The Lodge, an assisted living facility located just south of Fayette on State Route DD, opened a new building on October 1. The new structure increases The Lodge’s residential capacity by 50%.

The original building, which opened in 2013, houses 40 people. This new building can house up to 20 residents. It boasts two suites for couples and 16 private rooms. Two of those rooms have been specially built to accommodate residents in wheelchairs. The 10,500 square-foot facility also features a spacious living room area complete with a two-sided fireplace, and an open kitchen.

Owner Leigh Hilderbrand said the open living room area is popular, especially in the afternoons. Residents play bingo and enjoy other provided entertainment.

Currently, there are seven residents in the new building. Hilderbrand said that she expects to be full by the first of the year. The original facility is full more than 95% of the time.

“I thought, ‘I’m full all the time, and there’s a need,’” Hilderbrand said of her decision to expand the facility. Residents hail from Fayette, Columbia, Salisbury, and other surrounding areas.

The new building was erected over a three-year period, contracted by Alex Hilderbrand, one of Leigh’s four sons. Another son, Vince, wired the new structure.

The Lodge offers around-the-clock care for its residents, including laundry service, cleaning, bathing, and food service. Sidewalks around each of the two facilities allow for walks around the property with country views including an on-site lake. A full-time  cook prepares homemade meals. 

The facility has two full-time registered nurses, including Hilderbrand, on staff and a part-time RN and part-time LPN.

“I have a lot of nurse coverage,” Hilderbrand explained.

While the length of stay for residents in assisted living facilities averages around three years nationally, those at The Lodge tend to stay closer to six years, not counting those on hospice. There are no set visiting hours, families and friends can visit residents any time.