As people age, they often have to modify their lifestyles, whether that’s diet, exercise, downsizing or the need for assistance. This can create a lot of anxiety, especially when it comes to leaving the place they call home.
Friendship Village of Bloomington, a non-profit organization, has been making this process a lot easier for our neighbors since it opened its doors in 1979. With 565 residents, their every need and desire is taken to heart in a luxurious atmosphere.
“We have an upscale homey feel when you walk in the door,” says community outreach coordinator, Linay McCrady. “Many families tell me that they love the natural light that comes into the rooms from the large windows and they enjoy the tasteful artwork in the hallways. They feel at home with the warm colors throughout the community.”
In addition to the pleasing aesthetics, the reception team greets everyone with a smile and its staff members are also very welcoming. “Our staff is dedicated and loves the residents,” she says. “I have had many residents say that no matter how busy someone is, they always make sure to stop and say hello and help them with whatever they need.”
Friendship Village can accommodate those who don’t need any help to others who may need continuous assistance. “We have Independent Living (with our own home care team that can supply additional support, if needed), Assisted Living (for those who are needing more nursing support), Memory Care (for residents that are in need of a secure environment), Transitional Care (for residents that need short-term rehab), and Skilled Nursing (for people who need extensive nursing support).”
Having all the levels of care on-site allows residents to move from one level of care to another without having to leave the community. It provides that peace of mind that no matter where they are on their health journey, they will be cared for in a comfortable and pleasing atmosphere.
“Having our own home-care team is a unique service that we have on-site,” says Linay. “They support our residents in their current living environment to help them enjoy their home as long as possible before moving to the next phase of their health care journey. Having the full continuum of care is a huge benefit of Friendship Village.”
The community also offers on-site occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and 24-hour nursing in its health center. All of these services allow residents to feel that they’re getting the best care possible.
Friendship Village also provides 24-hour security so residents and their families know that they are safe and secure. “I recently had a new resident from our assisted living community tell me that they feel safe and loved here,” she says. “They were nervous about moving back to Minnesota, but we made the transition feel like home and they will always be grateful for the kind and loving staff that helped support them.”
While many residents are able to venture out on their own and go into town, there are plenty of activities to enjoy right on campus. There are two fitness centers with classes and personal training services, a pool and hot tub, a sports simulator, and a putting green.
In addition, the beautiful common spaces and walking paths all around the community encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors. There is also an on-site bank, several salons, a town car service, companion services, and massage therapists. There are 35 resident-run interest groups as well, so residents can stay as physically and mentally active as they are able to or prefer.
There are also plenty of options for food and dining. There are four main dining areas and one bistro. “Elements is a dining room area in our independent living that offers modern cuisine served by our attentive and talented culinary team in an upscale atmosphere; Northern Lights is the main dining room in our health center that is used for our assisted living community and offers the same experience as Elements; Loons Nest is a restaurant that offers filling, comfortable fare in a laid-back atmosphere; Fruit N’ Nut Café is a great place to grab a casual bite or grab-and-go snacks to fuel your adventures; and Oak Terrace Lounge is a fun place to meet friends for drinks before dinner.”
Everyone on staff, she says, is there to serve the residents and make them as comfortable as possible. “I feel lucky to work for a company that puts the residents first and truly listens to what the residents want for their lives. We have excellent staff and leadership to make sure that everyone is heard. Friendship Village of Bloomington truly is a small village that works together to support the residents in all facets of their lives.”
As a result of this caring staff, Friendship Village is currently home to over 30 second-generation residents and a few third-generation. It has also been awarded number four in the nation and number one in the state by Newsweek as a continuing care community.
8100 Highwood Dr. | 952-831-7500 | FriendshipVillageMN.com