By Jolene Farley
The Tuff Village Assisted Living facilities' original eight one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units are on course for Aug. 1 completion, according to Bonnie Hengeveld, Tuff Home assistant administrator and manager of Tuff Village.
General contractor Design Craft, Luverne, extended a July 1 expected completion date to Aug. 1 because of recent heavy rain.
Aside from this recent setback, the project had been on schedule. "It has gone really well," Hengeveld said. "Design Craft has been very good to work with."
She said interest in the project exceeded everyone's expectations. Consequently, the Tuff Memorial Board voted last week to finish seven more units in space in the lower level, bringing the total to 19 units.
The additional units will not be completed until after the original apartments are done. There are currently 39 people on the waiting list for the facility.
Tuff Village will carry an Assisted Living Home Care Providers License. Licensure requires registered nurse program supervision, 24-hour supervision of residents, three meals a day plus snacks, socialization programs and transportation.
Services not required for a license but still offered are: weekly housekeeping, on-site mail delivery, weekly linen service, beauty salon/barber shop and secured entrances. Residents also can utilize the exercise area, large commons area and rent one of six garages.
Tuff Village has set the rate for a one-bedroom unit at $1,375 per month and the rate for a two-bedroom unit at $1,575 per month with an extra $50 for a garage. A $400 fee is charged for an additional occupant.
Rental fees include utilities, cable TV and computer access and maintenance of apartments.
A stay in the Tuff nursing home in a single room with a minimum amount of care is $75.92 per day.
"We would really like people to know if they do not have their own personal resources, Tuff Village is available to everyone regardless of ability to pay," said Hengeveld.
The administration is currently developing a contract with Rock County Family Services to help potential residents with funding their stay at Tuff Village.
Rock County Family Services has "allotted a certain amount of money to help people with housing needs," according to Hengeveld.
Lola Jensen will be one of two Tuff Home residents who will move into Tuff Village when it officially opens. She moved into the Tuff Home in December because her son, Bob Jensen, worried about her living alone, according to Lola.
Jensen is happy to move into Tuff Village. She stresses everyone was wonderful to her at Tuff Memorial Home, but she said, "I like the idea I can do what I want to. It will be nice to have people for coffee or ice cream. There won't be anything for Bob to worry about."
Tuff Village is an attractive option for those who no longer wish to or are unable to maintain their own homes, those who are beginning to need supportive services and for those who desire companionship and fellowship for meals and daily activities.