Northfield Retirement Community by Vivie sits on a 30-acre campus in a quiet Northfield, Minnesota neighborhood, next to parks and peaceful streets, and serves adults ages 55 and older with different needs, because some people want independent living while others may need more support like assisted living, memory care, transitional care, or skilled nursing. The community's got things people appreciate, like kitchenettes, cable, wi-fi, and common areas, and offers beauty salon and dining room access, plus restaurant-style dining and meal options for special diets or diabetes, with staff helping with daily activities, medication management, personal care, and linen or housekeeping services.
The place operates under a Christian, not-for-profit mission, aiming to help folks keep their independence, dignity, and quality of life, with special living options such as ParkView, which is designed for comfort and well-being, and nursing staff who offer wound care, rehabilitation, and full skilled nursing support, while programs like enhanced assisted living provide expanded clinical care and more monitoring. There are unique names and sections within the place, like the Chateau Waters - An Ecumen Living Space and Ecumen Sartell Therapy Suites, with more locations like Green Prairie Rehab Ctr, Babbitt Carefree Living, and Ely Carefree Living all associated through Ecumen, and special programs called Memory Care or Assisted Living to help describe what level of support's being given.
There's a 24-hour call system, respite care for short-term stays or caregiver relief, and therapies for people with dementia that include safe spaces to reduce confusion and wandering, so families can feel a bit more comfortable when their loved ones need that kind of help. Residents can join in spiritual and social activities, spend time in the Pathways of Faith Park for quiet or community events, and eat together in the main dining room, or just enjoy delivered meals in fully furnished rooms.
Staff include Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Resident Assistants, and special roles like the Director of Culinary Services who watches over food, plus Activities Directors who plan things to do. There are aides for cooking, dietary needs, and even a Nurse Educator to help explain care. The staff gets good training and can move into different career pathways in the senior care field.
People who live here, or their families, can use many community resources, including information from the National Institute on Aging, the Senior LinkAge Line, or the Responsive Care Solutions for Medicare info, and there's specific help for older drivers and those facing issues like abuse or neglect. The community works with services like Care Options Network, Community Resource Finder, and Minnesota Elder Justice Center, too, and can help connect you to things like home care, memory services, or driver evaluations.
The living areas cover many styles, from independent apartments to residential care homes for folks who need a live-in caregiver, and there's support for changing needs as people age, including help with medications, daily tasks, and keeping up a comfortable lifestyle, plus pet-friendly options and spaces with handicap accessibility. The campus encourages community involvement through volunteering, donations, and sharing talents, and always tries to be flexible as needs change, focusing on a person-centered approach so each person's care and support feels right for them, and so everyone can age well, in a place that feels friendly and safe.
For more information about services, programs, and resources, people can visit their website.
