News & Events

The Excellence in Leadership award is given to an individual in a significant leadership position who demonstrates leadership actions that enrich and enhance the lives of older adults, is a strong motivator and mentor for others, and has done specific actions that create a supportive team culture. Melissa Gannon, COO and Administrator for Perry Lutheran Homes, won the Excellence in Leadership award based on her dedication to successfully leading Perry Lutheran Homes simultaneously through a pandemic, derecho, and acquisition of a senior living community.

“I was both shocked and honored to

The LeadingAge Iowa Caregiver of the Year award is given to an individual who demonstrated skills, both professional and interpersonal, that exceeded expectations. The award winner has positively affected the quality of life of those served, significantly improved a service or program, and demonstrated a strong and rare commitment to the organization and those served.

Inge Smothers, Certified Medication Aide (CMA) for Perry Lutheran Homes, won the Caregiver of the Year Award for her compassion and joy in going above and beyond meeting residents’ needs.

“Inge is truly amazing at what she

The community of Perry, together with Perry Lutheran Homes, stepped up in a big way to support Perry’s elderly citizens. On Saturday, July 31, sponsors from Perry and surrounding towns as well as a runners, walkers and furry friends came together to raise nearly $10,000 for the third, annual Run Through Time 5K Fun Run. Proceeds from the run will be distributed to residents unable to afford the cost of needed services, and to help furnish safe and accessible outdoor gathering places for residents and their families.

Unscheduled visits can now take place Monday through Friday from 8:00AM until 4:00PM! As of July 15, these guidelines will go into effect and occur on a trial basis, so please pay careful attention and adhere to all guidelines.

Perry Lutheran Homes announces partnership with Osmundson Manufacturing to bring awareness and action to meet the needs of elderly community members in Perry through the Run Through Time 5K.

Perry Lutheran Homes Alzheimer’s and dementia support group is free of charge and open to all community members. We encourage all loved ones and caregivers to join. In order to beset support our loved ones, we must first understand the disease and prioritize taking care of ourselves.

The public is invited to join Perry Lutheran Homes in celebrating 65 years of serving elderly residents in Perry and surrounding communities with food, fun and a 5K fun run on Saturday, July 31. There will be live music, delicious food, and fun for all ages from 10AM to Noon.

The third, annual Run Through Time 5K fun run or walk begins at 10AM with check-in open at 9AM. Register today as a team of 6 for the biggest discount, or as an individual to get the early bird discount at

On Wednesday, May 12, volunteers transformed ordinary items into baskets full of love at the first annual “Project Deliver the LOVE” event. This project is one of Perry Lutheran Homes responses to the silent epidemic of elderly loneliness with the goal to help community members find and form lasting connections with “invisible elders.”

Elder loneliness is a silent epidemic affecting the health and well-being of our “invisible elders” right here in Perry and Dallas County. Pre COVID-19 pandemic studies showed that more than forty percent of those age 65 and over regularly experience loneliness. One study during the pandemic in June 2020 reported 56% feeling isolated. These feelings of separation, disconnection and isolation lead to serious health problems such as depression, weight loss, cognitive decline, as well as an increased likelihood of death.

“Project Deliver the LOVE” is a fun way for the community

The U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that by 2030, 22.5% of Iowans will be 65 years or older, a nearly 15% increase from 2000. Healthcare jobs in Iowa will no doubt be in great demand; likely adding to the current shortages across Iowa and the nation. Perry Lutheran Homes is launching several new initiatives to build awareness for and grow local community members into nurses, nurse aides, and more. One of those initiatives is the StepUp Scholarship Program for local, area high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education.

“Perry Lutheran Homes established