Lutheran Community Home’s board of directors established a plan several years ago to lay out future growth and development of the campus to further meet the needs of the community.
The new Walnut Manor addition to the campus on the south side of Seymour is part of that plan.
Open to ages 55 and over, this is an independent living, age-restricted residence for those who want to downsize and live a more maintenance-free, social and active lifestyle, said Karyn Fleetwood, executive director of Lutheran Community Home.
There are 17 apartments — 10 one-bedroom units and seven two-bedroom units — in the building that are available for immediate occupancy.
An open house is planned from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the complex, 1505 S. Walnut St. Lutheran Community Home board members and leadership will be available to answer questions and provide tours, and a meal will be served in the dining area.
“Lutheran Community Home is blessed with a proactive and forward-thinking board of directors who are committed to ensuring that the needs of the residents of our community are met. Expansion of our independent living services was our first step in that commitment,” Fleetwood said.
“This building is a great addition to our community, and I encourage anyone 55 and over who is considering a move or who has a family member who is considering a move to come and see it,” she said. “We would love to see you at our open house.”
The planning phase of this project began in 2018. Bids were received in October 2019, and the work began in March 2020. The project was completed in August 2021.
The contractor for the $8.7 million project was Summit Construction.
“The estimated schedule of the project was extended due to challenges related to the pandemic, including workforce and supply chain issues,” Fleetwood said.
Walnut Manor is an independent living setting with the security of 24-hour nursing assistance available. The Lutheran Community Home campus offers all levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, short stay rehabilitation care, skilled nursing care and memory care.
“This setting should not be confused with a nursing home or assisted living facility,” Fleetwood said.
Independent living is an important part of Lutheran Community Home’s continuum of care, she said.
“As we grow older, our ability and often our desire to maintain our own home changes,” she said. “Independent living on a campus such as ours offers a maintenance-free lifestyle. Our residents no longer need to worry about mowing and maintaining their landscaping, making repairs or snow removal. All of that is taken care of for them. One of the benefits of living on a senior living campus is that our residents get to know our team well and we get to know them.”
As needs change over the years, all levels of care are available to them on the campus, Fleetwood said.
“For example, if a resident experiences a change in health and a higher level of care is needed, the resident will not have to leave the community they have come to know,” she said. “The resident will stay with the friends they have made and the staff they have become comfortable with.”
Amenities at Walnut Manor include a fitness room, a lounge/library area and a gathering room. There also is a restaurant and bistro, The Common Tree, serving lunch and dinner daily.
“Our chefs offer three specials each day along with our regular menu,” Fleetwood said.
This project also included a new facility garage and a new garden home on the corner of Cardinal and Gaiser drives.
“The floor plan and design of this garden home will be used for future expansion in this independent living setting,” Fleetwood said. “Construction of our second garden home based on this plan is scheduled for 2023.”
Other future plans for growth include additional small house settings on the campus providing skilled nursing care and memory care services like the Forest Path building, expansion in the garden homes and a new short stay rehabilitation unit.
“The 65 and over population continues to grow and is expected to more than double to hit 98 million people by 2060, and thus, our need for services will continue to grow,” Fleetwood said.
“We find that most times, our residents regret not making the decision to make a move to an independent living setting sooner,” she said. “It is never too early to benefit from community life offered at a life plan community such as Lutheran Community Home. Residents can immediately begin to take advantage of the benefits that come along with community life, such as access to wellness resources in addition to social opportunities and events to encourage connection among neighbors.”