BUILDINGS THROUGH THE DECADES, Part 2

All the buildings constructed through the 1950s were intended at the time for residents who were relatively independent and mobile. But as residents aged, the need for a higher level of care became apparent. So, a nursing facility was added in 1965, consisting of 19 beds to fit into the space available on the southeast corner of the campus, near the kitchen. Personal Service was offered in a section of the residential rooms beginning in 1984, for residents who needed more help but not nursing care.

However, it became increasingly apparent that a 19-bed capacity was not enough to cover all the residents who needed nursing care. After many years of negotiating, Solheim was finally able in 1976 to purchase the property to the westof the Chambers house. It was an area large enough to construct a 76-bed Skilled Nursing Facility that was completed in 1989. The kitchen was also expanded at this time to accommodate the increase in capacity.

Sources:

“Solheim Lutheran Home, Its Life and Times, 1923-1996” by Elizabeth Batchelder and Joyce Dohlin, 1996

Photo: Map