Backstories: The Stories Behind the Stories 1906–2016
A four-part series during our 110th anniversary year to share some lesser-known parts of Lyngblomsten's rich history
The Early Years: Lyngblomsten Home for the Aged Stands Apart from the County Poorhouse. You've probably heard a hundred times what Lyngblomsten's founding women set out to do—create a Christian home for the elderly who had no one to care for them—but do you know what they were clear about NOT doing?
Triumph Over Trials: Lyngblomsten of Yesteryear Partners with Community Funds. The founding women accomplished the seemingly impossible thanks in part to the relationships they formed with community organizations. In this installment of Backstories, we'll focus on their first expansion and Lyngblomsten's relationships with the Minneapolis Community Fund and the St. Paul Community Chest.
Embracing Mid-Century Change, Lyngblomsten Partners with the Lutheran Church to Keep Serving Older Adults. The founding women of Lyngblomsten and their successors faced changes all the time. One of the biggest changes they navigated occurred in the late 1950s to very early 60s, when they ultimately gifted Lyngblomsten's property, finances, and beloved home to the St. Paul Circuit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. What caused them to make this decision?
A Tree with Sturdy Roots: Lyngblomsten provides cutting edge care to older adults on and off campus. In the second half of the 20th century, two of the most pressing winds Lyngblomsten faced were: How would it provide care to older adults in a way that respected their dignity and ability to make choices while fulfilling federal and state regulations for long-term care? Should it provide care to older adults not living in the nursing home, but in their homes in the community? If so, what would this assistance look like?
