When Linda Engler’s parents could no longer take care of their single-family home due to age and reduced physical abilities, she and her brother researched many senior living facilities to find a place where their mom and dad could be close to family and friends, feel safe and comfortable and still have their independence. Once they narrowed down the options, Linda took her parents to visit so they could choose the one that was the best fit.
After touring Aurora on France in Edina, her parents felt it was the perfect new home for them. Her father, a man of few words, said, “I like that place. I could live there.” So, in November of 2018, they made the move.
“The facilities are beautiful,” says Linda. “I'm an interior designer so I appreciate the aesthetic, and that was important to my parents too. It really feels inviting and welcoming and has a quiet elegance about it.” Situated near Rosland Park, it’s an easy walk or ride to Lake Cornelia, restaurants and shopping. There’s even a lovely natural pond behind the property.
The experienced and professional staff also stand out. “The people go above and beyond,” she says. “They're all very approachable and very friendly. They always make a point of saying hello and engaging in conversation and making sure all the residents’ and families’ needs are being met. They know my name, they know the residents’ names. It’s nice for me as a guest, but also for the people living there. It’s a loving and caring community to spend time in.”
Right from the beginning, Linda and her parents appreciated that Aurora had different levels of care available, from senior living and assisted living to memory care and transitional care units. It’s also connected to M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, so residents can easily access healthcare, visit their doctors and pick up prescriptions. “Both of my parents were patients there at one time or another, and they could take the skyway to visit the other and didn’t have to rely on anyone else,” she says.
In the beginning, Linda says she couldn’t have foreseen what care would be needed and having these different options in place gave her a sense of security. This was a blessing when her father took a turn for the worse; Aurora was able to seamlessly transition him to a higher-level care and ensured all his needs were met. Her dad has since passed away, but her mother, now 85, is still enjoying her time there. She loves Friday happy hours and chatting with her friends and neighbors.
Residents can be as active as they choose. “They've got wonderful program options,” says Linda. “They bring in a lot of musicians, which my mom loves, and really offer a nice diversity of entertainment.” These include Tuesday night and Saturday afternoon movies, weekly shopping outings, bridge and other games, craft and art projects and spiritual/religious programming.
Dining is also an enjoyable part of residents’ everyday routines. The chef-prepared restaurant style meals are delicious, nutritious and varied, so residents can always find something they desire. The recipes are crafted from fresh and often locally-sourced ingredients, and residents who have special dietary needs can also have their meals tailored just for them. From meat and seafood to dessert and snacks, everything is thoughtfully chosen and prepared.
Since her parents first moved to Aurora on France, Linda has had tremendous peace of mind. “When they were still in their single family home it was a constant source of concern for the whole family. And whenever we went out of town, there seemed to be a major crisis. Now, those crises may still happen, but there are professionals there to manage them. They also do a great job in being proactive in taking care of things.”
Aurora also offers many amenities that make living there a true pleasure, from its outdoor grilling area and club lounge and billiards to its outdoor patio, fireplaces, fitness room, and beauty salon. Living options range from small studios with one bedroom and one bath to 1800 square foot two bedroom and two bath units. Linda’s mother has a large one bedroom plus a den, a dining area and a big kitchen. It’s a real home.
“Having both parents, and now my mother, at Aurora has allowed me to continue to live my own life while still having them, and now her, be very much a part of it,” says Linda. “If she needs a ride, or isn't able to go down to get her mail, she can call and ask someone for assistance. It offers such a breadth of support so we’ve been covered every step of the way.”
To find out more about Aurora on France and to take a tour, go to https://www.auroraonfrance.com/ or call them at (612) 208-6996.