Lakeside offers senior living options in a scenic, positive environment
Looking out over the patio area that is stationed atop a hill overlooking Spring Lake, the view is not picturesque, but it makes the observer feel as if they are in a peaceful and serene location, free from stress and worry.
And that’s one of the things that make the Lakeside Health Center of Dassel a special place for seniors to call home.
“If I can’t have a home of my own with my husband, this is the next best thing,” said resident Gladys Milner about Lakeside Care Center now being her home. “I love the beautiful setting and the views of the lake.”
But beautiful scenery certainly is not the only thing that makes this senior living facility so special. They’ve earned the respect and admiration of not only the residents and their families, but others as well have taken notice.
“We are unique from other senior living facilities in terms of being deficiency-free on our last survey from the MDH (Minnesota Department of Health),” said Brianne Wolters, the Lakeside Health Care Center administrator.
We have received excellence for service awards from My Inner View, which is a family/resident survey that is anonymously filled out from our residents and their families on how our customer service is rated. We have achieved great results.”
And Lakeside Health Care Center, founded over a century ago, was also named one of the top 10 companies to work for in 2013 from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business journal.
Lakeside, two blocks north of U.S. Highway 12 in Dassel, has 33 assisted living/independent living apartments, as well as 54 skilled or TCU rooms.
“We do not have a memory care, but we do have a wander guard option for people that may have early onset memory issues,” explained Wolters, who took over as administrator in May following Bill Ward, who heldthe position for the past 33 years.
Wolters said the plan is simple for her staff members.
“I want my staff to work in a fun, positive environment, with a lot of laughter,” she said. “It makes you want to come to work and take pride in our culture. It also reflects on the residents that live here.”
Not only are the residents friendly with each other, but interact with staff members as well.
“I like everything about this facility,” remarked resident Wayne Niece. “Especially, the people. But I also love the food, therapy, my room, and my friends.”
Wolters realizes that it’s hard for seniors to have to leave their own homes when it’s no longer feasible to stay there. And giving up some of their independence is difficult when they reside in a senior living facility. So she wants to make sure their stay is pleasant and enjoyable.
“I also want the residents to be able to live in a fun, positive environment where there is lots of laughter,” she said. “We want them to have the feeling of safety and comfort.”
And Lakeside offers a multitude of pleasures and amenities to add vitality to life. • A coffee shop/dining area that includes a large-screen TV, fireplace and Internet service. • A patio and flower garden. • Therapy center so residents don’t have to travel for therapy while recovering from an accident or illness. Outpatient therapy services are also available. • Medical services. Area physicians make the rounds at Lakeside, while residents will also find on-site audiology and hearing aid services, podiatry and vision services. • Exercise classes geared specifically to the capabilities of older adults. • Beauty salon and barber shop. Lakeside also offers a short-term rehabilitation wing, designed for individuals who need a period of recovery following hospitalization, injury or a serious medical condition. Amenities and services included in this wing include: • Private and semi-private rooms. • Professional team of therapists dedicated to your recovery. • Licensed staff and nursing assistance on site 24 hours a day. • Scheduled social, spiritual, recreational, educational and wellness programs. • Physical, occupational and speech language therapy up to seven days a week. The Lakeside Health Care Center is located at 439 William Ave. East in Dassel. For more information, call 320-275-3433 or visit their website at www.augustanacare.org.