Over the past 12 months, though, they have taken a new approach to helping with providing senior living facilities.

Thanks to the purchase of the former Villa Cottages on the site of Villa Care Center in 2023, Marian Home and Village officials have been working hard to get the area up to the standards they have set for Assisted and Independent Living.

“The biggest addition to the Marian Home community in the last year is adding assisted living to the care that we provide,” said executive director Tracy Trotter. “The Marian Home has not had this level of care to offer to the Fort Dodge and surrounding community.

“For years, our intent — and still is — is to construct an independent living/assisted living on the block north of the Marian Home.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
The Marian Home and Village has been completely remodeled and redesigned. The chapel is shown.

Through purchases of all the homes currently on the block over the past few years, they have been able to continue plans to develop the area in the future. The opportunity to secure the Villa Cottages, though, was something that they could not pass up.

“That has been our focus in the last year,” Trotter said. “We have totally remodeled and redesigned the facility.”

A total of 12 apartments with a total occupancy of 22 will be completed by March, with the possibility of additional assisted living apartments to be added at a later date. Applications for occupancy are currently being accepted.

“As part of our commitment to providing the highest quality of care and support for our residents and tenants, this new addition will enhance our offerings and ensure that all levels of senior living needs are met within our community,” Trotter said. “At the Marian Home, we understand that every person has unique needs and preferences. That is why we offer a comprehensive array of living options designed to support independent and assisted living and skilled care levels.

“The new assisted living facility will provide personalized care and support for tenants who may require help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medication management. Our compassionate staff will be available 24/7 to ensure that residents receive the care they need, allowing them to thrive in a supportive environment.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
The Marian Home and Village has been completely remodeled and redesigned. A sitting area is shown.

Once this part of the expansion is completed, the now-vacant area just north of the Marian Home will be used to build independent-living townhomes.

“We are working on putting a plan together to develop that piece of the Marian Home community,” Trotter said. “We want to begin that as soon as possible.”

For more information or to apply for the new housing, contact Trotter at (515) 574-5900 or ttrotter@marianhome.com.