Memory Care at Meramec Bluffs
What is Memory Care? It’s an opportunity for older adults with cognitive disabilities to get the care they need while living with dignity and respect. And it’s a blessing for families of seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease.
With a focus on person-centered care, life in Meramec Bluffs’ two memory care neighborhoods is warm, comfortable, and above all, home. Familiar surroundings and the opportunity to participate in the routines of daily life trigger memories, foster social interaction, and promote physical activity. Call 636.923.2307 or e-mail us today to learn more.
Click here to learn about other health care services or
independent living at Meramec Bluffs!
Person-Centered Care
At Meramec Bluffs, we employ a person-centered philosophy of care. That means our staff members dedicate themselves to customizing the care experience to the wishes and needs of each individual resident.
Far from the sterile, clinical trappings of traditional nursing homes, our community is committed to creating real homes for our residents. Here, we build environments specially designed to suit the needs of older adults and create flexible staff schedules to better fit the rhythms and routines of each person we serve. It’s all part of our dedication to cherishing our residents as the unique individuals they are.
Services and Amenities
Meramec Bluffs offers two levels of Memory Care. We provide assisted living care for residents experiencing early phases of cognitive impairment, as well as 24-hour skilled nursing care for seniors in more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.
Both neighborhoods offer all the comforts of home, plus so much more. Our surroundings are charming and graceful with exceptional dining and amenities. Perhaps the best comfort comes from knowing that you or your loved one will be embraced in a caring community that fosters active living.
We offer:
- Exceptional 24-hour care with onsite therapy
- Consistent staffing helps to promote familiarity and a sense of stability
- Three meals daily
- Daily life focused on keeping residents engaged, ensuring social, spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being
- Comfortable surroundings with controlled-access entrances
- Licensed nursing care as well as medication assistance
- An urgent call system for when help is needed
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Onsite health care services with a wide range of options for mind, body and soul
- Full service building, grounds and appliance maintenance
- Exceptional housekeeping service
- Regularly scheduled activities for many different interests
- Beautiful countryside surroundings
- Move-In Resources to assist you with the moving process
- Transportation services, a beauty shop, and a barber shop, all available onsite
- A faith-inspired community with onsite chaplains and spiritual services
For your comfort and convenience, physical, occupational, and speech therapies are available on-site through our REACH Wellness program. Personal care programs are available and tailored to meet your individual needs. Plus, you’ll receive priority access to higher levels of care should your needs change.
Our Promise To You
Meramec Bluffs is part of Lutheran Senior Services, one of the largest not-for-profit senior care networks of its kind in the country. Our goal is to create the highest quality Continuing Care Retirement Communities possible, with a full array of personalized features to customize the retirement living experience for each person. Here, we honor and cherish people of all faiths, respecting their beliefs and helping them stay in touch with their personal faith practices.
We look forward to showing you our beautiful campus here in Ballwin. At Meramec Bluffs, we’re more than a retirement home — we’re a community of close friends.
Our Staff
Greetings!
Thank you for your interest in Meramec Bluffs! At Meramec Bluffs we really do redefine “Retirement Living”!
From the minute you walk through our front door you will experience all the great things Meramec Bluffs has to offer. Whether it is our spacious patio homes and apartments, our variety of dining options, our indoor pool and exercise facilities, or the many fun activities offered on a daily basis – you will find something that makes Meramec Bluffs the perfect choice for you to call home! In addition to our many independent living options we also offer access to a continuum of care should you need Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing care. All of our services are provided in a manner that truly makes Meramec Bluffs home! The best part is the great people who live and work at Meramec Bluffs. Please stop by and visit our community to see for yourself how you can “redefine your retirement!”
Terry Etling
Executive Director
Members of our Team
Meramec Bluffs Executive Director
ph 636.923.0009, x2303
The Executive Director of Meramec Bluffs, Terry Etling has worked at LSS for more than 15 years, starting as Community Administrator of the Breeze Park community in St. Charles. A Certified Aging Services Professional, she has worked in long-term care for over 25 years. Terry earned her master’s degree from Webster University in management, and she teaches part-time at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the gerontology program.
Administrator of Care Center
ph 636.923.0009, x2503
Brad Queen is the Care Ceter Adminstrator at Meramec Bluffs. Brad has been working as an Administrator in long term care for more than 15 years. He has a bachelor's degree in health care management with a minor in marketing from Maryville University. He also has an associates degree in business administration. Brad resides in the DeSoto area with his wife and two children.
Senior Living Counselor
ph 636.923.2308
Lauren Scherer, Senior Living Counselor at Meramec Bluffs, holds a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University. She has more than 16 years of senior care experience, including 14 years as an Activity Therapist. Lauren joined LSS in 2005, and currently works in the Marketing Department. She and her husband are actively involved in their church and live in Barnhart with their three dogs, Buddy, Sugar, and Joshua.
Senior Living Counselor
ph 636.923.2308
Mimi Linhares has been a Senior Living Counselor with Meramec Bluffs for the past four years. Her prior sales and marketing experience were in the executive suite field, where she leased and managed commercial office space, and in the Communications Department at St. Luke's Hospital. Mimi has been married for 38 years to her husband, George, and they have five children and four grandchildren.
Dining Services Director
ph 636.923.0009, x2339
Patricia Hawkinson is currently the Dining Services Director at Meramec Bluffs. She began her career with LSS in 1991 at Laclede Groves, and she became involved with the preparation and planning of the Meramec Bluffs Campus and moved there in 2002. Patricia has an Associates Degree in Dietetic Technology and Clinical Nutrition. She is married to Michael, they live in Labadie Missouri and both have grown children and several beautiful grandchildren.
Chaplain
ph 636.923.0009, x2427
Deaconess Gayle has been a chaplain at Meramec Bluffs for nearly three years. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with degrees in psychology and sociology, and from Concordia Seminary with a master’s degree in Deaconess Studies in 2006. She joined the staff at Meramec Bluffs shortly thereafter. Deaconess Gayle is married and has seven children and five grandchildren.
Chaplain
ph 636.923.2338
Rev. Keith Weise has been Chaplain at Meramec Bluffs since July 2008. He served for three years as a parish pastor in Altenburg, Missouri, before joining LSS. He completed LSS’ Clinical Pastoral Education program in 2004, and graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2005. Chaplain Weise lives in Florissant with his wife, Deanne, and their two daughters, Ali and Abigail.
Giving
Volunteering:
Giving A Gift of Time
At Meramec Bluffs, service-minded individuals find many opportunities to give of their time and talents. We match each volunteer with residents and their families depending upon skills, interests, and availability.
Volunteering can include any number of activities, including:
- Clerical work
- Assistance with resident activities
- Support for special events and fundraisers
If you are interested in volunteering at Meramec Bluffs, click here to email our volunteer coordinator.
Stewardship:
Giving a Gift of Treasure
Lutheran Senior Services is a not-for-profit organization that is built on financial stability and sound stewardship. We invite you to share our mission of serving seniors at Meramec Bluffs by making a gift that will advance our Christian mission of honoring and cherishing those we serve. Your gift will be used to directly help people.
Make your legacy part of the Lutheran Senior Services legacy. Select a specific area for your gift or make a gift to the area of greatest need. You may give now, or contact our gift consultant for free and confidential advice about how your gift can help others.
Click here to make a donation online using our secure online system powered by E-Service.
For More Information, Call...
Director of Stewardship
ph 636.923.0009, x2315
Maggy Spencer has been with LSS since 2003. Hired as Director of Marketing, she moved into Stewardship after several years. Her background includes twelve years in funeral service, specializing in prearranged and estate funeral plans. Prior to this she worked in the hospitality area, representing Kraft Foodservice, and later Angelica Uniform. Maggy’s focus has always been on exemplary customer service. She has a master’s degree from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree from Washington University. She is a licensed funeral director as well as licensed in insurance for health and life. She serves as Director of Stewardship for the Meramec Bluffs and Breeze Park communities.
Giving Opportunities
Benevolent Care
Contributions to our Benevolent Care Fund endow future financial assistance for residents who have exhausted their financial resources and are no longer able to afford service at their care level.
Good Samaritan
Good Samaritan donors support residents who are currently in need of additional funding to maintain their present level of care.
Christ Care
Donations to the Christ Care Fund help provide relief for Lutheran Senior Services staff members who are experiencing emergency financial needs.
Christian Artwork
Donors to the Christian Artwork fund help to purchase inspirational decorations for LSS communities, helping create a feeling of home for our residents.
Clinical Pastoral Education
Funds donated to LSS' CPE program help support future ministry workers as they train for specialized ministries related to pastoral care, counseling, and/or older adult ministry.
Good Neighbor Program
Funds donated to the Good Neighbor Program help ensure that older adults who need access to low-cost, non-medical care in their own homes can be linked to independent caregivers.
Affordable Housing
Donations to LSS' Affordable Housing communities help provide housing and services for older adults with fewer economic resources.
Hospice Care
Giving to LSS Hospice Care helps patients and their families with items and services, that are beyond the scope of reimbursed care in order to increase their comfort and decrease their stress at the end of life.
Outreach Social Services
Donors to this LSS program ensure that economically-challenged older adults have access to social workers who can connect them to resources that maintain or improve their living situation through in-home assessment and/or on-going care management.
Pastoral Care
Supporting Pastoral Care aids the efforts of our specially trained chaplains. The Pastoral Care team provides comfort and spiritual guidance to our residents, families and staff.
Staff Scholarships
Donations to the staff scholarships assist with educational opportunities that keep staff throughout the Lutheran Senior Services organization current on the most advanced methods for caring for and supporting seniors.
Volunteer Money Management
Supporting Volunteer Money Management fosters independence for older adults by funding recruitment, training, and support for volunteers who assist seniors with day-to-day financial tasks such as balancing a checkbook or paying bills.
Area of Greatest Need
Your unrestricted gift will go directly to the area of greatest need.
Moving In
Making the move to a senior living community is an investment in your own peace of mind. When you become a resident at Meramec Bluffs, you get priority access to higher levels of care as your needs change.
Pricing
Costs for memory care are assessed on a monthly basis for assisted living or a daily basis for skilled nursing. For specific pricing, contact our senior living counselors by calling 636.923.2307 or by email.
LSS Move-In Resources
Lutheran Senior Services offers a host of resources to make the move to Meramec Bluffs as smooth and carefree as possible. Through the LSS Move-In Resources Service, you can find help to organize, rightsize, move, and enjoy!
Our Move-In Resources Service can provide…
- Help with managing the home sale process.
- Assistance with transforming a new space so it becomes home.
- Advice on what to take, sell, or give away.
- Preapproved resources to help make the transition easy.
To learn more, contact our senior living counselors by calling 636.923.2307 or by email.
