Aase Haugen Homes

Pros

• The staff at Aase Haugen Senior Services are very friendly and interact well with the residents.
• The facility provides spacious private rooms that comfortably accommodate furniture and personal belongings.
• The dining area offers ample space for residents, ensuring they do not feel crowded while dining.
• The facility maintains a clean environment despite being somewhat dated.
• Aase Haugen works hard to create a positive atmosphere by encouraging family involvement and resident activities.
• They organize enjoyable events, like a yearly Halloween candy giveaway, to engage both residents and the community.
• The introduction of therapy animals enhances companionship and emotional well-being for the residents.
• There are efforts in place to keep residents busy and uplift their spirits through various activities and initiatives.

Cons

• The facility is short-staffed and not currently accepting senior patients.
• There was no follow-up communication from the facility after the initial visit.
• The environment felt dated, despite being clean.
• The reviews suggest a lack of consistent engagement from the facility with families and visitors.
• There is a sense of missed opportunities for community involvement, as indicated by the disbanded girl scout troop's inability to engage with the residents.

Review

Aase Haugen Senior Services presents itself as a commendable option for Alzheimer’s patients, offering a flexible environment that allows residents the freedom to roam. During a recent visit, I focused primarily on one area of the facility and was impressed by what I observed. The staff members I encountered were exceptionally friendly and dedicated, contributing positively to the atmosphere of care and comfort. Although I learned that the facility is currently short-staffed and not accepting senior patients, this did not detract from my overall impression of their commitment to quality services.

The accommodations at Aase Haugen are noteworthy for their spaciousness. Specifically, I explored several private rooms that featured ample space for essential furnishings such as a bed, loveseat, chair, and television. This layout creates an environment where residents can feel comfortable and have personal space—a critical factor in maintaining dignity and independence in assisted living settings. Moreover, the dining area also reflects this emphasis on space; it is designed in such a way that residents don’t feel crowded during mealtime. This ample spacing is reassuring for families considering this facility for their loved ones.

While the physical aspects of Aase Haugen were impressive—combining size with cleanliness—the aesthetic of the surroundings felt somewhat dated. Nevertheless, my observations confirmed that cleanliness was a priority; despite its age, the facility maintained an inviting atmosphere free from any concerns regarding hygiene or upkeep. However, one aspect of my experience left something to be desired: follow-up communication after my visit. There was no outreach from the facility staff after my initial inquiry, which diminished my impression slightly as proactive communication is crucial when discussing care options.

Despite this minor issue with follow-up communication, my positive feelings toward Aase Haugen remain strong enough that I would consider sending my husband there if necessary. The engagement between staff and residents during my visit felt genuine; I observed meaningful interactions between them that undoubtedly contribute to an enriching living experience for those in care. It’s clear that creating an inclusive community fabric is central to their ethos.

What sets Aase Haugen apart is its commitment to countering some of the negative perceptions associated with assisted living facilities. The management clearly prioritizes building relationships not just among residents but also with their families by encouraging regular visitation and involvement in activities together. The staff's efforts include special events like a yearly Halloween candy giveaway where local children parade their costumes before the residents—a delightful initiative aimed at bridging generations through interaction.

Additionally thriving within Aase Haugen’s environment are programs centered around companionship involving animals such as birds, cats, and dogs brought into the facility to uplift spirits among residents. Such interactions can be incredibly therapeutic for individuals with cognitive impairments or heightened emotional needs—they create warmth and foster connection in ways few human-to-human exchanges can match alone. Beyond this intentionality, I've made attempts through volunteer initiatives with my girl scout troop to engage directly with residents by reading stories aloud—something we regrettably couldn't execute due to troop disbandment—but continue seeking opportunities for similar engagement because there is so much rich history residing within these homes deserving recognition before it's lost altogether.

In conclusion, Aase Haugen Senior Services embodies an effortful blend of supportive care tailored particularly towards Alzheimer’s patients while promoting an engaging community atmosphere filled with activities designed to enrich lives both mentally and emotionally. While certain operational aspects may need improvement—especially concerning communication post-visit—the core values embodied within its mission appear steadfastly committed towards enhancing resident well-being through active involvement from both staff members and family alike.

This part of Decorah, Iowa offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. With several parks nearby, such as Phelps Park and Dunnings Spring Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and nature walks. There are also a number of restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, providing easy access to dining options and healthcare needs. Additionally, there are places of worship and theaters for spiritual fulfillment and entertainment. For medical care, there are several physician offices and hospitals in the area, including Decorah Chiropractic Center and Gundersen Behavioral Health. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded community with essential resources for senior living.

Parks

• Phelps Park (0.3 miles)
• Dunnings Spring Park (0.7 miles)
• Ice Cave Hill Park (1.2 miles)
• Miller Park (1.4 miles)
• Barnhart - Van Peenen Park (1.9 miles)
• Siewers Spring State Park (2.3 miles)
• Cardinal Marsh State Wildlife Area (13.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Pulpit Rock Brewing Company (0.3 miles)
• Whippy Dip (0.4 miles)
• Roscoe's (0.4 miles)
• The Courtyard & C (0.5 miles)
• Sugar Bowl (0.6 miles)
• Beyond the Bar Bakery (0.6 miles)
• Java John's Coffee House (0.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• HOULIHAN & CHURCH Co. (0.4 miles)
• St Benedict's Catholic Church (0.6 miles)
• United Methodist Church (0.6 miles)
• Knights Of Columbus (0.6 miles)
• Gibbs Phil Reverend (0.6 miles)
• Decorah Covenant Church (0.8 miles)
• Grace Fellowship Church (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Olson Randall DDS (0.5 miles)
• Family Care Clinic (0.7 miles)
• The Family Care Clinic, PC (1.7 miles)

Theaters

• Freidely (0.5 miles)
• Viking 3 (0.5 miles)
• Fridley - Viking 3 Theatre (0.5 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (0.7 miles)
• Uhaulcarshare Luther College (0.7 miles)
• Decorah Rental (2.5 miles)
• Decorah Municipal Airport (DEH) (3.8 miles)
• Hunters Taxidermy (12.4 miles)
• Waukon Municipal Airport (Y01) (15.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Donlon Health Mart Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Domlin Phrmacy (0.7 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Medicap Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Shopko Pharmacy (16.1 miles)

Cafes

• Magpie Coffeehouse (0.7 miles)
• Impact Coffee (0.8 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)

Hospitals

• Decorah Chiropractic Center (0.8 miles)
• Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home (1.4 miles)
• Gundersen Behavioral Health (2.4 miles)
• Gundersen Calmar Clinic (8.9 miles)