River Living Center to celebrate 25-year anniversary

By Caroline Rosacker

As we age it may become necessary to seek out alternative living facilities. River Living Center, located at 831 Hwy. 52 in Guttenberg, allows tenants to experience quality independent living while providing help with daily living.  This little bit of assistance allows seniors to maintain their independence while getting help when they need it. 

Celebrating 25 years

River Living Center has provided high-quality assisted living options to area seniors for the past 25 years. A celebration reception with ice cream and music is set for Friday, July 1, from 1-4 p.m.

Filling a need

Rick and Mary Eulberg were inspired to remodel the former Great River Inn motel while Mary was employed as administrator at the former Guttenberg Care Center (GCC). Mary has worked locally as a nurse and in health care administration for the past 48 years. 

"I was the administrator at GCC and we were full or over capacity," she began. "Local people wanted to stay local where their family lived and did not want to switch doctors, clinics or hospitals. We said it was an all-inclusive motel for the elderly, as assisted living had not been established in Iowa at that time." 

The River Living Center has 23 rooms, four  of which can be used as double occupancy. "Singles rooms are 275 square feet and doubles are 350 square feet," she noted. 

The assisted living offers a friendly, helpful staff at the call of a button 24-hours a day.  Also offered are three home cooked meals per day, a bedtime snack, full housekeeping and laundry service, cable TV with WiFi, medication management and administration, and bathing service if required.

"Tenants become like family to us. We care for each tenant as if they were our mom or dad," said Eulberg. "I truly enjoy caring for people. My Dad always told me that if you enjoy what you do you don’t work a day in your life."

Eulberg expressed deep gratitude for her sister, Nancy Nuehring's contribution.  "My sister, Nancy, has been our main cook and manager since day one," Eulberg shared. "We could not do this without her and our wonderful staff. Nancy once commented, 'It’s crazy, all my friends live at River Living Center.'"

Just like home

River Living Center currently has 20 tenants residing at the facility. 

Mae Jetter and her daughter, Karen, were on their way out for the day, but  stopped to share these sentiments. "I really like it here. They treat me very well and I have made a lot of friends," Mae commented. 

"Our family loves it too!" Karen added. 

Gloria, and Harold Aulwes, originally from Garber, enjoy the good food, peace of mind and sense of security the assisted living provides. "We have been here for about two years," said Gloria. "Everyone is so nice. We have the freedom to come and go. My husband still plays cards in Garber a couple of times a week. It gives my family peace of mind that we are here and well cared for." 

Arlene Tackman, 91, has been a tenant at River Living for the past nine years. "I like it here. The food is good and it's nice that everything is done for you," she commented. 

Dory Anderson, 85, has been living at the facility for the past four years. "I was living by myself for several years in Dubuque," she shared. "I wasn’t eating right or taking good care of myself. My daughter, who lives in Guttenberg, suggested I come. I love it here! It is absolutely super. Nancy makes such good food – it's wonderful."

"They are free to come and go," noted Nuehring. "Marilyn and Mae went for a ride with family and friends, and Nell Stone is gone for a week to spend time with a family member."

Jane Elsinger of Guttenberg commented, "It is a very pleasant place. I have no complaints."

Verda Mae Faust, who is recuperating from a fall with plans to return home told The Press, "I don't have to cook or clean or nothing! It's great!" 

Ruth Bird, of Guttenberg, talked to some of her friends who told her it was such a great caring place. "I really love it here. The food is wonderful and all the people are so nice," she said with a smile. 

Betty Hyde of Colesburg shared her appreciation. "I couldn't take care of my home, and I fell and broke my hip," she commented. "I love it here! It's super – super! The people are so nice and I like the food" 

Janet Lundt of Garnavillo has met many new friends. "The camaraderie with the other tenants is great. The rooms are very comfortable. I like to sit out front and watch the traffic go by. I count the cars and the different colors."

"We are kept plenty busy if we are not too lazy to come out,"  Verda Mae said with a smile.

The tenants were lining up for a ride in the River Living Center's six-person golf cart. "We love to cruise town in the golf cart. It is a great way to tour the town!" they exclaimed.