Ebenezer Cornerstones at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

The Ebenezer Difference

Serving seniors. It’s who we are and what we do. For more than 100 years, Ebenezer led the way in developing programs designed to support seniors in living their best lives. Over the years, these programs have become part of who we are and remain the cornerstones of our quality lifestyle promise. While There are many components to high quality programming and each deserving of more attention. Those we share here are the Lifelong Learning, Dimensions® Program for Dementia Care, Crafted Culinary, Faith Foundations, Person-Centered Care and Intergenerational Connections.

Select a cornerstone below to read more.

 

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning is the process of keeping your mind, body and spirit engaged — at any age — by actively pursuing knowledge and experience. Designed to help our residents learn and grow, Ebenezer’s Lifelong Learning is a collection of coordinated arts and education programs that include: 

  • Creative engagement: opportunity to imagine and to grow
  • Individual expression: sharing ideas in a safe and supportive environment
  • Community: working together to learn and to create
  • Legacy: sharing and passing on the work created

Research has shown that with opportunities for self-expression and discovery, seniors experience vibrant living, artistic growth as well as improved mental and physical health. Lifelong Learning helps individuals stay connected to their world — both locally and beyond and it is an essential part of the Ebenezer experience.

Residents planting flowers outside at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Resident talking with a caretaker at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

 

Dimensions® a Dramatic Difference in Memory Care

Ebenezer’s exclusive Dimensions® program stresses the importance of understanding the needs of a person with dementia, and trains caregivers to respond to them with compassion and creativity. This program is designed to ensure that our memory care residents receive exceptional, compassionate care that meets them where they are. Using evidence-based practices including:

  • Wellness: person-centered, relationship-based care with an emphasis on hydration and nutrition for all dementia patients to ensure their comfort and well being
  • Training: delivering innovative, ongoing  hands-on education to our staff
  • Engagement: Fostering purposeful, pleasurable, creative interactions/activities
  • Environment: Creating calm, seeking psychosocial solutions/support
  • Education and Support: Providing education and support to families and care partners

Our Dimensions® Coordinator oversees the multi-faceted program. Our goal is to make a dramatic difference in the life of your loved one.

 

Crafted Culinary

At the heart of our resident programming is our signature culinary service. We realize that meal time is the highlight of many of our resident’s day and we do our best to ensure that we meet their highest expectations. Ebenezer residents enjoy restaurant-style cuisine with a variety of choices—including traditional favorites as well as seasonal specialties. Under the direction of our culinary director, talented chefs create delicious and nutritious meals crafted from fresh (and when possible) locally-sourced ingredients, and high-quality meats and seafood. For those residents with specific dietary needs, our team can offer specialized meals which ensure individualized nutrition needs are met. Additionally, Ebenezer employs a corporate pastry chef to train our chefs and make sure our desserts and treats are something special.

 

Faith Foundations

Ebenezer began as a faith-based community of Norwegian immigrants back in 1917. We are proud of that heritage. The founders looked to their Lutheran faith to advocate for the poor, the newly arrived immigrants and especially for the forgotten seniors in their midst. They did so because their faith taught that all people, without exception, were created in the image of God.

We continue to intentionally ground ourselves in a faith-based mission. Even though the immigrants are no longer coming from Norway our mission remains rooted in the concern for the poor, care for the needy and a passion to support seniors in our midst. Our mission is shaped and nurtured by staff and residents from an ever-growing community of faiths. When we gather for a community Iftar, learn about Passover with one another, or welcome new residents with a smudging ceremony our community is blessed. The commonality of mission across faith traditions forms a firm foundation for our present and future work together.

Much of the faith-based programming currently offered at Ebenezer is ecumenically diverse and in response to the overwhelming percentage of residents who identify as part of the Christian tradition. We are blessed to continue to welcome residents and staff from a multitude of religious traditions. This diversity enhances our care for all people as well as providing new opportunities for both learning and sharing about faith traditions.

Holding hands at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Resident working with a physical trainer at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

 

Person-Centered Care

Person-centered care is at the heart of our wellness program—starting with the coordination of personalized care throughout the continuum of integrated services. As a leader in the industry, Ebenezer’s reputation for top-notch care is due in part to the detailed processes and customized plans that we create for our residents. Each resident who moves into our housing with services receives a personalized plan of care that lists in detail what cares and support they need along with the time and frequencies of those needs. We also incorporate considerations of special preferences that person may have. As part of our dedication to keeping residents healthy, Ebenezer offers evidence-based exercise classes at most of our sites. 

 

Intergenerational Connections

As one of the most joyful and popular programs we offer, Ebenezer Intergenerational programs create opportunities for older adults to connect with children creating an unmistakable bond that transcends generations. Through intergenerational connections, people of all ages share their talents and resources, supporting each other in relationships that benefit both the individuals and the community. This program is designed to give seniors and children a sense of purpose, an opportunity to grow and learn, and build meaningful relationships between two generations. Our program directly meets our seniors’ needs to nurture, teach, and leave a legacy while sharing in unique experiences with the children. This program also helps children and youth foster patience, skill development while they learn and shared life experience.

Grandmother and grandchild looking at flowers together at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Resident and caregiver playing chess at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Women dining together at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Resident and friend looking at a cell phone at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Mother and daughter smiling with each other at The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Affordable Senior Housing
with Quality Care