LUTHERAN HOME PLANS TO ADD 26-BED RESIDENTIAL CARE UNIT TO CAPE FACILITY

The Lutheran Home, a nursing home that provides long-term health care needs ranging from assisted living to skilled care, is expanding.

The Lutheran Home, situated on a 38-acre tract at 2825 Bloomfield Road, is one of the largest nursing homes in Southeast Missouri, with 238 beds. The expansion will increase the number of beds by 26, to 264.

Janice Unger, home administrator, and William Winkler, president of its board of directors, announced the expansion project last week.

"We're adding a 26-bed residential-care unit," said Unger. "Hopefully we'll be in the new addition by late fall."

Landgraf Construction Co. is the contractor for construction of the unit, which will adjoin the present building. KRJ Inc. of St. Louis is the architect.

"The new addition will provide stress-free living," said Unger. "Residents can enjoy living in a bright, cheerful atmosphere, with 24-hour supervision."

Unger said new unit would have its own dining and recreation areas.

"The unit is designed for the elderly who cannot live alone but do not need the services of a skilled nursing home," said Unger. "Our service will include special dietary needs, complete housekeeping, entertainment and activities, and laundry."

Unger said residents also will have the services of physical therapists, occupational and speech therapists, and nursing care.

"With the addition of this unit, the Lutheran Home will be a complete retirement center," said Unger. "It will provide adult day care, residential care and skilled care."

The facility is licensed by the Missouri Division of Aging and is Medicare and Medicaid approved.

The facility is close to Doctors' Park, Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center.

The Lutheran Home opened in 1972 as a 60-bed unit, following five years of planning by a number of area Lutheran churches.

The first addition to the facility came in the mid-1970s, when 60 beds were added; a 1987 expansion added 60 beds and a 58-bed expansion in 1987 brought the total number of beds to 238.