St. James House, a faith-based retirement and skilled-care community, and an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, has ministered to seniors for more than 55 years. According to Board Chair, the Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher, the decision to sell St. James came only after much prayer and study and, in consultation with experts in the field.

" In order to be faithful stewards for our residents, the Board found it best for St. James to be in the hands of a group whose primary business is skilled care, " Bishop Fisher said. The people of TrustCare have years of experience in this field and sufficient resources to make required upgrades to the facility, " he added.

" Our priority is, and always has been, the care and well-being of our residents, " Nolting said. "While the decision to sell has been difficult, it was the only option that aligned with that priority. After months of research, we realized we could no longer offer the type of care we wanted to provide and remain competitive in this market. We believe TrustCare Management will continue the standard of excellence we value, " she said.  

"TrustCare Management LLC is an experienced long-term care provider with more than 60 combined years in the industry," said the company's Scott Broussard in a letter to residents of St. James House. "We will make every effort to ensure that this transition is as seamless as possible," he said. TrustCare is based in Louisiana and its numerous locations operate independently and remain part of the communities they serve. 

" Throughout our history, St. James House has provided individualized quality care for our residents, regardless of their ability to pay. Medicaid for long-term care in Texas is inadequately funded and provided a zero increase in reimbursement in 2015 and 2016 and has made it increasingly more difficult to maintain the level of care our residents have come to expect, explained Wesley Bard, executive director of St. James House. He said further that as costs for care have increased, it also has become more difficult to maintain wages and benefits for St. James House employees.

Funds from the sale of the property will be added to the St. James House Foundation and will allow a broader mission to seniors throughout the 57 counties of the Diocese. The St. James House Board is currently conducting a diocesan-wide survey to assess current ministries to seniors and future needs.