Perry Lutheran Homes Featured on WHO 13 Hello Iowa for Intergenerational Living Model

Perry Lutheran Homes was recently featured on WHO 13’s Hello Iowa for its one-of-a-kind, Christ-centered intergenerational model of living. The Hello Iowa segment highlights how Perry Lutheran Homes—together with Christ Lutheran Church and Acorns & Oaks Intergenerational Christian Academy—brings generations together to live, learn, and grow in God’s love.

Watch the full WHO 13 Hello Iowa segment below:

A Community of Faith Across Generations

For nearly 70 years, Perry Lutheran Homes has been a leader in Christian senior care across Central Iowa, providing a full continuum of services including in-home care, Meals on Wheels, independent and assisted living, rehabilitative therapy, respite care, long-term care, and memory care.

But what truly sets Perry Lutheran Homes apart is its vibrant intergenerational model—a place where young and old don’t just coexist, but share life together.

"It's a unique senior living community where an intergenerational community can live, learn, and grow," said Hello Iowa host, Megan Reuther.

Through a unique partnership with Christ Lutheran Church and the on-site Acorns & Oaks Intergenerational Christian Academy, children and residents experience the joy of mutual care, purpose, and Christian connection.

“We have folks on the campus from 6-weeks-old to 106-years-old," shared Rev. Max Phillips, CEO of Perry Lutheran Homes, during the Hello Iowa interview. “This was an idea to bring back that vibrancy to make life a lot more energetic and interesting for our residents."

One-of-a-Kind in Iowa and Beyond

Perry Lutheran Homes is one of only a few senior living communities in the country to operate a Christian daycare and preschool embedded within its campus. What began in 2017 as a daycare has grown into a thriving preschool, with plans to expand to a K-2 school by 2026.

Intergenerational programing is woven into daily life – children and residents participate in morning exercises, story time, arts, mission work, spontaneous chats. They even share in Bible study and worship. It’s a community of faith where every generation is embraced in Christ.

Life-Changing Benefits for All Generations

This intergenerational environment offers rich rewards:

For Residents:

• A renewed sense of purpose and daily joy
• Cognitive and emotional benefits, especially for those living with dementia
• Opportunities to pass on faith and wisdom to the next generation

Memory care resident Kathy, a former daycare provider, lights up when surrounded by little ones. Eric, a long-term care resident, treasures celebrating birthdays with the kids. Ella, an assisted living resident, loves sharing her faith with the preschool children.

For Children:

• Greater empathy, social skills, and academic readiness
• Comfort around aging and disabilities
• Deep bonds with “grandmas” and “grandpas” when biological grandparents aren’t nearby

For Staff and Families:

• Peace of mind knowing their children are safe and cared for just steps away
• A Christ-centered environment that supports working families
• A positive, purpose-filled culture that strengthens caregiving and community

Since its founding, Acorns & Oaks has served over 120 families with the support of donors, volunteers, and the community.

Anchored in Christ’s Love

At the heart of it all is Christ Lutheran Church—embedded on campus, serving as a spiritual anchor where residents, staff, children, and families worship and serve together. The intergenerational model at Perry Lutheran Homes is more than a program—it’s a living expression of Christian community, love, and purpose.

Learn more about Perry Lutheran Homes' intergenerational living HERE.

About Perry Lutheran Homes

Perry Lutheran Homes is a non-profit, faith-based Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) serving individuals and families in Central Iowa. With Christ-centered values and a 70-year legacy of compassion, Perry Lutheran Homes provides a full continuum of care including independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitative therapy, respite care, long-term care, memory care, home-delivered meals, and in-home care services. Perry Lutheran Homes is committed to helping individuals live with dignity, purpose, and grace in every season of life.