A new memory support assisted living home is filling a need for residents of Fairbury and the surrounding area.
Serenity Villa of Fairview Haven was built as a small house model and is all contained in one building.
“The staff all interacts with the neighbors,” explained Sally Fehr, social services director. “The neighbors help with laundry and cooking as they wish.”
Activities are planned specifically for memory care and Serenity Villa features a large center courtyard which allows for time to be spent outdoors in a safe environment. Those who have moved in from Fairview Haven experienced a positive turnaround in their lives.
“It feels like their own home and they just have more enthusiasm for living,” Fehr added. “There are just a lot of features built into it to enhance life for seniors.”
Fairview Haven has studied the small house model for at least 10 years with staff even going to visit different places. Fehr believes living in a home setting as opposed to a more institutionalized facility makes a big difference.
“As we prayed about it, things unfolded. We had a lot of support from very generous donors who helped us,” Fehr recalled.
Memory support seems to be a popular industry trend currently as there is a need for it. The small house concept is unique to the area. Fehr feels this is the way of the future and how people will want to live – with their own apartment and a place where they can be with others if they wish.
Fairview Haven Administrator Dave Blunier said there have been situations where family members do not initially like the idea of moving their loved ones to Serenity Villa, but they soon change their mind.
“When people do eventually place their loved one there, their attitude about it completely changes. They see the environment and the positive impact it has on their loved one.”
Details on Serenity Villa can be found online at www.fairviewhaven.org, including virtual tours of each room with 360-degree photos.
Fairview Haven is a retirement community in Fairbury with various levels of care with a skilled nursing facility and regular assisted living in addition to these memory care services.
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