In March 2024, 80 residents transitioned to their new home at The Highlands, a state-of-the-art facility developed by Aase Haugen Senior Living in northern Decorah, Iowa. This newly constructed $18 million facility replaces the previous Aase Haugen location on Ohio Street, marking a significant upgrade in care and living conditions for its residents.
Innovative Design and Layout
The Highlands spans 72,000 square feet and is strategically situated adjacent to other Aase Haugen properties, including the Vennehjem apartments and Nabotunet village. While the new facility is slightly smaller than the former Ohio Street building, it features a groundbreaking design that prioritizes a neighborhood model over traditional institutional layouts. Executive Director Sam Boeke emphasized that this model includes several distinct residential areas, each housing approximately 20 residents.
This innovative design aims to enhance the quality of care by consolidating staff within each unit. Rex Nelson, Director of Operations, explained that this arrangement facilitates quicker access to care for residents. Moreover, supplies are distributed among the various units rather than through a centralized point, further streamlining operations. “Even though the rooms and the spaces are bigger, they have much quicker access and better supervision of everyone that’s here,” said Nelson.
Enhanced Care and Community Integration
The Highlands also features a memory care unit designed with an open layout, ensuring staff maintain clear visibility of all resident doorways. Both Boeke and Nelson noted that the activities and therapy departments at the new facility will be more robust compared to the previous location. This enhancement reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive support tailored to residents’ needs.
Additionally, the facility includes a staff training area and plans to offer outpatient therapy services to the wider community in the near future. The kitchen space has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate potential growth, with an eye toward hosting community meals and events. “It’s clean. It’s bright. It’s fresh. It’s fun,” Boeke remarked about the atmosphere at The Highlands.
As the residents settle into their new surroundings, The Highlands stands as a testament to modern care facility design, prioritizing both individual needs and community engagement.
