Garnette Gardens in Redwood Falls and Monarch Meadows in North Mankato are piloting an innovative new service providing a low-cost preview of life as a resident. In both communities the service goes under the name “Senior Social Club.”
“We wanted to give folks a taste of what it might be like to live with us,” said Sales and Community Marketing Manager Colleen Marcus from Garnette Gardens.
Here are some of the common features in the two communities:
- Transportation two days each week
- A monthly meal plan with up to 10 meals per month
- Participation in scheduled events at the community
- Monthly home check-ins from a senior service professional
- Seasonal “Wellness Gift Basket” for program participant
“The aging population is at risk for social isolation or loneliness,” says Monarch Meadows Executive Director Rachael Evers. “This is our way to provide an active and engaged lifestyle to those who are a part of our greater community.”
Interested? Learn more online or on the communities’ Facebook pages or call (507) 644-8500 in Redwood Falls or (507) 344-0059 in North Mankato.
The service is the brainchild of Redwood Falls Executive Director Natalie Seehausen. “We know the decision to move from a long-time home is overwhelming and emotional,” Natalie reflects. “As we heard over and over … ‘I am just not ready.’ These programs will cultivate relationships with other residents that will change the decision from a NEED to move, to a WANT to move.”