"We want residents and families to feel like they are part of our extended family."

Heritage Manor - Beardstown South opened in 1997 in an adjoining building to the former "Old Beardstown Hospital." Prior to that, we were known as Heritage Manor West and located on Grand Avenue. In 1999, we opened a Supportive Living Facility (SLF) called Evergreen Place with 26 apartments. A SLF is an alternative to a nursing home for low-income seniors under Medicaid. It combines apartment-style housing with personal care and other services.

"Our facility is so wonderfully family-oriented," says Administrator Kelly Hungerford. "When you walk in the door, you immediately see staff taking a personal interest in the residents and their families. You see a lot of communication and activity. We believe in residents' choices. We strongly encourage residents to bring items from home to personalize their rooms and make them feel more comfortable. We want residents and families to feel like they are part of our extended family."

At Heritage Manor South, we try to do things a little differently to make it seem more like home. We have buffet dining, gardening, and enjoy many activities. We hold many community events at Evergreen Place and make donations to area senior centers. We believe that communication is one of the keys to our success. Thus, we have a resident council and an "open door" policy. We also have a special room set up with items like bedspreads, radios, and plants for short-term Medicare residents whose goal is to discharge and go back home.

We take a lot of pride in our facility. It's evident the moment you step inside the door. Nursing home care doesn't have to feel "institutional;" it should feel more like home.