Garden House in Winsted
makes farmers feel at home
By Starrla Cray
Switching from farm life to long-term care may seem
daunting, but tenants at the Garden House (part of St.
Mary’s Care Center in Winsted) are happily surprised
by their surroundings.
“The tenants we serve have been farmers their entire
lives,” noted housing director Emily Rieck. “So much of
the time I see the relief in their eyes when they tour and
are familiar with those who already live here.”
The Garden House provides both community and privacy.
“People have visitors whenever they want and spend
the day how they please,” Rieck said. “We want people
to build relationships and know their neighbor and caregiver.”
Each resident has their own room with 9-foot-wide
windows, and a large private bathroom. Married couples are welcome to live together.
“We eat together at a large dining room table, as a
family, where the staff will likely sit next to you and
visit,” Rieck said.
Tenants also spend time with Benny, a yellow Lab
that’s being trained as a service dog.
In the summer, residents enjoy sunny afternoons in
the backyard garden, growing and harvesting watermelon, zucchini, tomatoes, and other fresh produce.
“We’re a Catholic, faith-based organization, and much
of what we do is rooted in the tradition of stewardship,”
Rieck said.
For more information about the Garden House, contact
Rieck at (320) 364-9103, email emily.rieck@bhshealth.
org, or go to www.gardenhouseatstmarys.org.
(Content sponsored by the Garden House.)
Photo by Starrla Cray
Garden House residents Ed and Irene Fasching enjoy doing
jigsaw W