I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up--- a resident of Circle Drive Manor!
With all the news about the healthcare industry being in decline, I decided to check it out for myself.
As you may have heard, home health care, assisted living and nursing home facilities have seen a decline in qualified employees, causing shut downs and state take overs. Some places are offering large "sign on" bonuses, and some have been shut down completely, leaving their residents to seek new homes.
I asked around, and heard nothing but good reports about one privately owned assisted living facility, and drove to West Concord to check it out for myself. Upon turning off highway 56 into the parking lot, the first thing I saw was a newly constructed carport, and a clean and newly renovated building. I parked my car and my eyes were drawn to a beautiful flower garden courtyard with a water fountain turned petunia garden. I could see the pride and care of the owners before I even walked in the door.
Once inside, I was greeted by Bryan, Melissa and their furry mascot Bruno who tends to the residents with a wag of the tail, and a nuzzle or two. The inside was as spotless and cheery as the outside. I asked for a bit of history on the business, and was able to speak to some of the residents in the 10 room facility.
The Manor was started by Melissa's parents in 1989 and Bryan and Melissa took over in 2000, adding on a great room for activities and residents to gather for social activities. The also added 4 extra units, making it 10 private, spacious and bright studio apartments.
Residents get 3 meals and an afternoon snack daily, and the food is mainly home cooked meals made with fresh ingredients served hot. Bryan strives to make a good meal made with fresh ingredients grown locally.
There is a large produce garden on the property that is used to grow some of the food, and also to be weeded by any resident who wants to garden. Most of the garden produce is grown in raised bed style, making it easy for the seniors to work in without bending down. Every resident I spoke to said it was the best in home cooking! Omar’s Cafe on occasion drops off a few of their baked goods too.
Daily activities are provided by the staff, and sometimes people who live in and near the facility come to entertain with songs, piano music and other activities. There was even a Tractor Parade on Memorial day, provided by local farmers! Triton School students come on Community Service Day to spruce up the outside, and visit with the residents. Daily activities include Bingo, music therapy, devotions with local pastors, reading and piano music. A book delivery once a month from the West Concord Library keeps the residents in fresh reading material. They can also request certain books to be delivered.
A beautician comes in every 6 to 8 weeks to do hair, and if someone needs a new hairstyle, Melissa can also do some fancy hair-do's, too!
This all sounds pretty good on paper, so I thought it would be fun to hear from some of the residents as to the living conditions they experience. One man has been living at the Manor for 23 years. Curtis Priebe was a delight to talk to. Making jokes and giving me the history of his life, he had me laughing right away. He loves living there, and when I asked him his favorite part, he said "All of it!" What joy he brings to everyone there. An avid sports fan, he has a tv in his room to watch all the sports, except soccer! Of that, he is not a fan!!
I spoke to Mary Asprey, who was an RN at Mayo before she retired. She just celebrated her 95th birthday, and has lived there since July of 2021. When asked what was her favorite aspect of group living, she replied, "The support of the other residents makes it feel like home. It is a small, homey facility with good home cooked food. I enjoy the programs for the residents, and the music." I later caught her in the common area, putting together a puzzle.
Delores Quimby has lived here since January of this year, and was happy to extoll the virtues of her new home. "Bryan is a great cook, and I have made new friends here. I was in 1 other facility where I was not properly cared for, but I am happy here. People here care about me, and that is the best part. I feel like family here." Her grandson is one of the beef providers, too.
The newest resident moved in about a month ago, and said he loves the fact that he has friends here. "It is small, so it is like living with family. The food is really good, too, and people come to visit."
I went to Kourtney to ask of her experience working at the Manor. She has been there for 5 years, and loves it. She also cited the homey atmosphere, and the fact that Bryan and Melissa are great to work for. "They are not only my bosses, but my friends, I can talk to them about anything. They listen to my ideas of ways to improve the services we provide. Plus I love cooking for the residents!"
Well, there you have it. Not only the residents, but the employees and owners are all on the same page. I ended my interview with Bryan and Melissa. I asked about the new renovations, and Melissa said the outside was done by Brian Chladek of Chladek Construction in Elgin, Mn. "It was time for an upgrade, especially after a huge storm in 2021, so we went all in," said Bryan. Melissa wanted to thank the local communities who come to volunteer their time and talents with the residents. "It is the community who helps us to be so successful," she said. " They bring special events, music to play and sing to, and donate things like homemade donuts. It's the little things that they do that contribute to the well being of our staff and residents. You know, it takes a village!"
If you feel that you have something to offer in the way of activities, or if you wish to be of service to the Manor in any way, please contact Bryan and Melissa at circledrivemanor@hotmail.com. If you are looking for a home for your loved ones, or for yourself, call (507) 527-2424 to set up an appointment for a tour of the facility and meet the people who call this home! They are also looking for a part time employee-16 hours a week.
