Agemark’s senior living communities offer residents much more than world-class facilities, amenities, and dining. The 10 communities across Nebraska focus on providing meaningful volunteer opportunities and supporting causes that are near and dear to the hearts of Agemark families. “We do everything we can to help our residents live the life of purpose they always dreamed of,” said Agemark CEO Martin Hug. “Anybody in our communities who wants to help somebody else out has many opportunities to do that and live the life of purpose we all want.”
Residents in Agemark communities across Nebraska—Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Hastings, and Grand Island—connect to causes in their local cities and get involved with volunteer opportunities that include:
• Humane societies: socializing with animals, collecting and creating donation items, and cooking up homemade dog treats from scratch
• Making and delivering treats to local senior centers
• Trick-or-treat bags for Family Advocacy Network
• Visiting and volunteering at a local children’s museum for holiday events
• Making and collecting items for local homeless shelters
• Filling and donating back-to-school backpacks for students in need
• Hosting holiday toy drives and donating to local families and shelters
• Mentoring elementary school students to foster multigenerational connections. “Residents get the opportunity to sit and talk with kids, read to them, work on projects together, and help them understand the life they’ve lived and the things they’ve seen transpire in the world,” said Hug, an Agemark leader for 38 years. “Everybody wants to be seen and heard, and this provides a great opportunity for that.”
In keeping with its pioneering innovation in memory care and its drive to see Alzheimer’s cured, Agemark directs much of its philanthropic efforts and community giveback to dementia education and support. Believing strongly there is a lack of knowledge about dementia and more resources are needed to attack the Alzheimer’s epidemic, Agemark offers many free services for dementia caregivers and professionals:
Educational Events: Agemark educates both seniors and their families and local professionals on various topics of interest, such as Dementia Communication, Caregiving During the Holidays, and more. The organization also hosts support groups, respite stays, and day stays for family caregivers.
Virtual Dementia Tours: Licensed with Second Wind Dreams, Agemark sponsors tours that give people an idea of what it’s like to live with dementia. A recap conversation helps participants understand adjustments needed to better understand those they care for. “It’s a really powerful experience for those who work with people with dementia and loved ones of people with dementia,” said Agemark Vice President of Marketing and Communication Ashley Gloystein-Klatt.
Alzheimer’s Association: Agemark’s 10 communities sponsor local Alzheimer’s Walks and form teams to fundraise for the events. Agemark leaders also regularly participate in legislative forums in Washington, D.C., to advocate for Alzheimer-impacted residents and families. “One of the most dynamic opportunities we have is to care for our residents and families who are going through their worst times and bring them hope and moments of joy,” Hug said. “Working toward a cure for Alzheimer’s and helping residents and families going through it is a passion of ours. We can’t wait until the day another person doesn’t have to suffer the debilitating effects of that disease.”
Agemark expanded its corporate office last year, with 253 employees in Omaha and 489 statewide to care for just over 500 seniors in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The Omaha corporate office supports local organizations that serve seniors, such as the Dreamweaver Foundation. Omaha employees adopt local seniors during the holidays through the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging and regularly volunteer at the local food bank. Additionally, Agemark has developed a unique Heart to Hand program to take care of employee special needs. Employees contribute to the fund through donations and fundraisers, and the program is used to help employees in times of trouble or hardship, such as during a health issue for an employee or family member, incidents where homes are damaged or destroyed, or unexpected events such as the death of a family member where financial support is needed.
All this giveback activity adds up to Agemark’s communities being places of connection and service. “We’re a relationship-centered company, and a big part of that is building relationships with our neighbors,” Hug said. “We’re not just taking from our communities; we’re focused on giving back and making an impact. We believe every person matters and wants to make a difference.”
