Ecumen Prairie Lodge

Hello Everyone! I am so sorry I haven't written before, but I was on a site and this came up so I thought I would write and say hello. It is coming up to 10 months June 1,2012 that we lost our dear mom Rita Kennedy. If any of you that read this is new, mom was a resident with you for about 6 ? years. She was the little southern bell with attitude, that chain smoked. She had her walker and she ran around there seeing how much she could get herself worked up with the staff. Remember her? Well, I've been meaning to write so many times and just did not get around to it. As much trouble as mom tried to stir up with the staff, she really did end up being happy living there. The last year I would say she was probably as happy as she was ever capable of being. She enjoyed the food, after she got everyone to fix it like she liked it, she enjoyed Dee coming and laying across her bed to chat with her. She had a love/hate relationship I believe with Janelle and Bev and a few others because she did not like to hear the words no coming out of anyone's mouth pertaining to her, but she did like you both very much. I don't think she would of lasted that many years after she had to leave her own home had she of gone anywhere else. Had she not had that freak accident outside while having a cigarette she would probably still be there. My mom had a mind of her own, she was always so independent and moving to assisted living after a few months stay in the nursing home would of been torch-or anywhere she would of moved to. My family and i appreciated the wonderful care mom was given, even when she didn't want it. No one wants to be treated like a child and I really felt like it at times threw no fault of her own she was. We knew it was just mom though. She made some good friends their and she was treated with the utmost respect and I noticed that I guess within the last year of living there, when we'd pick her up to go shopping or out to dinner, even holidays, she started saying I better be getting back home now. She loved all you kind folks if you knew it or not and she was happy living there. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so understanding and loving toward her. We, as her children could sleep better knowing she was getting the best possible care and you would always let us know if she needed anything or having a bad day. You were so helpful to all of us in knowing she was in a safe, clean, friendly place and being well taken care of. I hope if and when my time comes to where I need assistance I can come there. I honestly can't think of a better place to spend my last years. We are forever grateful for your love and care of our dear mother. I miss her so much. Thanks again to you all. Sincerely, Sonja Kennedy

Last December, on a very cold day in Brooklyn Center, I made a visit to the Ecumen Prairie Lodge, an assisted living facility which gave the impression of cleanliness, order and comfort, if not luxury. I was visiting because one of my friends was in town, and wanted to see his grandfather in the home, and like a good friend, I was determined to keep my friend company.In spite of the inclement weather and recent snow, getting to the facility was relatively easy (and I have a small Hyundai hatchback), and the parking was excellent. The staff were very friendly, greeted us and assisted in finding the room. They were discreet and allowed for a feeling of privacy and dignity during our visit. The room itself was of a comfortable size, and gave me the feeling of a real home, not a hospital room. It was no Ritz Carlton, but I could see how it would feel like home. Between the pleasant staff and the comfortable, well-appointed facility, I was very impressed, and if I needed long-term care, wouldn't find a stay there unwelcome.

The staff was warm and welcoming. The residents all seemed to be in good spirits and that was quite refreshing. The whole building was clean, colorful, and inviting. I especially enjoyed seeing the different charts and art that was displayed throught the halls, loby, and cafeteria. Those elements provided a genuine home-like nature and tone to the enviorment.