Winona’s first memory care residences celebrate 25 years

Today, almost everyone is part of, or knows, a family touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

When Rose needed more care than could safely be provided in their multi-level home, her husband of nearly 63 years, Dick Kowles, a retired professor of genetics and biology at Saint Mary’s University, chose Adith Miller Manor.

“I looked at our options and visited Adith Miller Manor a couple of times,” says Kowles. “I talked with the people, toured the rooms and got familiar with the place, and it looked like what she needed. There are always a couple of helpers and they are excellent—you can see that it’s genuine care. We’re almost like a family, the residents and the visitors, it’s a very homey setting.”

Something else that’s important to Kowles, “They have a lot of activities, table games, entertainment, music and singing together. Sometimes it brings tears to your eyes. So I enjoy coming in every day.” Kowles (pictured above) also shows 35 mm slides to the residents about twice a month (flowers, animals, scenic views, historical sites, etc.), and he enjoys doing it.

Residents also enjoy getting out and about in the Winona Health van for activities such as seeing the changing seasons, visiting an apple orchard or participating in the Minnesota Marine Art Museum Spark program.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Adith Miller Manor, Winona’s first assisted living memory care residence. Roger Metz Manor was built shortly after. Located on the Winona Health campus, they are home to people who thrive in an assisted living environment where they can continue to enjoy the activities of daily living in spite of the challenges they face due to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.


Interested in touring Adith Miller or Roger Metz manors and getting additional information about memory care? Call 507.494.7400.