Assisted Living

Background

The Mason County Health Department is proud to be the first public health department in the State of Illinois to develop and own an assisted living and memory care community. “The Lodge at Manito” is the culmination of nearly five years of collaboration between local partners. This project was spearheaded by the Mason County Board of Health and Prairieland Council.

Following the lead of the County and their work on Focus Forward Central Illinois, the board agreed with the need to stop the outmigration of our seniors and create jobs in an effort to address the social determinants of health. In addition, the Board recognized Alzheimer’s disease as the third leading cause of death in the county, and a lack of access to care in the northern region of the county. As a result, the Board commissioned focus studies that confirmed the need for “The Lodge at Manito”.

In addition to a mix of one bedroom and studio apartments for Assisted Living and Memory Care, the health department worked with Mason District Hospital to include space for a Rural Health Clinic. This clinic will serve residents of both The Lodge at Manito and citizens in the surrounding areas. The inclusion of the Rural Health Clinic has created the opportunity for two new hometown practitioners. These practitioners will now provide care in their own community. Christy Lane, Family Nurse Practitioner and Erica Hunter, M.D., Pediatrician will both begin providing services in April 2017.

Financing

This was a $5.5 million construction project that utilized traditional private financing and a combination of equity from the developer, Health Department, Hospital and the Village of Manito. In 2015 the project was still short on the required equity needed to close on financing.

In January of 2016, Prairieland Council became the first rural partner of Local Initiative Support Corporation. LISC is a national not-for-profit that focuses on revitalizing promising rural communities. This partnership allowed for the last piece in the financing puzzle. LISC provided $600,000 in equity and the Health Department closed on all financing in August 2016.

Philosophy

The Health Department in partnership with Prairieland Council will provide the best value in private pay Assisted Living and Memory Care in the region. We will also provide the absolute best home and care in the world for seniors in similar rural communities. While addressing the needs of our residents for both a place to call home and access to medical care, The Lodge at Manito will create a funding stream. This will allow the Board of Health to provide additional services to address social determinants in Mason County. The Board of Health will focus on health, housing and community development. Residents and family members can feel good knowing that their fees will not only provide them with a home and the best care available but will also be utilized for community development activities. These activities will help make Mason County the rural community of choice for future generations.

Message from the Administrator

Though much of the discussion surrounding rural America is doom and gloom and Mason County has no doubt seen its share of depressed economics, we believe Mason County is well positioned to be revitalized. This project reminds me of Jeremiah 29:11 – “”For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.  It is clear to me that God is at work in Mason County and has plans for us, as it surely took a small miracle to make this project a reality! – Curt Jibben, Administrator

For more specific information about “The Lodge at Manito” or the Rural Health Clinic, use the links below.