CedarStone Senior Living - exterior photo at dusk

CedarStone Senior Living Community to Host Grand Opening Celebration on October 13th, 2022

CedarStone Senior Living Community to Host Grand Opening Celebration on October 13th, 2022.

By CorrineMcCallum | September 27, 2022

Cedar Falls, Iowa, September 27, 2022 — CedarStone Senior Living welcomed its first residents in July of 2022 and is inviting the public to its grand opening celebration on October 13 beginning at 2 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Open house, refreshments and entertainment will continue until 6 p.m.

“We are so excited to bring in the greater community and show them everything that this community has to offer,” said Kersten Fisher, Executive Director of CedarStone Senior Living. “From fantastic care services to the delicious food, and unique amenities, this is something that everyone will want to be part of.”

The Cedar Valley community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. with a grand opening celebration following until 6 p.m. CedarStone Senior Living is located on 4715 Algonquin Drive, Cedar Falls, IA, in the Greenhill Village neighborhood,  across the street from the Place to Play Park. Event details can be found at cedarstoneliving.com/events.

Offering Carefree Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, CedarStone has everything older adults need and want to live life their way. The availability of 24-hour support, beautiful surroundings, lifestyles rich in vitality, and the services and amenities make every day easy, fulfilling and fun. CedarStone is 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 and Development, a real estate development and general construction company based in Des Moines.

CedarStone Senior Living - exterior photo at dusk
CedarStone Senior Living — Interior shot of the lobby

Click here to view more blog posts.


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. For more information, visit ecumen.org.


Peerlytics | An Ecumen Technology Solution

Ecumen Selected as Finalist for McKnight's Innovator of the Year for Peerlytics Infection Management & ABX Stewardship Software

Ecumen Selected as Finalist for McKnight's Innovator of the Year for Peerlytics Infection Management & ABX Stewardship Software

By CorrineMcCallum | September 20, 2022

SHOREVIEW, MN (September 20, 2022) — Peerlytics Infection Management & ABX Stewardship, Ecumen’s first technology tool in its suite of technology solutions is proud to announce that it has been selected as a finalist for McKnight’s 2022 Excellence in Technology Awards in its “Innovator of the Year” category. This award goes to a technological innovation that has made a difference in the provision of care or services.


Click here to view more blog posts.


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. For more information, visit ecumen.org.


Scott Bjerketvedt

Ecumen Announces Scott Bjerketvedt as Senior Vice President — Chief Financial Officer

Ecumen Announces Scott Bjerketvedt as Senior Vice President — Chief Financial Officer.

By CorrineMcCallum | September 15, 2022

Shoreview, Minn., September 15, 2022 — SHOREVIEW, MN (September 15, 2022) — As it grows to serve more people, Ecumen, one of the country’s leading nonprofit providers of housing and services for older adults, announced that Scott Bjerketvedt has been promoted to senior vice president, chief financial officer.

Before joining Ecumen in 2020, Scott spent more than 20 years in the medical device industry, where he held several key leadership roles throughout his tenure. In addition to his health care background, Scott brings deep expertise in such areas as P&L management, acquisitions and integrations, planning and analysis, strategy, and tax. Scott earned a B.A. in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration from the University of St. Thomas.

“We’re so pleased to have Scott in this role,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “As we continue to navigate the financial challenges our industry is facing in the wake of the COVID pandemic, Scott’s deep knowledge, proven track record and strategic mindset are the kind of financial leadership we need.”


Click here to view more blog posts.


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. For more information, visit ecumen.org.


Warm Heads, Happy Faces program: senior woman at an Ecumen community wearing a knit hat and smiling.

Ecumen Team Member Gives Back to Ecumen to Honor Family Friend

Ecumen Team Member Gives Back to Ecumen to Honor Family Friend.

By CorrineMcCallum | July 26, 2022

Shoreview, Minn., July 26, 2022 — Ecumen, a nonprofit senior living organization, is always looking for ways to support its team members and those it serves through donations. Sometimes, those donations have a very special meaning, and in this case, it was one of Ecumen’s very own team members who found a way to serve her own family and Ecumen communities at the same time.

Mel Sullivan, Ecumen’s Senior Vice President, and Chief People Officer made a donation to Ecumen Lakeview Commons in Maplewood, Minn., and Ecumen Oaks & Pines in Hutchinson, Minn., in a way that empowered our team members and honored a beloved family friend. Sullivan’s close family friend was diagnosed with cancer, and during her battle, she made hats to donate to an organization after she beat cancer. Along with the many hats, she also had supplies that would offer someone else the opportunity to create hats. Sadly, she died before having the chance to designate an organization.

As time went by, Sullivan found herself with these hats and supplies not knowing what to do with them. She connected with the life enrichment managers at Ecumen Lakeview Commons and Ecumen Oaks & Pines, and immediately, these two innovative team members (Jen Rasmussen and Melanie Zelm) knew exactly how to put these donations to good use.

The warm heads and happy faces at Ecumen communities were a testament to this gift and a special way to honor Sullivan’s family friend. “Being able to honor my friend while working with grateful and responsive team members and giving back to those we serve is just one reason why I stay with Ecumen,” Sullivan said.

When you give to Ecumen, your support helps to further our mission to provide housing services, compassionate care and innovative services to the people we serve. Consider a gift today by visiting ecumen.org/give-now.

Warm Heads, Happy Faces program: senior woman at an Ecumen community wearing a knit hat and smiling.
Warm Heads, Happy Faces program: Ecumen activity director and staff unboxing knit hats for residents.
Warm Heads, Happy Faces program: senior woman at an Ecumen community wearing a knit hat and smiling.

Click here to view more blog posts.


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. For more information, visit ecumen.org.


CedarStone Senior Living

New Senior Housing Development Brings 160 Years of Senior Living Experience to Cedar Falls

New Senior Housing Development Brings 160 Years of Senior Living Experience to Cedar Falls.

By CorrineMcCallum | July 19, 2022

CedarStone Senior Living

Shoreview, Minn., July 19, 2022 — CedarStone Senior Living, a new senior living community consisting of 88 carefree living and assisted living units, and 32 memory care units, is opening on July 18 and currently hosting tours of the community. 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 and 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 healthcare and innovative services to the Cedar Falls community,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen President and CEO. “CedarStone Senior Living will be a community where you choose what you need and want — from healthcare needs to amenities within CedarStone Senior living.”

CedarStone Senior Living will offer a premium or standard version of apartments with various floor plans. Apartments feature a full-size kitchen with solid surface countertops, and stainless steel appliances. In addition, premium apartments have ranges, dishwashers and washer/dryers. Along with beautiful apartments, CedarStone offers an amenity-rich community, including club rooms, lounges, a dining room, bistro, private dining room, wellness center, theater, salon and barber, art studio, outdoor dining, an outdoor putting green, patios and walking paths.

CedarStone’s Carefree Living is a lifestyle that is 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 CedarStone 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.

While 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.

“The partnership between Ecumen and Nelson Construction and Development will bring innovative services and an amenity-rich community to greater Cedar Valley,” said CedarStone Senior Living Executive Director, Kersten Fisher. “We cannot wait for those who call us home to experience everything we have to offer. With a passion and heart for senior living, our experienced leadership team is working hard to make sure every detail, big and small, is perfect for our future residents.”

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. For more information, visit ecumen.org.


Senior woman holding pills selection in her hands, close-up.

Beyond compliance: Senior living operator tackles infections, antibiotic use with proprietary tech

Beyond compliance: Senior living operator tackles infections, antibiotic use with proprietary tech

By McKnight Senior Living | Alicia Lasek | July 18, 2022

Senior woman holding pills selection in her hands, close-up.

McKnight Senior Living, July 18, 2022 — Proprietary software has helped senior living provider Ecumen to curb antibiotic use and halt viral outbreaks across 300 skilled nursing facilities. Now, the company is expanding the technology’s use to its assisted living facilities and other providers it services, it announced Friday.

The Shoreview, MN-based company began rolling out the first version of its Peerlytics Infection Management & ABX Stewardship software in 2018. The program has brought $2,000 savings on antibiotic drugs per 100-bed facility (estimated from the lowest-cost antibiotic), according to Brett Anderson, RN, chief ecosystem and operations officer. And it has helped care providers reduce the duration of time patients are on antibiotic therapy, he said.

Providers also have reported an estimated 25% and 40% reduction in staff hours spent tracking trending infections, eliminating survey deficiencies in infection control and antibiotic stewardship regulation. The software’s use is now in the pilot phase in Ecumen assisted living communities and in three external AL communities that it serves.

“We would anticipate the same savings in the assisted living provider space,” Anderson told McKnight’s Senior Living. The software is customizable, and Ecumen also has seen interest from a memory care facility that wishes to reduce resources spent managing urinary tract infections, he noted.

Search for stewardship solutions

The importance of antibiotic stewardship has continued to grow as bacteria increasingly find ways to outwit the drugs meant to keep them in check, close observers say. Widespread use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a 15% spike in deaths tied to antibiotic-resistant superbugs from 2019 to 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported.

Meanwhile, long-term care facility residents are highly vulnerable to severe outcomes from such infections. And provider interest in infection management tools has grown since the advent of COVID-19, Anderson told McKnight’s.  [read the full story here].


Peerlytics | Infection Management & ABX Stewardship

Ecumen to Bring Provider-Led Solutions to Senior Industry Through New Technology Portfolio: Peerlytics

Nonprofit senior housing and health care provider to build on success of Infection Management and Antibiotic Stewardship software.

By Angie Andresen | July 13, 2022

Peerlytics | Infection Management & ABX Stewardship

Shoreview, Minn., July 13, 2022 As it celebrates 160 years, nonprofit senior housing and health care provider, Ecumen, is expanding its investment in technology development. Ecumen just announced a new technology portfolio called Peerlytics, which builds on the success of the abxtracker software it acquired last year. The new portfolio will launch even more web-based solutions designed for care environments — designed by health care experts.

“Ecumen has been an industry innovator throughout our long history, and our mission compels us to help as many people as possible,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen President and CEO. “We’re doubling down on our investment in technology because we know what a game changer it will be for our entire industry. These solutions will make a huge difference in quality of care for seniors around the globe.”

Infection Management and Antibiotic Stewardship — and Beyond

Peerlytics Infection Management & ABX Stewardship (formerly abxtracker) is the first technology tool in the new suite of technology solutions designed to improve quality of life and patient/resident outcomes, with additional technologies expected to be launched in the coming year.

Originally developed by two seasoned Minnesota-based senior care pharmacists, Infection Management & ABX Stewardship 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. It allows providers to electronically track antibiotic use in real time, with the ultimate objective of reducing the use of antibiotics in senior care.

“This was created out of a real need in the senior living space,” said Brett K. Anderson, RN, chief ecosystem and operations officer, Ecumen. “We know that the overuse and over prescription of antibiotics can lead to negative outcomes, including increasing bacterial resistance.”

“Providers in the senior care space are looking for solutions that improve quality and outcomes for those they serve. The deep knowledge we bring to these solutions sets us apart and gives us a great opportunity to build on the technology for our residents and for other providers in our space,” Anderson said.

Additionally, the 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 — including COVID-19, as well as other viral, fungal or bacterial infections such as influenza and norovirus among residents and staff. The patented mapping technology maps infection on a facility-specific map in real time.

Real-Time Results and Better Outcomes

Over the past year, skilled nursing communities using the Infection Management & ABX Stewardship software have seen a reduction in antibiotic use, saving an estimated $2,000 on antibiotics, but more importantly, reducing the over-prescription of antibiotics among residents in skilled nursing communities. Providers using the software also saved between 25 – 40 percent of nursing time in tracking and trending infections, and received no deficiencies in infection control and antibiotic stewardship regulation on their surveys.

“There are many more opportunities for innovation to improve the lives of those we serve, and that’s our goal,” Kendrick said. “From our industry-leading Awakenings program — which established standards to eliminate unnecessary antipsychotics and improve care for individuals with dementia – to our new Peerlytics technology platform, we are excited to offer solutions that are created by providers that enhance care, quality and outcomes for those we serve.”

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. For more information, visit ecumen.org.


Ecumen's Philanthropy team and Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights Housing Director accepting a donation check

Ecumen Receives $1 Million Grant from Fred C. and Kathrine B. Andersen Foundation to Develop New Senior Housing in Chisago City

Ecumen Receives $1 Million Grant from Fred C. and Kathrine B. Andersen Foundation to Develop New Senior Housing in Chisago City.

By Corrine McCallum | July 13, 2022

Ecumen's Philanthropy team and Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights Housing Director accepting a donation check

Shoreview, Minn., July 13, 2022 – In partnership with the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, Ecumen, one of Minnesota’s largest nonprofit senior care providers, will build 20 townhomes in Chisago City, Minn. The project was made possible this year due to a generous $1 million gift from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation.

The new construction comes in response to a 2020 market study that demonstrated a large and increasing need for housing in the primary and secondary market areas for adults 55 years and older. Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights, an Ecumen-owned independent senior living community in Chisago City is in high demand with a growing waiting list.

The leadership team, with input from team members and residents, identified the need to perform updates to the existing 109 units on 25 acres in conjunction with the new construction while also supporting Ecumen’s cornerstone programming. Funding from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation will not only support new construction and existing home renovations, but also will fully fund transportation for community residents, as well as Point Pleasant Heights’ annual Veteran’s Day celebration and Lutefisk dinner..

“We are so grateful for the support of the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “Our vision to ensure every older adult has a home with innovative services to live the life they choose becomes a reality with partnerships like this.”

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. For more information, visit.

For more information, visit ecumen.org.


Matradee, a robot technology used to enhance the resident experience when it comes to dining and mealtime.

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

Matradee, a robot technology used to enhance the resident experience when it comes to dining and mealtime.

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.


Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen President and CEO — named one of The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal's 2022 Women in Business honorees

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 — named one of The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal's 2022 Women in Business honorees

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.