Comfort, Convenience, and Camaraderie: The Henrickson’s Life at Grand Arbor

'I felt that someday we would be here'

Four years ago, Stuart and his wife, Evelyn, moved to an independent living apartment at Grand Arbor. “We did not want to have to make a housing decision at a time of crisis,” he said. Moving was also a chance to downsize and de-clutter.

With their move, his experience came full circle. When Grand Arbor was just an idea, he was on the Knute Nelson Corporation Board.

“Initially, I was the one who felt we should do this,” said Evelyn. “Fortunately, Stuart went along with me.”

A comfortable way of life

“There are a lot of things we don’t have to do anymore,” said Stuart. “We don't have to mow the grass. We don't have to shovel snow. And if you don't want to cook, you can just walk downstairs and eat.” (Grand Arbor has a bistro and full-service restaurant -open to the public.)

The Nelson Wellness Center is a big plus. “Being a type one diabetic, exercise is very important to control my blood sugar,” said Stuart. Evelyn loves spending time in the warm-water pool. The Wellness Center is right in the building, so residents don’t have to go anywhere to take classes, work out in the gym, or swim.

Make new friends and keep the old

Living at Grand Arbor gives Stuart and Evelyn the best of two worlds. They’ve kept old friends and have made new ones.

“We still have an old circle of friends that we do things with,” said Stuart.

At Grand Arbor, “We've never felt like strangers. It’s very friendly. There's a camaraderie among the residents,” said Evelyn. “It’s a nice place to be.”

Staff make the difference

Stuart and Evelyn are grateful for the gracious, helpful staff. “They're concerned about our needs,” said Stuart.

“They’re very friendly,” said Evelyn. “They never make you feel like you've interrupted them. And you know you always get an answer. If they can't answer it right then, they'll find out and get back to you. ”

“There’s always something to do”

Stuart and Evelyn appreciate the many social and activity opportunities throughout the week. “You can get into a card game, play in the pool, or go to a movie every day. There's always something to do,” Stuart said.

“If you want to socialize, you can do that. If you don’t, you can stay in your apartment. If you want to go on vacation, you just lock the door, and you go.”

How Stuart Serves Knute Nelson

Stuart admits to his bias about Knute Nelson’s impact (he currently serves on the Foundation board). “Knute Nelson has kept pace with the changing needs of the senior population. They’re an asset for the community,” he said.

Back when Stuart joined the Corporation Board, Knute Nelson was just a Care Center. Since then, it’s grown to offer independent and assisted living and memory care, and many in-patient, out-patient, and home-based services.

Looking toward the future

The care continuum was a significant factor in their decision to move to Grand Arbor. “You can transition to the next level of care if you need to,” said Evelyn. “We know that if things progress health-wise, we will have help. It would be an easy transition.”

Living in their independent-living apartment is “just simpler, more comfortable,” Stuart said. “You get help if you need it. It's not a high-stress lifestyle, and that's good. We would certainly recommend it.”

“We really enjoy it here,” said Evelyn. “It was the right decision for us,” said Evelyn.

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