“We have a real caring group of residents here,” said Denise Karst, manager at Meadow Ponds Assisted Living in Pierz. “Everybody knows everybody, and it has a real community feel — like a big family.”
Meadow Ponds is a semi-independent community which provides individualized care depending on the needs of each resident. It is designed to allow the residents to age in place.
“We want to provide the services that our residents need,” said Karst. “Our staff is trained and ready for just about anything, including dementia and memory loss. We can help with needs such as dressing, bathing, grooming, medication administration and more.”
Potential residents can choose from three room sizes — small, medium and large. The apartments each include a private bathroom, plenty of storage space and a large living space. Larger units can also include a kitchenette and separate dining, living and bedrooms.
“We currently have three small rooms open,” said Karst.
Included in the rent is extended cable service, laundry/linen service, weekly housekeeping and all utilities except telephone. They also receive three home-cooked meals a day.
“Just about all the food here is made from scratch,” said Karst. “The menu is really based on the resident’s likes and suggestions. The residents like to give us ideas and help us with the menus.”
Guests are always welcome at Meadow Ponds, and guest meals are available for family and friends.
Meadow Ponds is an active community. Each day starts with a morning stretch and then other activiites are scheduled throughout the week. Some of the activities include bingo, basketball, parachute, jewelry making, crafts, puzzles and musical entertainment.
“The most popular thing we do right now is balloon swatting,” said Karst. “They just love it. We get some balloons and they have little racquets and then hit the balloons back and forth. The residents like to stay active, and they like the physical activities.”
Residents are also instrumental in planning trips and outings.
“We have picnics at the park, take a walk at Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud, go shopping, that sort of thing,” she said.
Amenities include extended cable service, utilities and a beauty shop.
“Our beautician comes in every Friday,” said Karst. “And she does a very good job.”
There are also gardens for residents in the back of the facility overlooking a large meadow pond, as well as a whirlpool available indoors for those who prefer a long soak.
“I love living here,” said Celeste Meyer. “The staff and other residents are great. They are kind, gentle, very friendly and always helpful. It’s comfortable here… like home.”
Meyer said the decision to move to Meadow Ponds was an easy one.
“I never even though about moving somewhere else. I never gave it a second thought,” she said.
Kathleen Pryzbilla moved to Meadow Ponds because it was close to her home, her family and her community.
And she is glad she picked Meadow Ponds.
“I love the whole thing about living here,” she said. “You never hear anyone talking about anybody in a bad way.
The staff is so nice to us. They help you right away and are careful about what they are doing. Very pleasant people.”
Safety and security is also a priority. A new Departure Alert System was recently installed to help prevent residents who might become disoriented from wandering outside the building.
“An attendant is on staff 24 hours a day for safety and security,” said Karst. “And there is an advanced wireless call system built into the facility.”
Karst has been impressed with the community feel of Meadow Ponds, and she credits both the residents and the staff.
“We have a great staff here,” she said. “They are really advocates for the residents and accommodate the little things to make it more comfortable and homey. Many of the staff members live right in town and knew the residents before they moved in, so there are some relationships that go back a long way.”
Meadow Ponds is owned and operated by Partners Senior Living Options, based in Pierz. It’s located at 305 Ronald Avenue, on the edge of town and just minutes from downtown Pierz.
To learn more about the services of Meadow Ponds or to schedule a tour, call Denise Karst at 320-468-2949 or email denise@pierzmeadowponds.com.