New long-term care center rendering
As young people, we can hardly wait to leave home. Then, in our later years, when the walls around us have embraced decades of love and laughter and any number of milestones have been marked and traditions kept – leaving home is one of the things we fear most.
Those who make Bethesda the next stop on their life’s journey enjoy a wonderful opportunity to create a new place to call home. One door closes; another door opens. Today, after spending more than a century caring for area seniors, Bethesda continues to look to the future of senior care with programs that reflect the needs of today and the preferences of the next generations needing care.
When given the chance to replace Bethesda’s Heritage Center facility built in 1953, and relocate its beds to the main Pleasant View campus, the Bethesda Board of Directors took the opportunity to change the paradigm of senior care with an integrated campus offering a full continuum of healthcare for older adults. “We continue to look at how we can reinvent ourselves to better serve the community while continuing to be leaders and innovators in senior healthcare,” stated Michelle Haefner, Bethesda President and CEO. “The neighborhood model responds to the holistic approach to well-being,” she continued “and inspires those we serve to live life to the fullest through healthy and active lifestyles.”
Bethesda’s new long-term nursing care building, currently being constructed off 9th Street SE in Willmar, is designed in the “Neighborhood Model” of care. The neighborhood model implements homelike living spaces and neighborhood amenities, such as a chapel, gift shop and cafe, to create a sense of community for all residents.
Once completed, the new campus will offer 12 neighborhoods of approximately 20 residents. Each neighborhood will have its own kitchen, living and dining areas and all newly constructed rooms will have private bathrooms and showers. Nursing stations will be tucked away, making the residents and neighborhoods the main focus.
Residents at Bethesda will continue to enjoy familiar spaces and individualized care choices in their new home. Imagine stopping by to visit a loved one to find a busy neighborhood kitchen and the aroma of fresh baked cookies. Imagine an evening of camaraderie spent with friends’ playing cards or listening to music. This is what those who call Bethesda home will experience, all while receiving the highest level of service and round the clock skilled nursing care.
As shared by Brandon Pietsch, Bethesda Campus Administrator, “This expansion will make Bethesda a first-class facility offering a full continuum of care all on one campus – but more important than the bricks and mortar are the stories of those who will live and get well within the walls of the new buildings.” Pietsch continued, “We strongly believe that Bethesda’s investment will help ensure a bright future and positively impact the seniors and families in our community.”
Donations to support the Investing in a Healthy Future campaign can be made securely online or checks can be made out to Bethesda Foundation and mailed to 901 Willmar Ave SE, Willmar, MN 56201. For more information, contact Stefanie Ryan, Bethesda Foundation at 320-214-5600 or[email protected].
