EAST PROVIDENCE – United Methodist Elder Care, a nonprofit provider of long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living and independent living services for seniors, announced it has changed its name to Aldersbridge Communities Inc.
The name change was effective June 2, when it was announced by board of trustees President Daniel P. Genannt at the United Methodist Elder Care annual gala held at the Omni Hotel in Providence.
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In 1971, United Methodist Elder Care was founded in East Providence as a retirement center by an innovative group of entrepreneurs and dedicated leaders of local Methodist churches to help older persons live in comfort, dignity and with purpose.
“Over the years, we expanded our services but didn’t stray far from our mission. However, our name did not keep up with the times,” said Richard A. Gamache, chief executive officer of Aldersbridge Communities. “Although we’ve always aspired to be inclusive, the communities that we serve increasingly perceived us as exclusive. Non-Methodists wondered if they could get hired, serve on our board or place their loved ones in our care. Our original name is no longer reflective of what we do, who we are and what we stand for.”
Although Aldersbridge Communities is the new overall name, the name of each community that is part of the organization – Winslow Gardens (assisted and independent living in East Providence), Linn Health & Rehabilitation (skilled nursing, therapy services and long-term care in East Providence), Arbor Hill (assisted living in the Federal Hill section of Providence) and St. Germain (assisted living at St. Germain Manor in Woonsocket) – will not change. Ownership and leadership of the organization remains unchanged, as does its nonprofit status.
The word “Aldersbridge” was created based on a combination of historic Aldersgate Street in London, where Methodism founder John Wesley had his conversion moment in 1738, leading to the development of the religious movement in Britain and America, and “bridge” to represent the connectivity of people and places, which is the basis for unity.
“We also discovered during the rebranding process that ‘alder’ is the name of a tree that has healing qualities, is tremendously strong and has a uniquely beneficial root system supplying nutrients to all nearby plant systems,” Gamache added. “Together, the symbolic meaning behind our name unites us in our health care mission and unifies our properties under one organization.”
Over the next several months, the new name will be visually phased into Aldersbridge Communities’ branding and marketing efforts.
“We are planning an event in the fall for our residents, families, staff and friends in celebrating the dawn of a new era as we move forward to serve the health care needs of our communities,” Gamache said.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
