Engel Haus Senior Community Combines Tradition with Contemporary Approaches to Senior Lifestyles

Kraus-Anderson Realty coordinated the development process with the City of Albertville. The process included subdivision of the property, a completed Planned Unit Development Agreement, a tax-increment financing agreement and tax-exempt municipal bond financing.

In addition to providing needed senior housing, the facility created jobs in the St. Cloud region. Engel Haus was expected to employ up to 65 people at full occupancy. The 15-acre campus also accommodates a later phase that could approximately double the facility’s square footage.

Learn more about senior living construction, Guardian Angels Riverview Landing and healthcare construction.

The community’s commons areas encourage social connection and activity. Amenities include two dining rooms, a bistro, a lounge and game room known as the Lions Den, a multipurpose room, beauty parlor, spa and library.

The Lions Den was funded in part by the Albertville Lions Club. The chapel hosts Bible studies, services, devotions and other activities. A weekly Guardian Angels bus supports shopping, sightseeing, dinner, concerts and other outings.

The activity coordinator is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, adding knowledge and perspective to the community’s approach to care.

The lower-level memory care wing mirrors the upper-level catered-living and assisted-living wing, with additional features including a secured patio.

Engel Haus Administrator Andrea Erickson shared more about the community’s approach to senior living.

How Does Engel Haus Help Seniors Transition From a Private Home?

ERICKSON: Transitioning can be challenging for some people, but it can also be exciting for others. Our staff listens to residents’ specific needs and tries to be a resource or solution finder.

For many residents who have lived in their own homes, downsizing can be difficult. Our staff provides ideas on how to arrange furniture, find storage and look for ways to make the transition easier.

Sometimes it is simply connecting a new resident with a friend in the community who recently experienced the same transition. That person can understand the situation and provide support.

Why Is Socialization Important as People Age?

ERICKSON: As people age, they may become more introverted. They can become more focused on their health needs, and family members or friends may move farther away.

Having a support system of friends is helpful in helping people remain active as they age.

What Is Catered Living?

ERICKSON: Catered Living is the ability to live independently while having the option to include certain lifestyle amenities in the rent.

A person may be fully independent in most areas of life but may want certain services, such as dining, provided for them. Catered Living allows residents to choose services based on their lifestyle preferences.

How Do the Emergency Call Pendants and Wristbands Work?

ERICKSON: Residents introduced to the system appreciated knowing it was in place, and many did not notice it after a while.

The system collects motion data and is monitored by clinical staff for patterns or inconsistencies. Residents felt more secure knowing that if sensors did not detect motion in an apartment, someone would check on them within a designated period of time.

The system was also a meaningful benefit for residents’ children. Additional features could include reminders and family-notification functions.

Technology and facility planning can support resident needs, staff response and long-term operations. Explore healthcare facility planning and senior living community design.

How Is the Memory Care Area Designed for Care and Safety?

ERICKSON: The Memory Care area is a controlled-access setting. Each apartment includes the eNeighbor system, including bed sensors.

Programming occurs within the Memory Care Community, which is treated like a household. Staff members interact with residents and provide care according to individual service plans.

Residents participate in activities, share meals and enjoy their own outdoor space. Consistency among staff members working in the Memory Care area is important because familiar faces can support residents each day.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides information about memory care and dementia caregiving for families and care partners.

How Does Engel Haus Address Dining and Nutrition?

ENGEL HAUS: We have a highly skilled culinary team that provides a quality dining experience for residents and their guests.

Kaffee and kuchen, German for coffee and cake, are served every afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. The gathering is open to the community.

Although cake may not be served every day, there is always something sweet to enjoy with coffee.

How Has the Community Responded to Engel Haus?

ERICKSON: The response from residents and the community at large has been overwhelming.

Many people have offered to volunteer, including teens and civic organizations. Residents enjoy music programs and getting out into the community. We try to schedule a balance of programming inside and outside the building.

At the time, we were a little more than 50 percent occupied. As the community grew, so did requests for additional programming, including card clubs and crafts. We were always looking for people willing to share their talents.

In this interview, Andrea Erickson discussed the Engel Haus senior living community in Albertville, including catered living, assisted living, memory care, social connection, aging in place, emergency-response technology, dining and community programming. Learn more about senior housing projects, long-term healthcare facility planning and healthcare construction.