The Rosedale House Provides Seniors with Independence and Security

Waterloo-In January, Ardis Henerfauth, owner of The Rosedale House Senior Living in Waterloo, celebrated 10 years in business, and she wasn’t alone in celebrating. Celebrating with her were members of her family who helped make The Rosedale House Senior Living a reality.

“The construction of The Rosedale House was family oriented,” said Henerfauth. Her father, a retired building contractor oversaw the project, her mother helped with the interior decorating, her husband installed the doors and trim and her two brothers did the painting, wallpapering and floor installation. She and her husband Robert own The Rosedale House.

Just as the building was constructed by family, the atmosphere of The Rosedale House is one of family. On a recent visit, senior residents joked with the staff and enjoyed relaxing in a comfortable seating area overlooking the back patio.

“It’s like a family,” said Henerfauth. As a matter of fact, among the current residents are her third grade teacher, her 4-H Leader and her Brownie Leader.

“I’m a lifelong resident of Monroe County and I saw a need for such a facility,” adds Henerfauth, whose experience working in homes for the developmentally disabled and taking care of her grandmother led her to the idea of The Rosedale House.

“I use to take care of my grandmother and I always thought there should be a place where she could go that would provide her some of the essentials such as food and transportation while letting her remain independent. My father was a partner in the development of Westview Acres, and I felt this was a good place to build, “she said of her location at 228 Mueller Lane in Waterloo, which is across the street from the Monroe County Annex Building and Ambulance Service.

The Rosedale House offers its residents independent living, but with the security of knowing the 24-hour staff is there to help if need be. Residents receive three meals a day, local transportation, medication reminders, stand by assistance with showers, weekly housekeeping, and can participate in a variety of activities.

For example, residents make crafts, sew, play games, garden, go out to eat, attend local events such as band concerts, the movies, the library or simply relax on the patio. Residents are also active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which helps staff places such as the Monroe County Courthouse information station and supports other entities like the History Museum of Monroe County.

The Rosedale House has 16 private suites, each with its own private bath, individual heating and cooling, walk-in closet, kitchen nook and telephone and cable hookup. The average age range of The Rosedale House residents is 67 to 94, and according to Henerfauth even though they do offer temporary stays, most residents are long-term.

Henerfauth, a Think Monroe County First participating business who donated the February Super Consumer prize, is involved in several local organizations including: Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, HCE, and Sister Cities of Portaloo, Monroe County History Museum, Advisory Board of Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Unit President of the Waterloo Homemakers.

She adds that she joined Think Monroe County First, the shop/spend local program of the Monroe County Economic Development Council, because Monroe County is her home and she wants to see it thrive despite the tough economic times.

To make an appointment to tour The Rosedale House contact Henerfauth at 618-939-4973.