SEM Haven - History, Mission, Vision

Our History, Mission and Vision

History of SEM Haven Health & Residential Care Center

SEM stands for Southeastern Ecumenical Ministry, a non-profit organization formed in 1967 by leaders from area churches. They were particularly concerned with community development, justice and human need. Their purpose was to plan for needed programs and services that were not being met by other agencies. One of the task forces formed was Housing for the Aged. Out of this task force has grown a wonderful retirement community of 5 freestanding facilities to provide many levels of care to meet the changing needs of individuals in our neighborhood.

SEM Manor, SEM Laurels, SEM Terrace and SEM Villa provide retirement housing from apartments to congregate living (senior living with meals). SEM Haven completes the continuum of care with Assisted Living, Short-Term rehab, Alzheimer’s/Memory Care, and Nursing Care.

SEM Haven opened in 1980 with the purpose to provide nursing services for 100 area elderly and disabled individuals. In 1989 we expanded to include 25 Assisted Living residents to our family. Our addition in 1996 resulted in our wonderful Gathering room, Therapy room, and Reception areas. Another major construction and renovation project was completed in 2007 that greatly improved resident personal space and quality of life. This included dedicated “households” for short-term rehab and Alzheimer’s/Memory care.

A twelve member Board of Directors, made up of volunteers from our community and the SEM sponsor churches, governs SEM Haven. SEM Haven is licensed by the Ohio Department of Health for 100 nursing home and 25 Assisted Living residents. We are certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide skilled and intermediate nursing care in our 100-bed nursing home. We are also a registered Eden Alternative facility. We contract with United Church Homes, Inc. for management services.

As the only non-profit nursing facility in Clermont County, we desire to serve as a model for changing the nature and culture of long-term care. Our focus is to best provide dignity, quality of life and individual choice for those who need institutional placement.

The SEM Haven Timeline

1980: SEM Haven opens - a 100 bed Nursing Home to complete the continuum of care on the SEM Retirement Communities campus in Milford Ohio.

1989: Addition of a 25 room Assisted Living Center featuring a beautiful courtyard with a gazebo and a chapel with high ceilings and stained glass windows.

1996: Addition of a Therapy Gymnasium, a large Gathering Room for social events, and an inviting Reception area.

1998: The technology phase – addition of an all-inclusive network and email services throughout the facility.

2000: SEM Haven adopts the Eden Alternative philosophy of care.

2004: SEM Haven becomes one of the first facilities in Ohio to convert to electronic charting and medication pass.

2004-2007: The entire nursing home is redesigned into five households. This construction and renovation project doubled the size of the facility with a lot more private rooms and common areas.

2010: Remodeling of the assisted living entrance and chapel and the addition of a gift shop for residents.

2011: The addition of Hickory Cottage Memory Care to our assisted living center.

2011: Complete renovation of Kuglar Woods Assisted Living.

Mission and Vision Statement

SEM Haven is a non-profit ministry providing nursing and residential care for older adults of varying economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. We strive to preserve and promote human dignity, self-determination, individual freedom and accustomed lifestyle.

Our vision is for SEM Haven to be a home where companionship and caring relationships thrive through empowerment and personal choice.