Aase Haugen Hosts Second Sneak Peek of New Facility

Your support keeps truth alive in Decorah—donate to local news today! DECORAH — Aase Haugen Senior Services offered another glimpse into its future Friday, Aug. 22, as it welcomed the public for a behind-the-scenes tour of its highly anticipated new facility under construction. The 50-person tour group was the first to walk through the newly built front entrance of the state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot building that will replace the aging campus on Ohio Street. The facility, which remains on schedule for completion in November, will bring together all of Aase Haugen's programs, including Vennehjem and Nabotunet, into a single neighborhood setting. Once completed, it will offer streamlined services for seniors across the full spectrum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing. "We were able to complete all of the Nabotunet units last year, two and a half years ahead of schedule," said Sam Boeke, executive director of Aase Haugen Senior Services. "That did push us a bit, but we didn't want to put our tenants through three more years of construction." Boeke said the new facility is designed to operate at full capacity from day one, an increasingly rare model as many senior care homes across the country are being forced to shut their doors. "We're building the premier facility in Northeast Iowa," he said. "And for those already in the Aase system, we're making sure they always have a place to go." The tour was guided by members of Aase Haugen's leadership team, including Boeke; Patty Casterton, vice president of business development; Joel Farley, campus development director; and nursing co-directors Alicia Fink and Brooklyn Larson. Casterton emphasized the growing need for senior care in Winneshiek County, where nearly one in four residents is age 65 or older. "Vennehjem is full with a dozen on the waiting list. Nabotunet is full with five more waiting. Our assisted living program has 15 tenants and a capacity of 20," Casterton said. "The new facility will only have 12 assisted living units initially, but some of those 15 tenants will be moving closer to their families or to a different level of care during the transition, so everyone currently in the Aase system will have a place in the new facility. It's a popular place to retire and a much-needed service." To meet that demand, Aase Haugen has launched a $3 million capital campaign titled "A New Place to Call Home." With $1 million already raised through community contributions, the organization is seeking additional support to close the gap and expand. "The capital campaign has currently fallen flat," Boeke said. "We're asking our community directly: If you want more, we need help. Another $2 million would help us meet our current budget goals. An additional $2 million would allow us to add 24 more assisted living units within the next year." Boeke called the new facility a generational investment in community care. "My goal isn't just to finish this project," he said. "My goal is to create something that can carry the mission of Aase Haugen through future generations." The organization has long held a reputation for compassionate care and local leadership. Boeke credited the board for staying true to that mission. "The Aase board is one of the best I've ever worked with," he said. "They've always focused on doing for people what they can't do for themselves." As construction nears its final phases, the Aase team remains hopeful the community will rally once again to help bring the full vision to life. Contributions can be made online at aasehaugen.com or by contacting the office directly at 563-382-3603. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.