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Oak Hills is a ‘gem’ for New Ulm community

To the editor:

This letter is way overdue, but we would like to tell you about a “gem” in our community that many people take for granted, until you need it. We are speaking about Oak Hills Assisted Living and Nursing Home.

Where does one begin? For almost two years, our parents, Stan and Onie Dittrich, have been in residence. They were planning to be in assisted living together, but it was not to be. Our mom had medical issues, and was sent to Abbot Northwestern. We registered on a Wednesday afternoon, and Wednesday night, our mom was taken to Abbot, but we went to the top of the list for the nursing/rehab facilities, again keeping both parents together in the same location.

It has been almost two years, and my dad is still in assisted living, but mom has the pleasure of living in one end, and spending the time during the day with our dad. The staff is phenomenal. Every question and concern is addressed promptly and professionally.

Oak Hills also offers in house therapy, which many places do not, which for us was another lucky break. The volunteers are also very sweet and so committed. The activities are plentiful and varied, and always! From Bingo, to live music, to looking at Christmas lights, to painting birdhouses. (Many residents have bird houses and feeders within 1 foot of their windows!)

There is “News of the day,” exercise, crosswords, and now also, Friday “Happy hours” where the residents have sing-alongs, as well as being accompanied by staff who play guitar or piano. Last winter, we had the Twins Caravan!

Care conferences are held regularly, with nursing, food service, therapy, social worker, and housekeeping also there to answer all concerns. They know all the residents, their personalities, as well as likes and dislikes. Many hugs and smiles go on all day! Every meal consists of two entree choices, as well as salads, veggies, and dessert. Ladies can get a manicure once a week. The hair salon is staffed by two angels!

Office staff will always make time to answer a financial concern. The nurse practitioner makes rounds once a week. There are little “libraries” with books to read, magazines to browse, and a greeting card box to use for free, as well as puzzles, and crossword books. Rides to and from the clinic are provided, as well as to other appointments.

But the best reason for choosing Oak Hills is the staff. Their doors are always open. We give them a 100 on a scale of 1 to 10! They treat our parents with dignity and respect, and lots of TLC!

My siblings and I have a family night with our parents every Thursday, and the staff just smiles because that’s what it’s all about. They are now our extended family.

Thank you is so very inadequate. We would recommend this facility to anyone, and are so blessed to have both parents in the same place, and right in their hometown. This doesn’t happen everywhere, and doesn’t get any better than this. God Bless you all.

The profoundly grateful children of Stan and Onie.

Nancy Ginkel

“Smokey” Dittrich

Bill Dittrich

“Kirky” Dittrich

Mary Henle

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