BUSINESS PROFILE: Valley View Estates, Long Prairie
Valley View Estates provides assisted living in a peaceful setting in Long Prairie
By Scott Thoma
While many assisted living facilities in Minnesota are managed by large corporations, Valley View Estates in Long Prairie is family-owned with a strong desire to give back to the community.
“Our family has been deeply involved in the assisted living sector for over 20 years, driven by a mission to give back to the communities that have shaped our lives,” said Joie Warnes, who is Co-Operations Manager with her brother, Charlie. “We take pride in operating two family-owned, community-focused homes.”
Over the past year, Joie and Charlie have taken on more ownership responsibilities, allowing their parents to begin stepping back towards retirement. The Warnes family also own The Legacy, an assisted living facility in Morris.
“Our parents still coach us and give us direction daily on all matters,” said Joie. “Charlie handles the financial and logistical aspects, while I concentrate on operations and marketing across both facilities.”
Valley View Estates is a licensed assisted living facility with 22 apartments. Established in 1999, Valley View is nestled in a quiet area on the northeast edge of Long Prairie. After a brief hiatus, the facility was reopened last year.
“We’ve enjoyed taking our residents to local events like concerts in the park and Prairie Days in Long Prairie,” said Joie. “We’re committed to connecting our residents with the community, whether through outings or inviting the community to join us at Valley View.”
To further emphasize community engagement, the activities program at Valley View Estates was recently expanded.
“I was looking for a place I could be comfortable and feel at home, and also somewhere I could have Peach (her cat),” said Michelle G, who has lived at Valley View the past two years. “I love the staff and the things we get to do (like activities). I love my own home. This is my home.”
That is what the Warnes family had in mind when reopening Valley View Estates. They intended for it to be a warm, welcoming atmosphere where a compassionate staff genuinely listens to the needs and request of residents and their families.
“We strive to provide personalized care that ensures our residents feel at home and are well-cared for,” Joie said.
Three well-balanced meals are offered daily at Valley View, including alternative options for each meal. Evening snacks are also provided, while fruits are available upon request.
Cooks will often prepare a meal from scratch so they are similar to what the residents are used to eating when they were cooking in the homes they lived in. The cooks will also prepare baked goods for the residents, too, such as homemade cookies, bars, or banana bread.
Residents can often be seen relaxing and visiting with one another over a cup of coffee in the large family room. Or they might want to relax and read a book in front of the fireplace, or watch a movie or ball game together on a large-screen television.
There is also an impressive sunroom that residents use for church services, activities, socializing, special programs, private dining, or special occasion celebrations with friends or family members.
A community whirlpool tub room is also available to all residents, as is the in-house beauty shop.
Residents can choose from private, single-room studios or one-bedroom apartments. Each unit has a private bathroom that includes a sit-down shower for more comfort and convenience.
Apartments are not equipped with full kitchens, although residents are welcome to bring microwaves and/or small refrigerators to personalize their spaces.
Because of the quality care previous family members were given by the Valley View staff, some second-generation family members are now residing at the assisted living facility.
The staff at Valley View takes the time to get to know and care for each resident, and the residents also care for the staff. They become like family to one another.
“Mom loves her time at Valley View. It is a lovely facility with a kind, caring staff,” said the daughter of a current resident.
The facility has a secured entrance and an accessible secured courtyard. Assistance for anything a resident may need help with is always available.
“We have a dedicated and highly trained team ready to care for your loved ones,” Joie said. “Our team includes our Director of Nursing, Terri Beste, two additional RNs, eight assisted living aides, a kitchen team of three and a management team consisting of myself, Jordan Leisemeyer, and my brother, Charlie.”
Residents are provided with a 24/7 awake staff with access to an RN who is on call around the clock, as well as onsite nursing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Valley View also offers light housekeeping, laundry and linen service, daily exercise, activities, and in-town transportation for medical or social service appointments.
Currently, Valley View Estates is only available for assisted living residents. The goal is to reopen the Memory Care unit this fall.
Valley View Estates is located at 1104 4th Ave. NE in Long Prairie.
To set up a tour or for any questions, call 320-732-2360 or email vvlongprairie@outlook.com. To learn more about their services, visit their website at www.valleyviewassistedliving.com or visit them on Facebook.
This is a paid business profile. If you would like to learn more about promoting your business in the Sr. Perspective with a business profile, call Jim at 320-334-3344.
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