If you?ve ever driven down North Cedar Street in Nekoosa, chances are you?ve seen the Retirement Community of Nekoosa?s large, attractive building and the charming lake in front. If you haven?t, you can find this beautifully maintained facility at 145 North Cedar Street. Besides the main building, which houses 48 Assisted Living residences, there are two smaller buildings which house 8 Independent Living Villas for active seniors. The facility is only 11 years old and was originally known as the Angelus. In 2007, it was purchased by Extendicare, a Milwaukee-based firm specializing in retirement communities and nursing homes, and the name was changed to Retirement Community of Nekoosa.
Susan Berklund, Executive Director of the Retirement Community of Nekoosa, spoke with us about some of the unique benefits of life at the Retirement Community of Nekoosa. Perhaps the most obvious, readily visible to even passers-by, is the presence of a Riverview Medical Center just steps away from the main building.? Besides making routine appointments and checkups much more convenient, it?s reassuring to have a clinic on-site in the event of an urgent health concern. If residents need to see a physician at a local hospital, however, transportation to all local hospitals and clinics is provided. In addition, the Retirement Community of Nekoosa has a part-time nurse on staff and one additional nurse on call 24/7.
Another point of difference Berklund takes pride in is the way the staff goes out of their way to accommodate their residents. ?If some residents come to us and say they?d like to go to the Lowell Senior Center or take a day trip somewhere, we?ll make arrangements to get a group together and make it happen. We do whatever it takes to adapt to their wishes, and we?re always working on new ideas for fun things for them to do.? As an example, she mentions that they take trips to the Rudolph Cheese Factory (Dairy State Cheese) to watch cheese being made and to indulge in some ice cream treats. You can see their focus on the wishes of their residents in their pet policy. Berklund says that ?If someone has a cherished pet, they?re not going to be happy here without it. So our policy is that your pet is welcome here, too.? The facility is also unique in offering a two bathroom suite. ?Most assisted living facilities have just one bathroom in their apartments. As Berklund explained, ?For couples who are used to having their own bathrooms, this works out really well.?
To make it easier for local seniors to get acquainted with Retirement Center of Nekoosa, the facility holds an open house every Wednesday from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. As Berklund says, ?It?s a low-key, comfortable way for both seniors and their caregivers to get acquainted with what we have to offer. Visitors get to mingle with the residents and 9 times out of 10 they find that they already know someone here.? Besides the weekly Open House, Retirement Community of Nekoosa also hosts a Monthly Soup and Sandwich event. Berklund explains that this started last September as a small, invitation-only event intended to encourage local seniors to come by, have a look around, and socialize with the residents, but that it has steadily grown and is now one of the most popular events on their calendar. According to Berklund, ?We get anywhere from 10 to 20 reservations per month, and there?s always room for more to join us.?
In speaking with Berklund, it?s apparent that the facility makes every effort to provide residents with plenty of opportunities to keep busy. ?There?s always someone to visit with and something to do?both indoors and out? says Berklund. She points out the walking trail around Robin Lake, the small lake in front of the main building, and notes that residents are free to fish in the lake as they please. A Card Club group meets every Thursday at 9 am and residents play cards and enjoy baked goods until about 10:30 am. The club is open to the public and local friends of residents often join them. To promote the wellness of residents, the facility offers two levels of exercise classes. The classes have proven so beneficial that local physicians actually recommend them to their patients because they see such improvement in those attending. ?The great thing is that anyone in the community can join the classes free of charge?, says Berklund. For those interested, classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 pm.
Besides the outings and activities offered to residents, food is a big part of life at Retirement Community of Nekoosa. Berklund is particularly proud of the quality of food provided by their staff. As Berklund puts it: ?Our Culinary Services Manager, Shelly Knuth, really pays attention to the likes and dislikes of our residents and she goes out of her way to come up with unique and delicious meals.? And with tempting dishes like pumpkin pancakes, lemon crusted cod, bacon ranch potatoes, and tomato basil soup, it?s not hard to believe Berklund when she says that the residents can?t wait to get to the dining room!
While the transition from home to a retirement community is often thought of us as difficult for both residents and their families, Berklund sees another side of this transition: ?Often, the seniors who come here have not had a steady diet and they?ve been lonely and isolated for a long time. Within a couple of weeks, they really start to blossom here. They start socializing with others, they find new friends, and there?s always something to do and places to go.? Besides planned events and outings, the Retirement Community of Nekoosa encourages family gatherings and visits from family. The large community room is ideal for holiday dinners and family get-togethers.
Of course, the big question is ?How much does it cost?? Berklund advises that it?s not easy to quote a price because there are different levels of care offered at Retirement Community of Nekoosa.? ?What makes us unique is that we are all-inclusive. We provide ?extras? such as ? housekeeping, laundry, transportation, personal care?included in our cost. And if additional care is needed, we do whatever we can for residents to remain comfortable here at their home. That includes bringing in medical professionals, hospice workers, whatever is needed?, says Berklund.
For caregivers who are not yet ready to have a family member move in, but need occasional help, Retirement Community of Nekoosa offers Respite Rooms. ?If a family is going away on vacation, or needs a break from caring for a family member, or just wants to see how their Mom or Dad would like being here, we offer a fully furnished apartment where their family member can stay for a weekend, a week, or even up to a month. It?s a great way to try us out and see how they like it here?, explains Berklund.
Berklund encourages anyone interested in learning more about Retirement Community of Nekoosa? to contact the facility for information on availability and rates. Berklund and her staff can be reached at 715-886-5353. More information can also be found online at www.nekoosaretirement.com
Source: http://gowisconsinrapids.com/a-look-inside-retirement-community-of-nekoosa/
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