Lucinda “Cindy” Osgood has devoted her life to tending to the spiritual needs of others, and that is continuing in her new role as a part-time chaplain at Heritage Pointe of Warren senior living community in Warren, Indiana. Osgood is also a resident of Heritage Pointe of Warren. The Life Plan community offers independent living, assisted living, short-term rehab, memory care and skilled nursing.
Osgood has long worked as a pastor for the United Methodist Church. She currently also works part-time as a pastor for First United Methodist Church of Geneva in Geneva, Indiana.
Osgood, who moved to Heritage Pointe a year ago, had become familiar with the community over the years while visiting church members or other friends living there.
“I’ve been in and out of Heritage Pointe of Warren over the years, and I have always been impressed with what this place does and the ministry that Heritage Pointe offers,” she says.
Heritage Pointe of Warren was previously known as the United Methodist Memorial Home. It continues to hold true to a founding philosophy of helping all people, regardless of race, creed, sex or religious preference, fully enjoy their retirement years. The senior living community is dedicated to fostering friendship, belonging, security, and dignity by respecting individual privacy and independence while offering professional and thoughtful guidance.
When a role as a part time chaplain came up earlier this year, Osgood eagerly accepted the position. She and one other part-time chaplain share the role, supporting lead chaplain, Pastor Ginny.
Having chaplains so frequently on hand to address residents’ spiritual needs, whether it is a friendly shoulder to lean on, a friend to talk to or pray with, or as a leader of a church service, is unusual among senior living communities, she says.
“We are visible and available to the community seven days a week,” says Osgood, adding that the chaplains also visit one-on-one with residents who may be having health issues or other struggles.
Osgood and the other chaplains support the needs of all residents if requested, no matter what their denomination or spiritual beliefs.
They also will help residents connect with pastors from churches they were previously members of. Furthermore, Osgood says. “If you have a pastor you want to see, all we have to do is call that person and ask if they can visit when they are in the area. We will make it happen.”
For residents who need spiritual comfort, the chaplains sit with them or pray with them. After such interactions, Osgood says residents often feel relief and are grateful.
“They thank us and say they feel better for having talked to us,” she says.
The community has a chapel on-site where residents can go to say a prayer or sit quietly and reflect if they desire.
The chapel is just one of many amenities offered on-site that can help residents recharge mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. The community encompasses 200 acres in a peaceful, rural setting. Osgood, for one, works out in water two days a week in the community’s Olympic-size swimming pool, and although she hasn’t played golf yet, she enjoys seeing the course’s swath of green space.
While the community’s emphasis on promoting spiritual health was one attraction, Osgood also moved there because of its convenient location close to shopping, doctors and other needs.
“Within a half-hour to an hour, I can be with any friends or family I want to see or hang out with,” she says.
She also appreciates the friendships that Heritage Pointe helps residents foster with one another. She recently participated in a ladies’ social evening and regularly takes part in communal dinners with other residents.
As a resident of independent living, she enjoys daily interactions with other residents.
“We sit outside our villas, and people stop by to say ‘Hello,’” she says.
One of the best parts of living at Heritage Pointe of Warren is its close-knit, caring atmosphere.
Heritage Pointe of Warren
Heritage Pointe of Warren, which provides a vibrant lifestyle is located in the charming country setting of Warren, Indiana. The senior living community is situated on a 200+ acre rural campus featuring an on-site golf course, heated indoor pool, fitness area, woodshop, and more. Heritage Pointe of Warren offers independent living in villas, townhomes, or apartments. Assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and long-term skilled care are provided on the same campus, thus offering a complete continuum of care, also known as Life Plan. Heritage Pointe of Warren is owned and operated by The United Methodist Memorial Home, an Indiana non-profit founded in 1907. To learn more about Heritage Pointe of Warren, visit HeritagePointeOfWarren.org
