Courtyard Estates Arrives in Peoria

Speculation about plans for the area has been a conversation topic for months. The building itself evokes memories of happy and celebratory times. Special events, evenings spent visiting with friends, weddings or anniversaries in classic elegance and comfort all come to mind.  For people familiar with this area, the very name Jumer suggests lovely occasions.

The name is changed now to Courtyard Estates of Peoria and the design is different, but the hospitality, ambiance, and cinnamon rolls remain. Their brochure describes Courtyard Estates as “Affordable Living for Active Seniors.” Located at 117 N. Western Avenue in Peoria, the “area’s premiere supportive living community” strives to “provide professional, compassionate services for older adults while promoting independence.”  Older is defined as 65 years and more.

In their attractive, easy to read informational packet it states: “The Courtyard Estates of Peoria is a senior living community that bridges the gap between independent living and nursing home care. Supportive living is an alternative level of quality housing appropriate for many seniors who choose not to live alone.”

Amanda Hendricks, Admissions and Marketing Director, says Petersen Healthcare is the parent company of the Courtyard Estates. There are 100 units in the former hotel, with a total capacity of 176 residents. Extensive renovating has been done and units include efficiency suites, one-bedroom suites and one-bedroom deluxe suites.  Square footage ranges from 300 square feet to 750 square feet, depending on the unit chosen.  Residents undergo a pre-admission screening, and a non-refundable processing fee is required to reserve a suite.

There are two levels of care offered: active plus care “designed to maximize individual freedom and choice, providing minimal assistance in the tenant’s daily life. Services include daily dietician planned meals, a choice of weekly housekeeping and linen service, daily trash pick-up and bathroom cleaning, planned activities and educational and social events, community and family participation in activities and a 24 hour a day monitored emergency call system.”

Assist plus care, which does incur an additional charge, includes all of Active Plus Care as well as assistance with bathing and personal grooming, daily medication reminders, assistance to and from dining room and activities, and transportation to and from medical appointments. The facility will be staffed with medical personnel around the clock.

Three meals a day are served in the main dining room, security cameras at entrances and exits are monitored by 24 hour security staffing, and Amanda says “a vast array of social activities are all included in the monthly rent.” Open parking is available for residents and guests. It’s expected about 25% of residents will have cars.

There is a gift shop on site, each unit includes a dorm size refrigerator and microwave, and rooms are equipped with emergency pull cords. Even the décor is reminiscent of when it was Jumer’s Castle Lodge. “We’re trying to keep the German Bavarian feel,” says Amanda. “We have pieces of furniture when it was Jumer’s as well as some of the memorabilia.”

The hotel bar remains in the lounge area, and happy hour will be part of daily activities. “We market ourselves as upscale supportive living,” Amanda adds.

Folks started calling last November to inquire about the transformation from a favorite hotel to a supportive living community. “Two of the most frequently asked questions,” says Amanda, smiling as she says it, are “Where is the Bear (that was previously outside the lounge area), and will there be cinnamon rolls?” The Bear is with the Jumer family and yes, Courtyard Estates has the recipe for the cinnamon rolls.

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening will be held in July. A Courtyard Estates representative is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions or to arrange a tour. Residents will begin moving in to their new home in June. The former Jumer’s restaurant will be part of a future Phase Two for Petersen Health Care.

For additional information, please call (309) 674-2400.



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