Nursing home provides stress-free living

Everyone wants the best of care for their loved ones.

In 1967, representatives from 17 area churches met at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, formally deciding to form "Lutheran Home for the Aged," a not-for-profit organization. This was after the possibility of having a nursing home for the elderly in the community was addressed by an executive committee in 1965. Twenty-one Lutheran congregations conducted surveys to determine the needs of the aged. The charter was granted, and in 1968 the present 36-acre tract on Bloomfield Road was purchased at the estimated cost of $6,000.

Nothing happens without proficient leaders, and the founders were key individuals in the early days of the Lutheran Home. The first administrator was Michael Fleming, and the pastoral adviser was the Rev. Oscar A. Gerken.

Selecting a board of directors was next on the list. The original people occupying those positions were: Norman Weiss, president, Norman Sander, vice president, Ed Yamnitz, secretary, Ed Mirley, treasurer, Cornelius Boettcher, Erwin Kassel, Walter Kelpe, Gilbert Steiner and Walter Moeller.

The Lutheran Home, now at 2825 Bloomfield Road, opened its doors with a 60-bed nursing facility Jan. 24, 1972.

On May 4, 1975, 60 additional beds were dedicated. The facility has consistently grown to include 274 skilled nursing beds, 105 residential care beds, an Alzheimer's unit, Assisted Living Care Facility and Saxony Manor Apartments. Saxony Manor originally started with only 24 apartments, but it has steadily expanded to house not only more apartments but two dining rooms, a library and a complete exercise room with swimming pool. The Lutheran Home Complex also boasts of 50 duplexes that have been constructed since 1994. Living up to its image of keeping up with the times in health care; home health services were added in 1996. A hospice agency began providing care in 2004.

The Lutheran Home, especially designed for senior adults, is truly a one-stop care and living facility. Residents have the opportunity to utilize the services of its in-home barbershop, beauty shop, chapel area and others.

This long-term care facility has been the recipient of many awards such as the SNE Best Practices Honorable Mention for the "10 Minute Club" won in 2004. The Lutheran Home was also recognized with the Missouri Association Of Homes for the Aging Excellence in Service and The Lutheran Home -- Summer Junior Volunteer Program in 2001, to mention a few of its distinctions.