BUSINESS PROFILE: Legacy Commons Senior Living, Clinton
Legacy Commons, a privately-owned, 22-bed assisted living community, now open
By Scott Thoma
With over 30 years of experience in owning and operating senior living facilities in Minnesota, Julie, and her husband, Del Spronk, have ventured west and recently purchased Legacy Commons Senior Living in Clinton.
Julie is a seasoned nurse and Licensed Assisted Living Director. Del has a degree in accounting with a lifetime of experience in business management. In addition to Legacy Commons, the Spronks also own Medford Senior Care located in Medford, Minn., and Carriage House Senior Living in Le Center, Minn.
Legacy Commons, which opened in early June, is a 22-bed assisted living community featuring one-bedroom, two-bedrooms, and efficiency suites. Each is spacious with large picture windows, oversized handicapped bathrooms and kitchens.
The original builders spared no expense in that the building has many outstanding features such as stone fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, and gable windows; all nestled in a parklike setting. The west side of the building boasts a pavilion with picnic tables amidst a backdrop of trees and large grassy knoll. The other side of the property features a cement patio overlooking a beautiful pond.
Julie comments, “When I sit on the patio in the evening, I hear the serenade of croaking frogs. The songbirds take me back to my childhood with the same sounds that I heard on my grandparents’ farm. I have observed many pheasants, large turtles, ducks, geese and even pelicans on the pond.”
Those attending the Open House for Legacy Commons in mid-May noted that the building was clean and inviting.
“You feel welcome the minute you walk in the door,” said one woman who is looking for a senior living facility for her mother. “It’s not drab like some places. It’s uplifting and feels like home. The staff was so courteous and helpful, too.”
That was exactly what the owners had in mind when they took over operations. “Decorating is my passion,” Julie said. “I have observed many assisted livings that were decorated with a modern, contemporary style. We decorate with the residents in mind. This is their home and needs to be reflective of what they feel is comfortable and homey.”
As a privately-owned facility, Del and Julie are on site regularly. This not only allows them to oversee the operation, but to also make common sense decisions based on their observations.
“We do not need to seek approval from a board of directors or deal with the hierarchy of corporate politics,” said Julie. “Our decisions are based on need, common sense, and life experience.”
While many senior living facilities are short-staffed, the owners of Legacy Commons feel that keeping their employees happy is paramount.
“Staff retention is a challenge in today’s world. Del and I believe that well-paid staff is a happier staff,” Julie said. “Paying a higher wage is an investment and more cost effective than continually advertising, interviewing, hiring, and training someone to replace them.
“Well-paid staff value their jobs, feel appreciated, and are therefore willing to go the extra mile. We provide a tremendous amount of training at the time of hire and ongoing thereafter. Newly hired staff undergo a background study, fingerprinting, two-step Mantoux process and 60 plus hours of education.”
Legacy Commons is staffed with a full-time Director of Nursing, an LPN, 24-hour caregivers, a Licensed Assisted Living Director, a Food Service Director, maintenance man, licensed beautician, and an Activity Director.
“Legacy Commons has a ratio of one staff member per every six residents, which is unheard of in this industry,” Julie noted. “While caregiving can be very rewarding, it also brings its own set of challenges. When facilities are shorthanded, staff ends up running from call light to call light. Not only does this lead to staff burnout, but also results in the inability to provide quality care. Having ample staff on duty allows caregivers to build relationships with their residents. Lastly, staff shortages also take a toll on residents who do not receive timely or thorough care.”
Residents have several available options when it comes to their pay source. Legacy Commons contracts with the county for individuals who may have limited funding. The State funded Elderly Waiver program may supplement qualifying applicants. Private pay and Long-Term Care insurance is also optional.
Upon admission, an assessment is done with the Director of Nursing. A service plan is created based on the resident’s needs. They review their health history, current medications and most recent physical exam. Their strengths as well as their weaknesses are assessed to help better determine the level of care they require. Residents are reassessed routinely and as needed thereafter. Families are always kept in the loop and regarded as a valuable part of the team.
“We all work together to ensure the resident is happy, safe and well cared for”, said Julie. “Not all assisted livings are created equal. We found that our niche is in providing what we refer to as Progressive Care.
“Progressive care means that residents are allowed to age in place. As their needs change, we re-assess them and rise to the occasion. Historically, my Assisted Living communities have been able to care for individuals with Foley Catheters, feeding tubes, ileostomies, special diets, injections, two-person transfers and mechanical lifts. We train our staff to task and have the on-site power to provide a higher level of care.”
Legacy Commons offers on-site physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. As an extra measure of convenience, the Ortonville Clinic’s satellite office is connected to the building. This allows patients to attend medical appointments without the need to travel.
“Hospice is a common need in our community, and we routinely provide end-of-life care”, Julie said.
Residents of Legacy Commons also have daily activities to choose from if they desire. An Activity Director facilitates age-appropriate activities, crafts and entertainment. A few events include bringing in school children, Christmas carolers, Girl Scout groups, musical entertainment, pet therapy, and celebrating birthdays, holidays and special events together.
The Food Service Director at Legacy Commons has over 20 years of experience as a cook in the school system. Legacy Commons is able to accommodate special diets such as low sodium, diabetic, pureed, and minced and moistened meals.
Residents are offered three well-balanced meals a day, plus snacks or they may instead choose to cook in their apartment.
“We want the residents and their families to know they will be well cared for here,” said Julie. “My team works hard to provide them with comprehensive care, and advocate for their best life possible. Essentially, we become extended family to our residents. This is my niche. I want to make a positive impact in their lives.”
Legacy Commons is located at 322 County Highway 6 in Clinton, MN. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Julie at (507) 210-0379.
This is a paid business profile. If you would like to learn more about promoting your business in the Sr. Perspective with a business profile, call Jim at 320-334-3344.
コメント