Aase Haugen Homes is a non-profit senior living community in Iowa and is governed by 23 local churches as a social ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, so you get a Christian atmosphere where the focus is on helping people feel at home, and it's licensed by the Iowa Department of Health, fully certified to accept Medicaid and Medicare, so the place offers many options for care, starting with independent living apartments at Vennehjem or Nabotunet for older adults who want to live on their own but still want a sense of community, and then you've got assisted living and respite care services for those who need more support with everyday things like bathing, dressing, or taking medicines, and if memory's a problem, the community has a specialized CCDI Unit (Comfort, Dignity, and Integrity) just for people with Alzheimer's or dementia, making sure they stay safe and aren't confused by their surroundings.
There's skilled nursing care if you need regular medical help or are dealing with an illness that needs close watching, and hospice care is available for those who need comfort at the end of life, plus they've got a skilled care and rehabilitation center with on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy, so if you need help after surgery or illness, you can stay right in the community to get back on your feet. The nursing staff is there between 12 and 16 hours each day, and you can always reach someone because there's a 24-hour call system, which helps if anything urgent comes up, and the beds are certified, covered by Medicare and Medicaid, so people don't have to worry as much about paying for long-term care.
The place offers simple things that make daily life pleasant, with amenities like arts and activity rooms, a library, walking paths, a spa, a fitness room, and nutritious meals planned by chefs who pay attention to keeping things healthy, and there's a strong focus on social events too, with movie nights, music programs, scheduled fitness classes, outdoor activities, faith-based devotional services, and a good mix of activities both on and off-site so everyone feels included, plus interpreter services for anyone who needs help communicating.
Meals are important here-every plate aims for quality ingredients and balanced nutrition and there's nutrition counseling if you need special diets, and the staff helps with meal preparation, medication management, and daily activities, along with a mental wellness program, and respite care is available for families who need a break. The community takes pride in providing home care with trained aides for seniors who'd rather stay in their own houses but still need companionship and non-medical help.
For people facing memory problems, the dementia care program and secured supportive housing units are meant to reduce confusion and keep everyone safe, and with the CCDI Unit, they work hard to meet the needs of people with dementia, always aiming for a sense of dignity. Awards have recognized Aase Haugen for the quality of activities, friendliness of the staff, and overall care, though the community keeps things straightforward and focused on serving Winneshiek County and nearby areas the best it can. Residents find common areas for socializing, spiritual engagement, and personal connection, and the entire place keeps evolving with new ways to support seniors, always aiming to nurture the body, mind, and soul in a setting that feels welcoming and steady.
