Ecumen Brings Innovative Technology to its Communities to Better Serve During Meal Time
Ecumen Brings Innovative Technology to its Communities to Better Serve During Meal Time.
By Corrine McCallum | April 6, 2022
Ecumen is proud to partner with generous donors to bring an innovative robot to our communities to better serve our residents. Thanks to Thrifty White Pharmacy, our Ecumen Centennial House team members have a helping hand. That help comes in the form of Matradee, a robot who our residents have named “Johnny.” This technology enhances the resident experience when it comes to dining and mealtime because it allows our team members to be more present with those we serve. Interacting and engaging in meaningful connections, instead of running back and forth to the kitchen. Here’s Johnny at work — allowing our team to be more efficient and spend more time with residents.
If you are interested in donating so we can continue to provide this innovative technology to support our team members and those we serve, we invite you to visit our website at ecumen.org/give today!
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award, a reflection of resident and family member ratings.
For more information, visit ecumen.org.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Names Shelley Kendrick a 2022 Women in Business Honoree
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Names Shelley Kendrick a 2022 Women in Business Honoree.
By Corrine McCallum | April 6, 2022
Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen President and CEO was named one of The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2022 Women in Business honorees. This designation recognizes leaders from a variety of industries, including real estate, the arts and senior care. Kendrick is one of 51 honorees who are being recognized for their outstanding professional achievements, leadership qualities and contributions to the region.
Through the challenges of the past two years, Shelley’s strong leadership continues to steadily steer Ecumen through uncharted waters. Shelley has kept the Ecumen team focused on keeping residents safe, healthy and connected with their loved ones. Though changing guidance and regulations, that focus has not wavered, and at the same time, Shelley meets each challenge with a solutions-minded curiosity asking what more we can do to better serve those who need it most.
Click here to read more.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award, a reflection of resident and family member ratings.
For more information, visit ecumen.org.
NEW SENIOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BRINGS 160 YEARS OF SENIOR LIVING EXPERIENCE TO BETTENDORF
New Senior Housing Development Brings 160 Years of Senior Living Experience to Bettendorf.
By Corrine McCallum | February 3, 2022
DETROIT LAKES, MN, December 21, 2021 — Quartet Senior Living, a new senior living community consisting of 88 carefree living and assisted living units, and 32 memory care units, is expected to open in late April of this year. A partnership between Ecumen, a nonprofit organization with 160 years of experience and more than 40 senior living communities throughout the midwest, and Nelson Construction & Development, a real estate development and general construction company based in Des Moines, Iowa.
“We are excited to partner with Nelson Construction and Development to bring our mission of advocating for older adults by providing housing choices, compassionate health and innovative services to the Bettendorf community,” said Shelley Kendrick, President and CEO of Ecumen. “Quartet Senior Living will be a community where you choose what you need and want – from healthcare needs to amenities within Quartet Senior Living.”
Quartet Senior Living will offer a premium or standard version of apartments with a variety of floor plans. Premium apartments feature a full-size kitchen with quartz countertops, a glass mosaic subway backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Along with beautiful apartments, Quartet offers an amenity-rich community, including a club room, lounge, dining room, bistro, private dining room, wellness center, theater, salon and barber, art studio, outdoor dining, patios and walking paths.
Quartet’s Carefree Living is a lifestyle that’s free from home maintenance, filled with opportunities within an amenity-rich community. As needs change, older adults can add customized quality care within the same apartment. No need to move, our assisted living services come to you as you continue to enjoy our vibrant community.
Memory Care at Quartet delivers an enriching, supportive lifestyle with the security and compassion families want for their loved ones. At the heart of our Memory Care approach is the Ecumen-developed Awakenings™ program. Nationally recognized, this Memory Care program replaces sedating drugs with sensory stimulation, aromatherapy, massage, cooking, art therapy and more. Awakenings™ helps to “reawaken” many residents whose physical and cognitive abilities have been masked by inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs.
Not a cure, Awakenings™ is collaborative care that puts the resident at the center while combining the knowledge, experience and abilities of the professional care team, physicians, pharmacists, and those whose lives are entrusted to us and their loved ones. Through this program, we recognize and empower each person’s abilities. We honor the resident for the unique individual he or she is. The result of Awakenings™ is better lives for our residents.
“We are extremely excited to offer Bettendorf a senior living community that provides more than just an apartment. This community will be home for so many people, and a place where memories can be made,” said Kara Wolf, Executive Director of Quartet Senior Living.
Quartet Senior Living is located at 3150 Glenbrook Circle South, minutes from grocery shopping, restaurants and more. For more information, visit quartetseniorliving.com or call 563-265-0354 .
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award, a reflection of resident and family member ratings.
For more information, visit ecumen.org.
ECUMEN DETROIT LAKES THERAPY PARTNERS WITH AVEANNA HOME HEALTH
Ecumen Detroit Lakes Therapy Partners with Aveanna Home Health to Serve More of the Community.
By Charles Newland | February 1, 2022
DETROIT LAKES, MN, February 1, 2022 — Ecumen Detroit Lakes partnering with Aveanna Healthcare to continue to fulfill Ecumen’s mission of providing compassionate health care and innovative services to the greater Detroit Lakes community starting February 1.
Ecumen Detroit Lakes currently offers intensive therapy services on its campus to those who need physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy. With this new collaboration, Ecumen Detroit Lakes will be able to bring these services into the homes of those needing them.
“We’re so pleased that we’re able to serve more people in the DL community with this partnership,” said Executive Director of Ecumen Detroit Lakes, Danielle Olson. “Our therapy team here at Ecumen has produced excellent outcomes for those in our skilled nursing facility and outpatients coming to our rehab center. By partnering with Aveanna Home Health, Detroit Lakes Therapy can now offer that same quality and excellent outcomes for our patients in their own home environments.”
About Aveanna Home Health
Aveanna Healthcare is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and has locations in 30 states providing a broad range of pediatric and adult healthcare services including nursing, rehabilitation services, occupational nursing in schools, therapy services, day treatment centers for medically fragile and chronically ill children and adults, home health and hospice services, as well as delivery of enteral nutrition and other products to patients. The Company also provides case management services in order to assist families and patients by coordinating the provision of services between insurers or other payers, physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. In addition, the Company provides respite healthcare services, which are temporary care provider services provided in relief of the patient’s normal caregiver. The Company’s services are designed to provide a high-quality, lower-cost alternative to prolonged hospitalization. For more information, please visit www.aveanna.com.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award, a reflection of resident and family member ratings.
For more information, visit ecumen.org.
ECUMEN DETROIT LAKES’ EMMANUEL NURSING HOME RECEIVES TOP RATING FROM U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Emmanuel Nursing Home at Ecumen Detroit Lakes Receives Top Rating from U.S. News & World Report.
By Charles Newland | December 21, 2021
DETROIT LAKES, MN, December 21, 2021 — Ecumen Detroit Lakes in Detroit Lakes, Minn., has again received a “Best Nursing Home” rating for its Emmanuel Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report magazine. The magazine evaluated more than 15,000 facilities throughout the country, rating most of them in the areas of short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Ecumen Detroit Lakes received a “high performance” rating — the highest designation possible — in both areas, an honor received by less than 5 percent of those evaluated.
“We are honored to be once again named by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the best nursing homes in Minnesota. This achievement is a direct reflection of our amazing team members who provide excellent care to our residents. Our team members are the true recipients of this honor,” said Danielle Olson, Executive Director of Ecumen Detroit Lakes. “We also want to thank our Detroit Lakes community for entrusting their loved ones to us for more than half a century. Now more than ever, we have relied upon our community to navigate through these uncharted waters. Thank you for your support through the years,” said Danielle Olson.
U.S. News compiles its rating information in a national Nursing Home Finder that offers comprehensive information about care, safety, health inspections, staffing and more for almost all nursing homes in the country. This tool provides customized searches for nursing homes by location, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, Alzheimer’s care and size. The Nursing Home Finder reflects U.S. News’s analysis of data collected and published by the federal government using a methodology defined by U.S. News.
Since their inception in 2009, the U.S. News Best Nursing Home ratings have relied on data from Nursing Home Compare, a program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that sets and enforces standards for nursing homes.
Ecumen Detroit Lakes’ Emmanuel Nursing Home, located at 1415 Madison Ave, has been serving the Detroit Lakes area for more than 57 years. In addition to providing skilled nursing care, Ecumen Detroit Lakes offers short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and assisted living apartments, as well as home care, adult day services, and catering services. More than 200 people each day benefit directly from Ecumen Detroit Lakes services.
For more information call 218-847-4486 or visit ecumendetroitlakes.org.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award.
For more information, visit ecumen.org.
AN INTERGENERATIONAL APPROACH TO SOLVING AFFORDABLE HOUSING SHORTAGE
Ecumen Breaks Ground on New Affordable Senior Living Community 11 Units Designated for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness at Ecumen’s The Hillock.
By Angie Andresen | October 26, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS, October 26, 2021 — Addressing the real need for affordable senior housing — particularly near transit, jobs and services — Ecumen today broke ground on an affordable, 100-unit senior housing community that will include 11 units designated for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
One of the 25 largest healthcare organizations in Minnesota, Ecumen also announced the name of this new community at the groundbreaking: The Hillock. The Hillock is scheduled to open in fall of 2022 and is the first phase in creating an 100 percent affordable, intergenerational campus at Snelling and 45th Street in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis
“This is an exciting day for us because this type of project is so central to our mission and vision that every older adult has a home with innovative services to live the life they choose,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “There is such a need for more affordable options for seniors, and we’re delighted to be part of the solution.”
The nonprofit, which is celebrating 160 years in 2022, has a long history of serving those in need — serving widows and orphans after the Civil War in its earliest days. It now provides many housing and service options for seniors.
“Our mission compels us to honor and serve those who need it most. Certainly, many of our veterans are in need, and this is one way we can make a difference — by designating some of these beautiful apartments for our veterans.”
The Hillock is designed to provide a safe, affordable, maintenance-free living option adjacent to public transit for Minneapolis residents 55 and older, while offering the benefits of socialization and community. Total development costs for The Hillock are $24 million. Rents are expected to range from $816 to $1,339 for studio, one bedroom or two bedroom units. Units are available to qualifying seniors at various income levels earning from, at, or below 30 percent to 60 percent of Hennepin County Area Median Income (AMI). Other unique aspects of this project include a community garden and onsite clinic, which will be open to a rotation of medical providers.
Phase two will be a 89-unit affordable family housing building with 13 units reserved to support veterans experiencing homelessness. The campus is co-developed by Ecumen and Snelling Yards Development, a joint venture between Lupe Development Partners and the Wall Companies. The two new communities will sit on a three-acre parcel that formerly housed the City of Minneapolis Public Works maintenance yard.
The intergenerational approach that will come to life with the second phase of the project has many benefits, including creating connectedness and community among different age groups. This approach also can decrease isolation and depression among seniors and helps young people understand and appreciate the aging process.
“We love being part of an intergenerational community that will give people the option to stay in their same community and neighborhood as they age.”
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. One of the country’s largest senior housing and services providers, Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award, a reflection of resident and family member ratings.
For more information, visit www.ecumen.org.
News About Kathryn Roberts, Former Ecumen President & CEO
News About Kathryn Roberts, Former Ecumen President & CEO
By Angie Andresen | Aug. 17th 2020 – 9:13am
Kathryn Roberts, Former Ecumen President and CEO
May 15, 1951 – August 14, 2021
We are devastated to share with you that Kathryn Roberts, Ecumen’s former president and CEO has died. She passed away on Saturday, August 14. We send our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Our hearts are breaking for her family and all those who knew and loved her. Kathryn was a visionary, a leader, a mentor and a friend.
“There is no overstating what Kathryn meant to Ecumen, to those we serve and to so many of us personally.
She was a true servant leader who measured her success by her impact on others. Not only did Kathryn set an ambitious and courageous course for Ecumen to grow and to serve more people, but she was committed to inspiring and encouraging others in their careers and lives. As our current CEO emeritus, Kathryn continued to inspire people to support Ecumen to further its mission. She made such a difference and will be sorely missed.”
– Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen President and CEO
Ecumen Pathstone opens new independent living facility
Ecumen Pathstone opens new independent living facility
MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – Latitude Independent Living has been open to residents since February, but due to the pandemic, they were not able to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new facility overlooks the Minnesota River Valley.
The brand-new building features a terrace, an entertainment area and living spaces. The building was built and designed with the thought of serving the older Mankato community.
“It has been a long time coming, we have been working on this project for a number of years really,” said Laura Templin, a senior living consultant at Ecumen Pathstone. “So to see it all come together today and to start welcoming our first occupants here has been really exciting.”
The independent living building is filling up fast with residents, which has Ecumen Pathstone optimistic about its future in Mankato.
Ecumen Announces Latest Advancement in Senior Care as it Celebrates its 91-Year History in Duluth
Latest Advancement in Senior Care as it Celebrates its 91-Year History in Duluth
Abxtracker Technology Designed to Improve Care and Quality of Life for Older Adults
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | By Angie Andresen | June 24th, 2021
SHOREVIEW, Minn. – (June 24, 2021) — Throughout its 91 years in Duluth, innovation has been a hallmark of Ecumen Lakeshore’s approach to care. Today, Ecumen announced its latest advancement at a 91st anniversary celebration in Duluth.
One of the largest senior care and services providers in the country and among the 25 largest healthcare organizations in Minnesota, Ecumen announced that it has acquired abxtracker as the first technology tool in its new suite of technology solutions designed to improve quality of life and patient/resident outcomes. Ecumen is marketing this product to senior providers on a national level.
Developed by two seasoned, Duluth-based senior care pharmacists, abxtracker is an antibiotic and infection control tracking software designed for long term care and assisted living, and aligned with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations. The technology allows providers to electronically track antibiotic use in real time, with the ultimate objective of reducing the use of antibiotics in senior care.
Matt Just, director of clinical data solutions for Ecumen, was one of the developers of this software. “I had continually seen the need for a system to support antibiotic stewardship in the senior living space. We know that the overuse and over prescription of antibiotics can lead to negative outcomes, including increasing bacterial resistance,” Just said.
Beyond antibiotics, the abxtracker technology has expanded to infection control surveillance, which allows clinical teams to identify infection trends in real time and implement precautions to reduce the chance of spreading infections. The abxtracker technology has the ability to track COVID-19, as well as other viral, fungal or bacterial infections such as influenza and norovirus among residents and staff.
“This is such an exciting development for us,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “We are constantly working to enhance the lives of the older adults that we serve in our communities. This technology is addressing a real issue for seniors while at the same time, it allows clinical caregivers to focus on direct patient care.”
“Ecumen’s rich history is, in part, rooted in our value of innovation,” Kendrick said. “The one constant in our industry is change, and over the past nearly 160 years, we have evolved to better meet the needs of those we serve. Technology enhancements like this allow us to not only better serve Ecumen’s residents, but also serve more people — wherever they live.”
About Ecumen Lakeshore
Ecumen Lakeshore began in 1930 as the Lakeshore Home for the Aged. It was a traditional 14-bed nursing home owned and managed by the Board of Social Ministry, a nonprofit that later became Ecumen. In the late 1990s, Ecumen transformed Lakeshore into a leading regional center for contemporary senior living and care. The new campus — constructed in 2005 — has been nationally recognized for its innovative approach to caring for older adults, transforming itself from a nursing home to a state-of-the-art senior community offering a full continuum of services including short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, outpatient therapy, assisted living, memory care, independent living, home care, hospice and other services. Ecumen Lakeshore is one of Duluth’s largest employers with nearly 250 team members who serve more than 2,200 people annually.
In addition to Lakeshore, Ecumen’s footprint in the Duluth area includes Zvago Lake Superior, an independent cooperative living community; Mount Royal Pines III, and Lakeland Shores. In total, Ecumen serves nearly 2,400 people and employs more than 300 team members from this key regional center.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. One of the country’s largest senior housing and services providers, Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award, a reflection of resident and family member ratings. For more information, visit ecumen.org.
Zvago introduces newest location in Long Lake
Zvago introduces newest location in Long Lake
Zvago Long Lake, a new 57-unit OneTwoOne Development cooperative which overlooks Long Lake and is expected to open in late 2022, is now accepting reservations. Ecumen and Lifestyle Communities, LLC, created OneTwoOne Development to offer consumer-focused boutique cooperatives for adults with active lifestyles.
“We’re committed to creating exceptional living options with personalized design in locations that connect with people’s interests and lifestyles,” said Tim Nichols, owner, Lifestyle Communities. “Zvago Long Lake does just that in a beautiful setting.”
For adults age 62 and better, Zvago Long Lake offers an amenity-rich community, including a private pickleball court, makerspace, great room, wellness studio, entertainment suite, lakeside terrace, rooftop patio, guest suite for visiting friends and family, electric car charging station, and more. In addition to the nearly 8,000 square feet of indoor common space, Zvago has easy access to dining, shopping and outdoor recreation including Long Lake, Nelson Lakeside Park, Baker Park Reserve, several revered golf courses and the Luce Line Trail.
Each Zvago community is designed to incorporate unique elements of the area into the development. At Zvago Long Lake, the community spaces are designed with inspiration from Long Lake and the surrounding area. With 10 unique one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom plus den floor plans, each home can be personalized to reflect the owner’s unique tastes and style. Home sizes range from 1,003 – 1,976 square feet.
Unlike the more traditional options including condos, townhouses or rentals, Zvago Long Lake’s cooperative community is designed to give owners the benefits of ownership in a vibrant community, without the hassle of maintenance. Cost advantages of co-op living includes a high level of owner financial security.
“Our members are active, and Zvago Long Lake’s location will make access to common conveniences, recreation and entertainment easy, in a very walkable community,” said Dena Meyer, Ecumen vice president, living spaces and partner services. “We’re excited to bring this new housing option to the west metro.”
Senior cooperatives are communities where residents buy shares of the corporation that owns the building — an ownership structure that offers financial advantages similar to traditional home ownership, along with lower costs of entry than many condominiums or townhomes. Plus, cooperative owners have a strong say in shaping their community and how it operates.
Zvago Long Lake is located at 1948 Wayzata Boulevard. Long Lake is next door to Wayzata, Orono and Plymouth, and is only 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. For more information, visit zvagoliving.com or call 952-206-2006.