened to be walking by our office," Rev. Fredrikson says. "By the grace of God she walked by. I had just been thinking that we should go see her.

She stopped and talked about her husband, her kids and how she was wounded. We sat with her and we listened. She said she usually didn't come through this part of the building where our offices are, and she said, 'I can't believe this happened. This is just what I needed right now.'"

No matter who shares in the moments or where they may be, the grace of God always shines within these places.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to American Baptist Homes of the Midwest a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

The official bequest language for American Baptist Homes of Midwest to share with your attorney is: "I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to American Baptist Homes of Midwest [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to ABHM or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to ABHM as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to ABHM as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and ABHM where you agree to make a gift to ABHM and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address