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What is the difference between Independent and Assisted Living?

In our independent living facilities we can provide reminders and give stand by assistance for tasks such as medications, ambulation, bathing & dressing. We can provide oversight to be sure tasks are completed correctly & completely. In our Assisted living facility we can provide some hands-on assistance with these activities of daily living. Assisted living is licensed by the State of Illinois. Independent living is not. Our experienced nurses can help you evaluate which option is right for you or your loved one.

Is Garden Place like a nursing home?

No. Garden Place offers Independent and Assisted Living where people can live and enjoy the security and services offered by the facility while maintaining their independence in making their own choices. Garden Place offers residents the security of knowing that an attendant on site 24 hours a day and is available at the push of a button, offers two full meals and a continental breakfast- prepared each day, local transportation for shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc., full use of all the amenities that the facility has to offer, and the enjoyment of the social activities and benefits shared between residents and staff.

What if I need the assistance of a nurse or other health care professional?

Each facility has a nurse either as it’s manager or available 24/7 to consult for medical needs. In addition, Kathy Asselmeier is a registered nurse. Her consulting service, Lifeline RN Consultants’ office is in Garden Place. A resident can contract with her directly to receive help with medication or other medical services that they might need help with.

What kind of background and medical training do the 24 hr. attendants have?

Each attendant is certified in CPR and first aid. They are also trained regularly in safety, and issues related to keeping people active physically and mentally alert. A criminal background check and drug test is part of the pre-employment screening for each attendant. Attendants are selected for their friendly personalities and their interest in helping others.

I understand that two meals are provided each day. What happens if I dine out with family or friends and miss one of my meals?

Residents will receive a meal credit for each meal that they miss. The meal credit can be used by the resident to invite a guest to come enjoy a meal with them at Garden Place. The resident has paid for the meal in their monthly rent and we want to make sure that they are able to use that credit in some way.

Am I allowed to have visitors? Can my visitors purchase a meal ticket to eat here with me?

Yes. Your apartment is your apartment and you may have guests and visitors any time you would like. Guests can purchase meal tickets for $3.00 each. We do ask for 24-hour notice if possible just to ensure that the cook prepares the right amount of food if you would like to have a guest join you for lunch or dinner.

What about transportation? Can I have a car?

Local transportation will be provided as part of the services offered by Garden Place. Scheduled trips for shopping, banking, doctor’s appointments, etc. will be available. If you have a valid driver’s license and would like to drive your own car you are certainly welcome to do that. A parking place is available to you. Even if you drive, there may be days that you don’t want to drive, so on those days, we invite you to take advantage of the transportation available.

Do you have furnished rooms available?

Yes. Although most people prefer to rent an unfurnished apartment so that they can bring their own furniture in to furnish just the way they like it, there will usually be a furnished apartment available. A furnished apartment can be rented on a weekly or monthly basis. This is an ideal option for someone who could utilize the services offered by Garden Place for a brief time or someone who needs extra time to make arrangements to move their own furniture into the apartment. A furnished apartment can be made available for an extra $100 per month.

Will my long-term care insurance policy cover any of my expenses?

Depending on your needs and how your policy is written, your policy may cover some of the costs of living at Garden Place. If your policy provides for home care, and you qualify for home care, then in most cases it will cover at that allowable rate at Red Bud or Millstadt. If your policy specifies that you must have a licensed facility then the Columbia facility should qualify. Kathy Asselmeier will be happy to look at your policy with you if you would like to help you research this.

Is Garden Place part of a chain?

No. Garden Place was born out of a desire to keep seniors independent and safe and is owned by Dwight & Kathy Asselmeier of Waterloo (General Manager) and Brian & Karen Mueller of Columbia.