Roger and Jeanette recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They’re happily married after all these years, but they live separately at Goldfinch Estates in Fairmont. Roger has lived in an assisted living apartment since September 2019, while Jeanette has received care in the memory unit since the previous March, following a head injury.

Roger visits her every day, often having the noon meal with her. “The only problem I have is when I leave,” Roger reflects. “She says, ‘I’m going with you,’ and I say, ‘You can’t Mother.’” And then he returns to his apartment through the corridor that separates the two units.

He feels secure at Goldfinch. “I’m getting along fine,” Roger says. “You can’t get out and get around. You gotta stay in, but I understand.” After an initial COVID-19 spike in Fairmont’s Martin County, the number of cases has leveled off.   Goldfinch Estates itself, remains COVID free as of June 1. 

Now 88, Roger worked in agriculture for most of his life, first for Green Giant. More recently he partnered with his father to deliver gasoline to farmers for Standard Oil, in a business that operated in northern Iowa for 50 years. 

About the quality of the care he gets at Goldfinch, “They do a good job,” says Roger. The community offers 92 one and two-bedroom apartments for seniors who want access to supportive services. We also offer 41 memory care suites that provide a long-term option for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.