Niagara Lutheran

OUR HISTORY

1956 - In July 1956, the Niagara Lutheran Home in urban Buffalo admitted the first of its residents. Established as the first free-standing nursing facility in the area at that time by The Lutheran Council on the Niagara Frontier, a volunteer organization of local church appointed delegates, the building, which originally served 66 people, was so quickly filled that expansion plans began for construction of a fourth floor in 1959.

1958 - The Niagara Lutheran Home Guild was established. It's members have served as volunteers and raised funds for more than 40 years. The Guild's primary goal is to supplement the quality care and services provided to residents.

1961 - Two additional wings were completed, and the facility was able to care for 195 individuals.

1971 - The facility was incorporated in 1971.

1982 - the last wing, for support services, was added.

Known today as the Niagara Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center, the facility currently employs an average of 350 full and part-time people, and serves 173 residents, 80% of whom are Medicaid dependent. One wing of the building provides rehabilitation services. Periodic renovations keep the facility up-to-date, and the Niagara Lutheran Health System is committed to providing high quality care to the people in this urban location now and in the future.

1987 - In order to supplement revenues and assist in providing the highest quality care possible for residents, the Niagara Lutheran Health Foundation was incorporated.

1996 - As part of the corporate reorganization made necessary by the expansion of health care services into suburban Buffalo, The Niagara Lutheran Health System was incorporated and became the "parent" of several affiliates.

The suburban expansion is now called The GreenFields Continuing Care Community and is located on 52-acres of beautiful countryside in Lancaster, New York. It is bordered by Lancaster Country Club to the east and Como Park to the west. The philosophy behind this continuing care community is to provide a sense of security to seniors by offering priority access to various levels of care on a single campus. Making this lifestyle affordable was an important part of the planning process, so there is no up-front entrance fee at The GreenFields.

1998 - Since opening in 1998, GreenField Health and Rehabilitation Center, the first phase of this continuing care community, has earned a reputation for providing high quality skilled nursing care, rehabilitation and sub-acute care, respite care and specialized care for Alzheimer's and dementia residents. Aquatic therapy and the Arthritis Association's aquatic program have provided comfort to a large number of people.

Members of the newly names Niagara Lutheran Health System Guild began providing the same services and fund raising process for this new nursing home. The GreenFields gift shop is operated solely by volunteers.

2001 - GreenField Health and Rehabilitation Center was approved to provide outpatient therapy services.

GreenField Manor and GreenField Court officially opened in the fall of 2001. GreenField Manor offers 91 residential apartment homes for active, healthy seniors. The GreenField Court, operated by The Lutheran Church Home of Buffalo, offers 49 assisted living apartments.