The recent U.S. Census Bureau report shows the U.S. population aging over the last ten years. Dallas-based Marketplace Chaplains has begun an innovative strategic service, Senior Living Chaplains, a subsidiary of Marketplace Chaplains, to care for the needs of clients nationally like Bickford Senior Living, Central Management Company, Diversicare Management Services, Touchstone Communities and EBY Development & Management Company, who serve the senior population and their caregivers.

“We need local people to help with local needs involved with local citizens living in our homes,” said Andy Eby, Vice President of Bickford Senior Living, “and Senior Living Chaplains really helps with that in a special way.

“Offering Senior Living Chaplains adds to our culture of caring for our entire company, and helps us meet the individual needs of the whole person (our employees) of whom a vital part is spiritual,” Eby continued.

The 2013 census report shows that in the last decade, children under age 18 made up a significant component of the annual population growth and exceeded the growth of those ages 65 and older. But by 2011, these patterns had reversed. The number of people under age 18 declined by 190,000 between 2010 and 2011, while the number of elderly increased by 917,000.

These staggering statistics, coupled with Marketplace Chaplains’ goal to offer superior care and compassion to those in need, led to the addition of specially trained Senior Living Chaplains to serve senior living clients, their families and, just as importantly, the caregivers that serve them – often in times of crises.

“Our Marketplace Chaplains give our staff support to not only accomplish their job, but to also deal with the uncertainties at home that we all face at one time or another such as health or family issues,” said Teddy R. Price, President and CEO of Central Management Company, LLC., in Winnfield, Louisiana.

Senior Living Chaplains provide dedicated support and care on a comprehensive basis to senior living communities’ employees, residents, patients, staff and their families. Some of these services include support at the end of life; help with the loneliness seniors and their caregivers often face; group activities to build morale; to plan, conduct and attend funerals, in addition to the other services provided.

“The chaplain team has a real concern for our residents and their family members; they have exceptional listening skills. Chaplains give residents and staff an opportunity to vent and relieve some of their problems and stress. This saves the director time and energy and keeps some of the problems separate from work duties,” said Carol Rigsby, Director of Bickford House of Raytown, in Raytown, Missouri.

“Our chaplain is a great asset and assists with a variety of activities to build rapport with residents. They are comfortable and open with her,” added Angie Cozadd, Director of Bickford of Burlington, in Burlington, Iowa.

“The aging of the U.S. population doesn’t diminish the many needs or problems people face but may in fact increase them. That’s why these innovative companies are utilizing Senior Living Chaplains in their facilities to help their residents, patients, caregivers and employees deal with the certainties that coincide with aging,” said Richard De Witt, President and COO of Marketplace Chaplains.