Frequently Asked Questions.

Levels of Care

What are the levels of care that are provided at Ecumen Sand Prairie?

Ecumen Sand Prairie provides Assisted Living services.

Who determines the proper transition plan should a resident need to move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Because of our unique community that embraces the components of the award- winning Ecumen Awakenings program, we are able to provide specialized care and services to those with memory loss in our Assisted Living. We also offer Memory Care at our sister community in St. Peter, Ecumen Prairie Hill. Our goal is to bring the needed services directly to their apartment no matter where in the community they live. In the event that a transition to our Memory Care neighborhood is needed, our nursing team and leadership staff will work directly with families to assist in the transition.

Assisted Living Sales Process

If I am interested in living in your community, where should I begin?

Give us a call at 507-484-2203 to talk with our Marketing Manager about the community and to see whether we would be a good fit for your needs. You can also go to our website at www.ecumenstpeter.org to schedule a tour or request information.

Who can help me through this process?

The Marketing Manager is best suited to answer your questions about a possible move, availability of apartments, and how the entire move process works. There are, however, many other staff members who are happy to answer your questions and provide a tour if needed. Feel free to call our main number at 507-934-2200 and they will direct your call.

Once I select an apartment at Ecumen Sand Prairie, what is the next step?

Once an apartment is selected, the Marketing Manager will walk you through the necessary paperwork and set up the time for the nursing assessment. Once the necessary paperwork is completed, the move can occur.

How quickly am I able to move into my new apartment within your community?

Ecumen Sand Prairie prides itself in being able to meet the needs of those families requiring a quick move due to a health crisis or emergency situation. We work directly with families to complete the necessary paperwork and complete the nurse assessment as soon as possible. Our team of staff understands the stress a health crisis can bring, and works quickly to accommodate these requests. Our community offers month-to-month leases.

What if I am unable or not ready to move in immediately?

If you are unable to move into an available apartment immediately, Ecumen Sand Prairie provides the opportunity to “hold” an apartment for a short time or also to place a name on the wait list to receive updates on apartment availability in the future.

Financial Planning

Can I or a loved one afford living at Ecumen Sand Prairie?

Call the Marketing Manager at 507-484-2203 to better understand the costs of living at Ecumen Sand Prairie.

Food and Dining

How many meals are included in the rental prices?

All residents living at Ecumen Sand Prairie receive hot breakfast, lunch, and supper included in the monthly rate, with the option to purchase additional meals.

Are their meal options to choose from, or is everyone given the same thing to eat?

For breakfast we feature a special entree, but also offer eggs cooked to order, bacon, and a variety of breads toasted, hot/cold cereal, fruit, yogurt and assorted juices/beverages. At both lunch and dinner we feature fresh fruit or a salad and a Chef’s Choice entrée and a delicious dessert. If someone does not like the featured entree(s), there is a large choice of assorted sandwiches, salads, and sides to choose from.

Do you offer accommodations for special diets?

Ecumen Sand Prairie works hard to meet the special dietary needs of residents. Although we do not have special diets, we often can offer choices for those with special dietary needs. Call the Marketing Manager for more details at 507-484-2203.

Lifestyle & Activities

What is there to do once I make the move to Ecumen Sand Prairie? Will I remain active?

Ecumen Sand Prairie has an extensive program of activities to meet the social, spiritual, physical, educational, and creative needs of residents. A copy of our Activity Calendar is available on our website for you to review. See all that we have to offer! We also have a community bus and offer scheduled outings each month.

How do residents at Ecumen Sand Prairie find out information on activities, programming, and upcoming events?

At the first of every month, residents receive a copy of the Activity Calendar and scheduled outing/trips for the month. Also, our Life Enrichment Coordinator and Resident Assistant staff direct and guide residents to programs that they know the resident would enjoy. We offer creative arts like painting classes, trips to the theater, speakers, live music, lunch outings and more.

Are there religious activities I can choose to participate in?

Ecumen Sand Prairie has a Life Enrichment Coordinator to coordinate spiritual care programs and church services. We also offer a variety of spiritual programs including Bible study and singing hymns.

Does Ecumen Sand Prairie offer any type of exercise or wellness classes?

Ecumen Sand Prairie has a very close relationship with a nationally known fitness program called Live 2B Healthy. They provide a specially trained fitness instruction to lead classes 3 times per week that are geared to improve balance, strength, and flexibility of older adults. Our staff also lead exercise classes on other days of the week

Does Ecumen Sand Prairie have any other specific indoor recreation rooms?

Ecumen Sand Prairie has a large community room where we schedule our large group activities, parties, and other types of events. Our community room is also available for families, at no charge, when planning special events such as birthday parties, etc.

Do you have any location on campus for outdoor recreation?

Ecumen Sand Prairie is surrounded by walking paths and there are parks all around. Our community offers sidewalk trails, great for walking around the building on those nice Minnesota days. We also have outdoor patios for families to gather and enjoy the fresh air.

Does Ecumen Sand Prairie have a library?

Ecumen Sand Prairie has a library on the second floor where residents can view and check out books. We also have library books supplied by the St. Peter Library available for check out.

Available Health Services

Who is primarily responsible for health care and medical services at Ecumen Sand Prairie?

Our Clinical Director and nursing staff all work together to provide the very best care possible. We work directly with families, health care professionals, therapists, and others to create a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of our residents.

If I decide to move to Ecumen Sand Prairie, how do I decide what health care services are needed?

Once a decision is made to move to Ecumen Sand Prairie, our nurse will meet with all new prospects and their family members to decide together what health care services are needed. If a client is currently in a hospital or rehab setting, our nursing staff will work closely with that care team to develop a plan of care that will provide a smooth and safe transition to the Assisted Living setting.

How does “health care” work in Assisted Living?

Ecumen Sand Prairie provides a large menu of a la carte health services to choose from. With our flexible services, families are also welcome to be as active in the care of their loved one as they wish. The goal of our health services program is to be there when you need us.

How does my primary care physician fit into my health care program Ecumen Sand Prairie?

When providing health services at Ecumen Sand Prairie, we work closely with physicians, therapists, hospice, and other care professionals to provide the best continuity of care. Our team approach to care relies on open communication to bring all disciplines together to develop the best possible outcomes for the health and well-being of our residents.

Do you have any doctors that come to Ecumen Sand Prairie?

Ecumen Sand Prairie has a partnership with Bluestone Vista On-Site Primary Care provided by Mankato Clinic to provide in-house Nurse Practitioner and Physician services for those who would like to switch their primary care to HealthPartners rather than having to go out of the community for those appointments. Health insurance would cover these visits the same as if going to an outside clinic.

For more information about our community and if it would be the right fit for you or your loved one, please call us at 507-934-2200 or click here to contact us online.

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