Oak Hills opens new apartments

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A pair of New Ulm senior citizens seemed happy with their new assisted living apartments they recently moved into at Oak Hills Living Center, 1314 8th North.

Mrs. Fezz (Myra) Fritsche and her neighbor Bertha Ulrich appeared to be pleased as punch Saturday morning as the noon hour approached and they had an opportunity to dine with their friends and neighbors.

Oak Hills recently completed 16 new assisted living apartments that allow seniors a chance to be more independent than they would as conventional nursing home residents. Eight units were occupied on Saturday.

Eileen Jacobson, Assisted Living Coordinator at Oak Hills said assisted living allows senior citizens to live more independently in their own apartments with many of their personal belongings.

At the same time, care givers help them with bathing, meals, dressing, medication, and other personal care tasks like tying shoes and putting on stockings.

Myra Fritsche recently sold her home at 400 S. State in New Ulm and moved into the assisted living area at Oak Hills. She won't host huge parties for the Fezz Fritsche and the Goosetown Band anymore, but she remembers them well and enjoys reminiscing about it.

"As long as I had plenty of beer and good food, everything was good. Plus I like people," Fritsche said. She was particularly known for her barbequed ribs and frankfurters.

A piano she used to play while sitting in with the band is now in her apartment. A concertina that a friend enjoys playing for her is near the piano.

Fritsche still enjoys socializing with people and looks forward to more of that in her new living quarters.

Ulrich, who will be 94 on Nov. 8, formerly was a nursing home resident. She seemed to be enjoying her new living arrangement.

"I love it," Ulrich said. "This seems more like home to me. I've been waiting a long time for this."

Ulrich enjoys reading and crocheting potholders when she isn't watching her favorite television game show.

Jacobson said assisted living residents often dine together in a large dining room three times a day. Other activities include music, bingo, walking, church services, walking, and clothing shows.

She added that many of the residents continue close relationships with old friends and former schoolmates.

"Some of these residents went to kindergarten together and are still great friends," Jacobson said.