Senior Housing Transitions

The Waterford

On Thursday Cindy and I had the pleasure of visiting "The Waterford" in Brooklyn Park.  We were greeted by the smiling face of Pamela Wolfe, Director of Marketing (who we're sure smiles all the time!!).  We also met most of the Management Staff, who were equally friendly and caring.

The Waterford offers Senior Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care Housing, with 24 hour Health Care Staff.  We toured the beautiful facility and thought it looked like a hotel!!  Not your typical Nursing Home environment! 

They have a Chapel, an Elegant Dining Room, Libraries, Media Center, General Store and Beauty Salon.  Plus, screened porches, walking paths, ponds and gardens....an Ice Cream Parlor and so much more!

This property (and many others) is managed by Lang-Nelson.  According to Roberta Stow, Campus Administrator, all Lang-Nelson properties offer a live bird aviary for their Residents to enjoy.  As a finishing touch, even the chairs to observe the canaries were embroidered with beautiful birds!! 

To top off the afternoon, Chef Carol's staff served us (what the group thought was) the BEST Lagsagna we've ever eaten!!

We truly enjoyed meeting everyone at The Waterford, and would highly recommend this facility to everyone.

Augustana - Apple Valley Villa

Yesterday, Cindy and I visited Apple Valley Villa in Apple Valley, MN (www.applevalleyvilla.com).  We met with Vicki Asmus, Assistant Manager.  We were so impressed!  What a beautiful facility! 

We walked in and one of the residents winked at me (I think it was Bernie Traxler)!  There are happy people there!

This Community is for 55+ and is owned and managed by Augustana Care Corporation, a non-profit faith based organization that has served the Twin Cities metro area for over 110 years. 

They offer Rental Apartment living with activities, programs, exercise, recreation and top security.  You'll find dining choices too, from a Deli and a convenience store to the beautiful Fireside Dining Room.

The Villa offers a choice of 19 floor plans with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms and handicap accessible units.  Most apartments have balconies.

Apple Valley combines the ambiance of a small city with the advantages of a large metro area.  It's close to the Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo.

Everyone was friendly and helpful and we appreciated Vicki's time!

Jeri and Cindy

Sojourn Suites and Adult Day Services

Cindy Thomes and I (Jeri Pischke) are Certified Senior Move Managers who own Tender Heart Transitions.  Each week, we will obtain information from different Senior Housing facilities in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to share on this Blog. 

We met with Sally Hebson, R.N. and Owner of Sojourn Suites and Adult Day Services.  (www.sojournads.com) 

Sojourn's motto is "Exemplary Care for Exceptional People Since 1984" and we found that to be true.  They are a unique business because they not only offer safe, comfortable housing with comprehensive health care and medical support but they also offer Adult Day Services for people who are independent.

Sally explained that they currently have four neighborhood homes plus the Day Services Center that is on the campus of Presbyterian Homes on Lake Minnetonka.  Sojourn offers a complete daily program that includes outdoor and team activities, creative, health and wellness programs and fun!

We were fortunate to be able to speak to Julia Spranger's (a Sojourn Social Worker) Caregiver Support Group.  What a great group of caring people.  Each of their loved ones attend the wonderful Adult Day Care program.  They spoke highly of the support they receive from Sojourn.

Look for next week's blog on a different facility!!

The right fit

As you consider where you will make your next home, look for a community that matches your needs, wants, interests and values.

Location is often important, as you will likely want to be close to friends and family so you can maintain those contacts. Surprisingly, I have found that exterior surroundings aren't as important in choosing a senior complex as the interior campus, its offerings and the makeup of the community. Just as in choosing a college or university, search for a community that offers activities that interest you, that attracts people you want to be around, and that just 'feels right'.

Many senior complexes are sponsored by faith organizations and that can sometimes be a strong unifier. When people come from similar backgrounds, be it church, education or other social networks, it helps them feel comfortable and connected.

My mother has been very happy at the Augustana Apartments and Augustana Care Center complex in downtown Minneaplis since 2001. Although she moved here from a North Dakota farm she felt right at home because the people there come from similar church and family backgrounds. It provides different levels of care from independent apartments for age 55+ (average age is much higher) to rehab care to nursing home care to dementia care.

What struck us immediately upon visiting the campus was how many people were out and about, many with their canes, walkers, scooters or wheelchairs...and how friendly and happy they seemed. It feels like a village within the complex...including a grocery store, drug store/pharmacy, Caribou Coffee, gift shop, coffee shop, medical clinic, chapel, beauty salon, bank, lounges, gathering spaces. Activities include walking and excercise club, gardening (both indoor solarium and outdoor plots), concerts (both onsite and off), ceramics, sing-alongs and game nights, to name a few. The apartments are equipped with full kitchens, but they also have a dining room with restaurant-style meals offered a la carte for when you don't feel like cooking.