Spotlight: Chapel View Apartments/Chapel View Care Center
by Nora m. Davis (HBCA) 
—January 2012
Director of Housing Kim Pederson with Jill Eaton, Director of Admissions, in the Care Center's Gift Shop
It was a welcoming environment that greeted me at Chapel View Apartments that blustery winter afternoon. In the lobby two residents were working on a puzzle, another was checking her mail, while two others visited. Birds were chirping in the aviary and in the dining area a lively game of bingo. I sat down with Kim Pederson, Director of Housing and Jill Eaton, Director of Admissions for the Care Center, to learn more.
Chapel View, like many other organizations in Hopkins, has an interesting history. The local faith community had expressed concern about the growing need for elder citizen care. Spearheaded by local resident Ken Glaser, three congregations—Gethsemane Lutheran, Mizpah and First United Methodist Church—joined forces and in October 1970, on a piece of land situated between Gethsemane and Mizpah (hence the name “Chapel View”), ground was broken for a 128-bed facility. In 1985, 56 market rate apartments were added and in 1990, Chapel View Hopkins become part of the Augustana Care Corporation.
I asked Kim about the apartments and learned they were built as independent living units – but today most residents require some assistance. Residents can pay ala carte for what they need – housekeeping, home care or laundry services. And although all apartments feature a full kitchen, many residents are on a meal plan and enjoy their meals with other residents in the dining room. Additional services include trips to the grocery store and social activities including Music in the Park during the summer months. The apartments have a “neighborhood family feel," as most residents are from the Hopkins area.
From the apartments we headed to the Care Center. As we walked through the halls, I watched as staff interacted with residents in the same caring manner I saw at the apartments. And it was a busy time – as it was treat time! We checked out the Coffee Shop where volunteers had laid out an enticing assortment of pastries and were even dishing up ice cream cones! As we continued our tour, I noted the flat screens mounted on the walls. Jill explained that all charting is computerized with staff using the touch screens to enter information. They also use a computerized medication system to track resident medications and help prevent errors. In 2000 an addition was built, adding rehabilitation space and a new chapel. The Rehabilitation Unit is a busy one, with an average of 40–45 patients coming and going each month.
And what makes Chapel View special? “Our employees and volunteers,” according to both Kim and Jill. Many of their employees are long term and consider Chapel View residents part of their family. And their volunteers? Over a hundred strong, they do a bit of everything from one-on-one with residents to working in the office, operating the Gift/Coffee Shop, and facilitating those lively bingo games.
Chapel View has always been involved in the Hopkins community and is a proud supporter of many events. They also serve as “home base” for the Hopkins Business & Civic Association, providing meeting space on a regular basis.
If you have a loved one who will be in need of senior housing or care services, contact Jill for Chapel View Care Center 952-697-3838 or Kim for Senior Housing at 952-697-3877.
They’ll be happy to provide a tour.
