Information last verified:
911 Ridgewood Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The staff are helpful and the environment is clean. OES is very good to its residents and has an outstanding staff. The facility offers a Christmas program with the Eastern Star. The environment is clean and friendly. It is a lovely place with amazing staff and compassionate care.Barthell Eastern Star Nursing in Decorah is best suited for seniors and their families who prize a warm, people-first environment where an exceptionally devoted staff delivers attentive, compassionate care in a clean, home-like setting. This community resonates with residents who value personal connections, reliable daily routines, and opportunities to engage in meaningful traditions and social activities. It functions as a strong fit for those who want to feel truly cared for by staff who understand the value of kindness, patience, and steady, hands-on support, rather than a highly clinical, impersonal atmosphere.
Those considering alternatives should weigh a few realities. For residents with complex medical needs requiring aggressive, around-the-clock clinical oversight, or for families seeking highly specialized memory-care programming, other facilities with larger medical teams or dedicated dementia units may deliver a closer match. Budget constraints or the desire for a broader continuum of on-site rehabilitation services can also steer families toward options with different pricing structures or rehab menus. If a campus with expansive amenities or more intensive medical throughput is the priority, it pays to explore alternatives before deciding.
The strongest case for Barthell rests on the staff and the daily environment. Reviews highlight consistently helpful, outstanding, and compassionate caregivers who treat residents with respect and genuine concern. The facility itself is described as clean and welcoming, reinforcing a sense of safety and comfort from the moment of entry. The combination of a well-maintained setting and a staff culture that goes above and beyond creates a dependable foundation for quality daily living, where residents feel seen and supported rather than managed. The presence of community traditions, such as the Christmas program with the Eastern Star, signals a culture that values connection, belonging, and shared moments of meaning.
In addition to staff excellence and cleanliness, the social fabric at Barthell supports a practical, outcomes-oriented living experience. Families can reasonably expect regular opportunities for engagement, celebration, and spiritual or cultural activities that align with the Eastern Star tradition. For residents who thrive on personal attention, consistent routines, and a sense of belonging to a close-knit community, these elements translate into tangible benefits: fewer feelings of isolation, steadier mood, and a clearer sense of purpose in daily life. When care teams are reliable and resident-centered, such social and emotional gains often contribute to broader wellbeing and satisfaction.
There is one modest caveat in the feedback: a single 3-star rating among otherwise high marks. That note serves as a reminder that no community is perfect, and even a beloved home can have moments that don’t meet every expectation. Still, the absence of widespread complaints and the strong consensus around staff quality, cleanliness, and community life suggest that the positives overwhelmingly offset this isolated signal. Prospective buyers should view the limited critique as a prompt to verify specific expectations, such as the pace of responsiveness during peak times or alignment with individual care plans, rather than a red flag.
Bottom line: for families prioritizing a nurturing, well-staffed environment with a clean, welcoming setting and an active, tradition-informed community life, Barthell Eastern Star Nursing stands out as a practical, reliable choice. It is less suited for those needing aggressive medical management, specialized memory-care programming, or a campus with broad rehab offerings. The decisive factors are the extraordinary care ethos, the tangible daily livability, and the clear sense of belonging that staff, residents, and families repeatedly cite. Prospective residents should visit, observe interactions on the floor, and have candid conversations with care teams to confirm that the level of personal attention aligns with expectations and needs.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Barthell Eastern Star Nursing in Decorah, IA is an assisted living community that offers a nurturing and supportive environment for seniors. Located in the serene and picturesque town of Decorah, residents can enjoy the beauty of nature while receiving personalized care and assistance.
The community boasts a range of amenities to enhance the residents' quality of life. Devotional services are available off-site for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Indoor common areas provide comfortable spaces where residents can socialize and engage in various activities.
At Barthell Eastern Star Nursing, diabetic care is provided to ensure the well-being of residents with specific health needs. The dedicated staff members are trained to offer specialized care, supervision, and assistance to individuals managing diabetes.
Residents have the opportunity to partake in devotional activities offsite, allowing them to continue practicing their faith and maintaining a connection with their spirituality.
The surrounding area offers numerous conveniences for residents. There are three cafes nearby where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal with friends and family. For those who love spending time outdoors, there are six parks nearby that provide beautiful walking paths and recreational activities.
Access to essential services is also readily available as there are four pharmacies and three physicians nearby. In case of emergencies or medical needs, three hospitals are located close by, ensuring quick and efficient healthcare services when required.
Additionally, there is an abundance of dining options with 25 restaurants nearby that cater to various culinary preferences. Transportation options make it easy for residents to explore the local area or attend appointments comfortably.
For those seeking spiritual solace or participating in religious practices, nine places of worship surround Barthell Eastern Star Nursing. Residents can find comfort in attending religious services within their preferred faith community.
Furthermore, entertainment opportunities abound with three theaters nearby offering movies and live performances for residents' enjoyment.
Barthell Eastern Star Nursing in Decorah, IA offers a warm and engaging environment where seniors receive personalized care while enjoying the comforts of a peaceful and vibrant community.
Barthell Eastern Star Nursing is located at 911 Ridgewood Dr, Decorah, IA 52101 in Winneshiek County, Iowa
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