Detroit Lakes Pages

The Madison — Independent Living

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Ecumen Detroit Lakes - News & Events

NEWS & EVENTS

YOU’RE INVITED TO CONNECT WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

Watch for upcoming occasions to gather with Ecumen Detroit Lakes residents, friends and families across our always-active campus. Guests are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you.

ACTIVITY CALENDARS

The Cottages — Memory Care

Rehabilitation Therapy Center — Short-Term Transitional Care

Emmanuel — Long-Term Care

UPCOMING EVENTS

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CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Stay in the know with the latest from Ecumen Detroit Lakes, including announcements, gatherings and celebrations for residents and team members across our campus.

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News from Ecumen

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Ecumen Detroit Lakes - Discover Detroit Lakes

DISCOVER DETROIT LAKES, MN

LIKE NOTHING ELSE FOR MILES

Although named after its natural resources, Detroit Lakes and its surrounding area are defined by the people and abundant outdoor activities enjoyed by the local community and seasonal visitors. Best of all, from the quiet neighborhood and tree-lined campus of Ecumen Detroit Lakes, you’re only minutes from everything “DL” and the surrounding area have to offer.

SOMETHING FUN FOR EVERYONE IN GREATER DETROIT LAKES

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Connect with the artistry of local and touring performers during 12 months of fun-filled events that bring family, friends and neighbors together.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Taking in a game of your favorite sport or joining a league is a win-win when a variety of options are available year-round.

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FOOD & DRINK

Treat yourself to an expanding menu of eateries, breweries, orchards, and coffee shops. See what’s new and where to find local favorites.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Miles of trails, beaches of family fun, schools of lake fish, and 275 species of birds await your personal pace. Any time of year is the right time for a day trip with family or friends.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Celebrate and explore the performing arts, history, culture, tradition, the work of local artisans and Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, whose large-scale troll sculptures attract visitors from around the world.

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FLEA MARKET

Discover treasures you never knew you wanted and fun you’ve come to expect from the Shady Hollow Flea Market, the summer-long shopping, eating and perusing extravaganza on 3.5 acres next to Detroit Lake.

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Aerial view of a school campus near a large lake with a running track and sports fields.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes - Photo Gallery

PHOTO GALLERY

SEEING IS BELIEVING IN A NEW HOME

A personal tour of our community is the best way to see if it’s right for you or a loved one. In the meantime, enjoy learning more about us through the eye of a camera. And of course, we look forward to seeing you when you’re ready.

COMMUNITY GALLERY

WHO ARE THE OWNER AND OPERATOR OF THE ECUMEN DETROIT LAKES COMMUNITY?

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Ecumen Detroit Lakes - FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

YOU BRING CURIOSITY, WE BRING UNDERSTANDING

Make the transition from a family home easier by knowing more about the variety of senior housing and services available on our campus. Better understanding can turn the uncertainty of moving into confidence for beginning the next chapter of life.

GENERAL TOPICS

Ecumen is a Shoreview-based company that owns and operates a broad spectrum of senior housing communities across Minnesota, with a spirit of all-encompassing care, empowering individuals to live richer, fuller lives.

DO YOU OFFER ACCOMODATIONS FOR SPECIAL DIETS?

We work hard to meet the special dietary needs of residents and can accommodate most requests.

WHAT IS MEANT BY CONTINUUM OF CARE?

Ecumen Detroit Lakes offers living spaces and care services across the full spectrum of options needed by the individuals and families we serve. From out-patient therapy services to short-term in-patient rehabilitative services. And from independent living to honoring those with dementia and providing care for loved ones who require care and assistance 24/7. With access to our continuum of care, you or a loved one can continue life’s journey right here on our campus.

WHAT IS THE POLICY ON SMOKING?

Ecumen Detroit Lakes is a smoke-free community.

ARE PETS ALLOWED?

Yes, pets that meet criteria are allowed in The Madison independent living community. Everywhere else on campus, pet visits are allowed to apartments and designated areas. For our visiting pet criteria or additional information, please speak to your Ecumen representative.

WHERE CAN I FIND A COPY OF YOUR ADMISSION AGREEMENT?

An unsigned, blank copy of our Admission Agreement is available on request.

I’M UNFAMILIAR WITH PRICING. HOW DO I KNOW YOUR HOUSING IS AFFORDABLE FOR ME OR A LOVED ONE?

Please contact our Senior Living Consultant at 218-847-4486 to better understand the costs of living at our Ecumen Detroit Lakes community.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY RENT?

Included utilities: electric, gas, water, trash, recycling, basic cable and wireless internet.

WHAT UTILITIES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN MY MONTHLY SERVICE FEE?

Telephone service is not included in the monthly service fee.

IS THERE A SECOND OCCUPANT FEE?

No, there is no second occupant fee at The Madison independent living.

WHERE DO I PARK MY VEHICLE?

Heated parking is available for our independent living residents. You and guests may also park on campus surface lots.

IS THERE ADDITIONAL STORAGE AVAILABLE?

Yes. A limited number of storage lockers are available for a fee.

WHAT IF I DECIDE TO MOVE OUT?

You simply provide us with a 30-day written notice.

CAN I GET MEALS?

Yes, meals are available for purchase in your dining room or the campus Bistro.

IF I NEED CARE SERVICES SOMEDAY, WOULD I HAVE ACCESS AND BE HIGHER ON A WAITLIST FOR YOUR CAMPUS THAN OTHERS NOT LIVING HERE?

Yes, if you reside in The Madison independent living apartments, you will have preferred access to availability if the time comes you need care.

DO YOU HAVE A GUEST SUITE?

No, at this time we do not have a guest suite.

HOW DOES OUR INDEPENDENT LIVING COMPARE TO A RETIREMENT HOME?

What is commonly referred to as a retirement home is what we call an independent living community, where ongoing care services are not needed, and active residents live in a private apartment with full community amenities and private parking.

MEMORY CARE

HOW IS MEMORY CARE DIFFERENT THAN ASSISTED LIVING?

They are usually different in amenities, services and level of independence manageable by the resident. Our memory care community at The Cottage provides individuals experiencing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia a private room and bathroom in a safe and secured environment supervised 24/7 by experts in dementia care. Assisted living communities offer residents a private apartment home with private bathroom, meal plan, and a customized care plan with regularly scheduled visits from an onsite care team.

IS A NURSING HOME THE SAME AS MEMORY CARE?

They refer to two different kinds of senior living housing and services. What many people call a nursing home, or a skilled nursing home is what we call long-term care service where residents of our Emmanuel community have a room, meal plan and 24/7 care from an onsite expert care team. Our memory care community at The Cottage provides individuals experiencing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia a private room and bathroom in a safe and secured environment supervised 24/7 by experts in dementia care.

IS THERE A SECOND OCCUPANT FEE?

Yes, a $330 second occupant fee applies to The Cottage memory care.

SHORT-TERM TRANSITIONAL CARE

DO YOU OFFER REHAB OR REHABILITATION SERVICES?

Yes, we call it short-term transitional care, where individuals recovering from a procedure, surgery or injury can stay in-patient at our Rehabilitation Therapy Center or choose out-patient therapy services. Either way provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and experts from a range of disciplines, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and nutrition.

HOW IS SKILLED NURSING DIFFERENT THAN SHORT-TERM TRANSITIONAL CARE?

Skilled Nursing is a common term that refers to services we call long-term care, available in our Emmanuel community where residents who need around-the-clock care have a room, a meal plan, 24/7 assistance, and expert care from an onsite team of compassionate caregivers. Whereas our short-term transitional care in our Rehabilitation Therapy Center at the Emmanuel community is a service for individuals to rehab from a procedure, surgery or injury as in-patient or out-patient with access to a variety of expert care providers and state-of-the-art equipment.

LONG-TERM CARE

IS A NURSING HOME THE SAME THING AS A REST HOME?

Yes, they are both throwback names for senior housing and services for individuals who require around-the-clock assistance and care. In our Emmanuel community, we call this a long-term care where licensed nurses are available 24/7 and regularly attend to individuals throughout the day and night.

WHAT IS A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY?

This is a common name for what we call long-term care, which is more descriptive of the experience for individuals in our Emmanuel community, as well as the expert care teams who engage with them throughout the day.

A bright chapel with rows of chairs, a piano, stained glass, and an altar at the front.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes - Spiritual Care

SPIRITUAL CARE

FIND COMFORT IN YOUR FAITH

Continue your spiritual journey among new friends at our onsite chapel, hosting worship services led by visiting pastors from the surrounding community. Everyone is welcome and no one is alone on their journey.

OUR CHAPEL

Our chapel is open daily for residents and their guests, serving our community for worship and fellowship.

Non-denominational chapel for residents and guests
Upholstered armchair seating
Sound system

Elderly woman singing and holding a book, with others singing in the background.

SPIRITUAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Coordinated and led by visiting pastors and residents, our programs include:

Services provided twice a month
Area churches provide services for our residents
Memorial Services
Other programming as needed

Indoor therapy pool with handrails, lift chair, and medical equipment beside large frosted windows.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes - Community Amenities

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

CONNECTING YOU TO NEIGHBORS AND MORE

Living the way you choose is nurtured across our campus by a collection of beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Whether living independently, using a mobility aid or requiring expert assistance, our residents and their guests have convenient access to significant daily connections just moments from their private home.

CAMPUS-WIDE AMENITIES & PROGRAMMING

A variety of experiences greet our residents, families and guests with activity and conversation for a fulfilling day.

Bistro

Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for residents and visitors, serving coffee, breakfast and lunch options.

Lounge Areas

Gather with neighbors in beautiful lounge spaces, featuring fireplaces and plenty of natural light.

Indoor Walkways

Reach the next campus destination conveniently with walkways designed to protect you from the elements.

Chapel

Worship in our onsite chapel hosted by our guest chaplain leading non-denominational services twice a month.

Hair Salon & Barber

Treat yourself to a cut and style at our convenient onsite shop.

Robust Activities Programming

Connect with your interests and your neighbors with social, spiritual, educational, and leisure activities planned and coordinated by our committed team members.

Chef-prepared Meals

Complete your day with a delicious, personalized meal prepared by a professional chef under the guidance of Ecumen’s Registered Dietician Nutritionist.

Fitness Center

Stay active and healthy with access to indoor exercise equipment, featuring a heated therapy pool and steam shower.

Reading & Puzzle Nooks

Begin your next solitary adventure among one of our many cozy nooks.

Raised Garden Beds

Exercise your green thumb in one of our many flower and vegetable gardens throughout campus.

Outdoor Courtyards

Enjoy friends, fresh air and songbirds among our manicured courtyards, featuring benches, chairs, tables, and umbrellas.

SURROUNDED BY PLACES TO EXPLORE

NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCHES

For residents who like to get out and about for worship, three parishes of the area’s 13 denominations are conveniently located within a two-block radius: Trinity Lutheran Church ELCA, Detroit Lakes United Methodist, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

FIND A WORSHIP TIME

DETROIT LAKES HIGH SCHOOL

Across Madison Avenue from our senior living community is the sprawling campus of Detroit Lakes High School, including outdoor athletic fields and indoor gymnasium. 28 girls and boys teams compete from fall to spring.

VIEW CALENDAR

DETROIT LAKES CITY PARK

A short walk or bike ride away from campus is our city’s lakeside cultural epicenter where seasonal events bring local families together for fun and community.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Three people stand talking indoors; one holds a notepad, while the others listen and smile.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes - Meet The Team

MEET THE TEAM

VALUABLE EXPERIENCE AND INVALUABLE HEART

Our commitment to serving residents and their families starts at the top. With hands-on experience paired with genuine compassion, our leaders nurture a thriving Ecumen Detroit Lakes campus that includes a growing number of team members who share a meaningful pursuit. Get to know the leaders behind our daily mission.
Black and white professional portrait of Danielle Olson

Danielle Olson, LNHA, LALD

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Danielle is responsible for developing and guiding our community’s long-term goals and overseeing daily operations to ensure efficiency, quality of care, financial acumen, and strong relationships with residents and their families. Any given day, she is a problem solver, cheerleader, strategizer, and coach all rolled into one. Maybe that’s why she gets so much joy from seeing team members and residents bring each other so much joy. Originally from Butler, MN, Danielle worked in Assisted Living and completed internships in acute care and long-term care settings while earning her college degree. The relationships she formed during these formative years ultimately drew her to a career in the senior living industry. She initially joined Ecumen in 2010, serving in many roles before accepting her leadership position at Detroit Lakes in 2019.

Danielle’s favorite local thing to do is soaking up the sun and fun on area lakes and dining at the many great restaurants.

Away from work, Danielle is always busy with doing something with her family—sports, 4-H events, exploring the lakes, or tackling projects at home.

Black and white professional portrait of Bridget Okeson

Bridget Okeson, RN

Clinical Director, Long-Term Care & Short-Term Transitional Care

As Clinical Director for our Emmanuel community’s Long-Term Care and Short-Term Transitional Care, Bridget is responsible for overseeing the nursing team, resident care and ensuring nursing services meet standards of care and follow state and federal regulations. In her role, she has a front-row view of the strong relationships that grow between residents and team members, and how supportive the team members are of each other. Originally from Hawley, MN, Bridget was pursuing her nursing degree when friends of hers who were working at Ecumen Detroit Lakes spoke highly of the culture and shift flexibility. She joined our team in 1999 and hasn’t looked back since.

Bridget’s favorite local thing to do is relieve stress and get her day moving in a positive way at 180 Balance Yoga Fitness.

Away from work, Bridget is usually watching one of her two younger sons compete in football, basketball or baseball.

Black and white professional portrait of Patricia Bentley

Patricia Bentley, RN

Clinical Director, Housing

As Clinical Director for Housing, Patricia is responsible for hiring and training new team members on how to assist residents and collaborate with the care team to ensure best practices. In her role, she especially enjoys bringing joy to residents and often fields calls from family members seeking updates about their loved ones. Originally from Garner, IA, Patricia joined our team in 2024, encouraged by the values she shares with Ecumen and a commitment to her faith.

Patricia’s favorite local thing to do is visit Shady Hollow Flea Market for the shopping, music and local food.

Away from work, Patricia enjoys many activities, including photography, thrift shopping, going to the movies, traveling, and quality time with family and friends.

Black and white professsional portrait of Jennifer Beeson

Jennifer Beeson, MHFA

People Services Director

As our People Services Director, Jennifer is responsible for creating and nurturing a work environment where team members feel respected, supported and motivated so they can bring their best selves to work each and every day. In her role, she enjoys building meaningful connections with team members, residents and their families, and seeing the positive impact team members have on resident quality of life. Originally from Breckenridge, MN, Jennifer first joined Ecumen from 2003 to 2014 in Detroit Lakes, and then rejoined us in 2019 to continue the important work of supporting our senior population.

Jennifer’s favorite thing about the area is that there’s something to do year-round, specifically festivals in the park, troll hunting and amazing artwork throughout all of Becker County.

Away from work, Jennifer prefers to use the warmer months for bass fishing and the colder months for cooking all weekend or hunkering down to binge-watch a favorite show.

Black and white professional portrait of Monica Kemper

Monica Kemper, PT, DPT, CLT

Rehabilitation & Therapy Director

As our Rehabilitation & Therapy Director, Monica is responsible for overseeing a team of Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists who provide in-patient and out-patient services. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, she is certified in lymphatic drainage techniques, aquatic therapy and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Big (LSVT BIG), a specialized exercise-based therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease. Monica also collaborates with the Life Enrichment team to ensure we are meeting the needs of our residents with fulfilling events and activities. In her role, she often collaborates with the Life Enrichment team and is always grateful to be a part of supporting someone’s ability to make amazing functional improvements with exercise. Originally from Mahnomen, MN, Monica in high school worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in short-term transitional care and developed a fondness for the older adults who inspired her with their significant progress from physical therapy. She worked with Ecumen as a third-party therapy provider in 2015. In 2019, when rehabilitation and therapy moved inhouse at Ecumen Detroit Lakes, she joined our team.

Monica’s favorite local place is her family’s favorite hangout, Hub 41, where she says the food is great, her kids are able to play cornhole and then enjoy ice cream all while sitting by the lake.

Away from work, Monica enjoys working out and listening to audiobooks. But with three littles who have growing interests in extracurricular activities, she is most likely staying active by being with her family.

Black and white professional portrait of Charlie Newland

Charlie Newland

Senior Living Consultant

As our Senior Living Consultant, Charlie is responsible for assisting individuals and families in navigating their introduction to senior housing and services. Whether providing tours of our campus to prospective residents or welcoming new residents to our community, he enjoys connecting with individuals on a personal level, learning about their unique stories and supporting them as they begin a new chapter. Originally from Bagley, MN, Charlie joined Ecumen in 2019 because he wanted to work in health care and make a meaningful difference in the community. What particularly resonated with him about Ecumen was the opportunity to be part of a respected organization with a complementary mission and a long-standing history of service in Detroit Lakes.

Charlie’s favorite local thing to do is see the Detroit Lakes athletic teams compete. For him, DL is a special community. GO LAKERS! #Sailsup

Away from work, Charlie is most likely treating his family to a sporting event in town.