Whereas Marriott knows hotels, Ecumen knows senior living. That’s in great evidence by the turnaround that’s occurred at Lakeview Commons, an Ecumen assisted living residence in Maplewood. Ecumen took over the residence from Marriott less than two years ago and implemented a number of positive changes, including a new name.

The community is noticing. Readers of the Lillie Newspaper in the communities of Maplewood, White Bear Lake and North St. Paul have voted Lakeview Commons as the community’s "Best Assisted Living Residence." Voting was done by write-in ballot, so readers of the surrounding communities obviously had Lakeview on their mind, which speaks highly of the residence and its team members.

Back row, left to right: Keith Heinen, Jen Rasmussen,

Brenda Gammelgaard, Glen Glancy Front row, left to right:

Dan (Lillie Newspaper), Wendy Traffie, Mary Harter, Melodye

Stavig, Sue Wilson, Tracy Meyers, Denise Reinartz

Occupancy has risen from 40% to 80%. Previously Lakeview Commons had "zero" referral sources, now it has an extensive network. It has built partnerships with churches, hospitals and others. People within the community now seek out Lakeview Commons to find out how they can volunteer. Volunteerism has also skyrocketed among Lakeview Commons team members and their families. Lakeview Commons used to tap into nursing pools five times per week. Now it rarely uses them.

In October Lakeview Commons will add memory care to its scope of services. The service will include 14 apartments with round the clock care. This is in addition to the "care suites" that Lakeview Commons developed. The care suite model allows people to remain at Lakeview Commons when they require more complex and intensive care that previously meant moving into a nursing home.

Congratulations to Wendy Traffie, director of resident services at Lakeview Commons, and her wonderful team.