By Lori EhdeLuverne’s assisted living apartments are taking shape as weather cooperates with construction schedules.Poplar Creek Estates are built adjacent to the existing Oaks congregate care apartments across from the Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home on the southwest side of Luverne."It’s just so thrilling," said MJB Community Relations Director Nancy Kaczrowski. "There’s such a need, and so many are interested. It’s just awesome to be able to keep people in the community."Since plans for the $3.2 million project first started nearly five years ago, Good Samaritan Communities has been keeping a list of interested families.So far, that list includes 50 interested tenants for a complex that will offer 24 apartments — 20 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units.In the continuum of long-term care, Poplar Creek Estates will provide an arrangement that’s between The Oaks and the nursing home in terms of health and home services.For example, assisted living residents of Poplar Creek will have three meals a day, light housekeeping and laundry services provided, as well as a registered nurse to assist with medication and other light medical needs.The apartments are all on one level for handicap accessibility, with spacious bathrooms and living areas. Kitchen space, however, amounts to a microwave and dorm fridge, because residents meet in a common dining area for meals.Poplar Creek Estates are connected to The Oaks through a walkway attached to the Oaks north-side patio.The two buildings will not be joined as one, but tenants will be able to share spaces like the exercise and therapy room.To live in Poplar Creek Estates, residents must be independent enough to navigate in and out of the facility on their own — a requirement in case of fire emergencies.The typical Poplar Creek resident will rely on Rock County’s Heartland Express busing system or other transportation, so no garages are included in the plan.The building will be staffed with trained home-health aides 24 hours a day, and a registered nurse will be on site 10 to 20 hours a week and on call 24 hours a day.Rental costs, based on an average service package, are estimated to range from $1,800 to $2,200 per month. The more health and housekeeping services a resident needs, the higher the rent he or she will pay.Good Samaritan Communities of Luverne is working with Rock County Family Services to utilize alternative care grants and elderly waivers in order to make the units more affordable to a wider range of people.The name, "Poplar Creek Estates," came from the little creek that runs through the southwest part of town.Apartments will be ready for occupancy late next spring, depending on construction progress. Design Craft is the contractor for the project.Although initial fund-raising goals for the project have been met, Kaczrowski said donations are still being accepted. "People are so generous in this community," she said.Families who expressed interest in occupying Poplar Creek apartments will receive information in the mail in January.Anyone else interested in being placed on the list can call Rhona Snyder at 283-1996 or Kaczrowski at 283-2375.
