There have been a lot of changes made at Annandale Health and Community Services over the last couple of years. And the staff and board of directors have scheduled a week-long open house Sept. 15-19 to give the community a chance to drop by and take a look.
“Come and see all the exciting changes we have made,” said Debbie Flygare, director of senior housing.
“I feel like it is something our community will be very proud of,” said Lisa Bahr, director of nursing.
A major remodeling project, which has included new carpet, new paint and a fresh and homier look, is nearly complete. The renovation started two years ago, when the Care Center celebrated its 30th anniversary.
“One of our current projects left to finish is an all new outdoor patio for the residents to enjoy,” said Flygare.
Annandale Health and Community Services is a nonprofit corporation with a variety of services available for aging adults, including senior apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, respite care and a top-end wellness center.
“We have a very progressive board of directors,” said Flygare. “They are always looking for what is best for the residents. They do not settle. The board is always looking to make things better.”
The two-year renovation has brought many changes to the facility, but one thing that has not changed is the level of care, which has been a strength of Annandale Health and Community Services for years. And the proof is in the pudding. Earlier this year, the Department of Health did an extensive survey at the facility and found zero deficiencies. This year, they surveyed again and found only two minor deficiencies.
“It just goes to show what an excellent staff we have here,” said Lisa Bahr. “Our staff here is always looking to what is best for the residents.”
Annandale Health and Community Services is home to Annandale Care Center and to Centennial Villa.
Skilled nursing facility Annandale Care Center is a 60-bed skilled nursing facility which offers both private and semi-private rooms. The campus grounds have several areas for enjoying the outdoors or just going for a stroll. The common areas are comfortable with a home-like atmosphere and offer several choices of things to do for entertainment. The care center focuses on providing high-quality 24-hour skilled nursing services to both long- and short-term clients. They promote wellness, motivating people to maintain or rehabilitate their physical, spiritual, social and psychological independence. The Annandale program is client centered and outcome oriented.
“The organizations that survey us always say we are on top of things, and the reports reflect that,” said Bahr. “We all work very hard to maintain that level of excellence.”
And the hard work is appreciated by the residents.
“I like the comfort and support I get here,” said Alice, a resident of Annandale Care Center.
“I don’t have to worry about anything,” said Dorothy, a resident of Annandale Care Center. Centennial Villa
Centennial Villa is a retirement living community that offers the following services: independent living/assisted living apartments.
“We have 48 full-size independent living/assisted living apartments available to those age 55 and better,” said Flygare. “We offer one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with a full kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom.”
Supportive services and personalized assistance and health care are available to those who elect to receive them. Assisted living packages can include as many or as few services as are needed, including meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication management, bathing assistance and more.
Tenants from independent living receive a complimentary membership to the Wellness Center. Assisted living tenants are offered discounted membership. All tenants enjoy complimentary Fit4Life classes.
“It’s very good here,” said Bruce, a tenant for over five years. “I feel at home and have made a lot of new friends.”
Memory Care cottages There are four Memory Care cottages and 40 units overall. Each cottage is designed for best serving those suffering from different stages of dementia/Alzheimer’s.
“It has a real family feel to it in the cottages,” said Flygare. “It is like a house with 10 bedrooms. Tenants in each cottage come together and eat together and do a lot of things together like a family.”
Assisted living services are available for all tenants in the Memory Care cottages, in addition to separate activities programming, a dining room and lounge and a courtyard. Each cottage has a secure entrance/exit.
Respite care A furnished guest suite is available at Centennial Villa, designed especially for those who desire or require a temporary home away from home, complete with health services if desired. Respite care is offered in both the assisted living and memory care settings and is designed to aid guests in recovery from an illness or injury, to provide a break from caregiving for a caregiver, or to just sample the lifestyle associated with assisted living. This service was added in 2010.
Annandale Health & Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is designed for those age 50+ who wish to engage in all aspects of wellness. It is open 5 a.m. -10 p.m. and offers a great selection of customized programs, including cardio, strength training and balance training. It also offers a therapeutic swimming pool and spa, personal training, nutrition consultations and more.
“We also have a variety of group classes, such as Fit 4 Life, yoga, pilates, water aerobics and kickboxing,” said Flygare.
The pool is a popular area at the Wellness Center. The pool is maintained at 87 degrees year round and is designed to accommodate water aerobics or open swimming.
Memberships to the Wellness Center are available to all tenants at Annandale Health and Community Services, as well as community members age 50 and better.
To take a tour and learn more about any of the services provided by Annandale Health and Community Services, come to their open house Sept. 15-19. Tours will be given from 10-2 daily.
The facility is located at 500 Park Street East in Annandale. More information can also be obtained by visiting www.ahcsmn.org, calling (320) 274-3737 or emailing info@ahcsmn.org.
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