Transformation of the facility from institutional to residential resulted in positive patient and family satisfaction surveys and increased occupancy rates.

Originally designed by SSOE in 1997, Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offering independent living apartments, private assisted living suites, and skilled extended nursing care. To reflect the culture change in senior living, SSOE also renovated the nursing home located on campus at a later date.

Focused on empowering seniors to make choices and express their preferences, resident-centered care is the new philosophy behind providing skilled nursing in a home-like environment. Even the previous clinical-style nurse station was replaced with a resident and family lounge area. SSOE’s updated design for Wolf Creek incorporates a great room, a buffet-style dining room, smaller dining rooms accommodating groups of six to eight for more private entertaining, and a family kitchenette. The “lodge” concept features a fireplace and stone materials creating a warm environment, ideal for resident and family socializing.

Accompanying these facility transformations are changes in the staff care practices. Caregivers now provide more than just personalized care; they serve as extended family members, helping residents plan meals, organize events, and make choices about their activities and diet. These upgrades have increased both resident and employee satisfaction, as well as the facility census. This renovation creates an environment which promotes comfort, autonomy, and relaxed socialization for residents.