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Woodland lodge nearly completed [UPDATED]
Published 6:03am Monday, January 21, 2013 Updated 10:53am Monday, January 21, 2013Just a little over a year after closing for renovations, Woodland Lodge at the corner of Hwy 27 and Woodland Drive in Fergus Falls, is getting set to reopen in a grand way.
Construction workers are putting the finishing touches on the project, which began in May of 2012. In addition to remodeling the former Hospice House building, a 10,000 square foot addition is also nearly complete.
LB Homes acquired the property as part of their merger with Lakeland Hospice and Home Care in January 2012. The building has since been renamed Woodland Lodge, and encompasses a larger spectrum of care, including enhanced assisted living for those ages 55 and over.
“True enhanced assisted living is a new concept to senior health care here in Fergus Falls,” said John Zwiers, Chief Operating Officer of LB Homes. “We define enhanced assisted living as allowing people to age-in-place at Woodland Lodge. As residents’ needs change, often requiring more care, we can provide that additional assistance with lifts and other specialized equipment. Also having higher staffing ratios than many other traditional assisted living facilities gives us the time, and resources to encourage people to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.”
Woodland Lodge has an upscale lodge look and setting. The building, which features a total of 33 rooms with a variety of sizes and layouts, have countryside views, many of which overlook Opperman Lake and the horses that live just down the hill. Spacious rooms each have their own well-appointed bathroom with high-end finishes as well as safety equipment, and some rooms have attached balconies.
A grand lodge-like great room is in the heart of the building, with floor to ceiling lake-view windows, a soaring wood paneled ceiling and broad stone fireplace.
“We want people living here to think of these areas as part of their whole home,” said Mary Widiger, Marketing Director for LB Homes, pointing out that the great room was remodeled from the former facility. “What a gift it has been to keep the heart of this home beating, and to be able to continue to provide high quality, compassionate care to everyone who lives here.”
Housing Manager Tyler Tysver says that while LB Homes has spots available in their various facilities for people with a wide range of financial resources, Woodland Lodge is self-pay only. Room prices range between $2,005 and $4,450 for single occupancy, which includes meals, housekeeping and utilities. Options like double occupancy for couples and assisted living services are additional, depending on the needs of the resident. Woodland Lodge will have nursing staff and employees on site 24 hours a day. All meals will be provided off a made-to-order daily menu. For residents who still wish to cook, a full “family kitchen” is available.
Other amenities include a hair salon will is located on the loft level along with the original chapel space, and a whirlpool spa room is located on the first floor.
Religious gatherings will be provided on a regular basis, and social activities will be offered both on and off site. A guest room will be available for loved ones from out of town.
Five of the Woodland Lodge enhanced assisted living rooms will be dedicated exclusively for people on hospice.
“A special wing was created just for those ages 18 and up who require hospice care, complete with private living and dining areas, and its own 24-hour accessible entrance,” said Widiger. “Families will be able
to come and go as needed, knowing their loved ones will have round-the-clock care for their last months of life.”
A public open house is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 at Woodland Lodge. The first residents are expected to move in to the facility Feb. 4.
For more information, or to take a private tour, contact Housing Manager Tyler Tysver at 218-998-7400.
