A Century of Care

Orchard Ridge Senior Living celebrates 100 years of honoring seniors

By Taylor Shillam

For Coeur d’Alene’s Orchard Ridge Senior Living, this year marks a century of providing a faith-based loving home that honors older adults. With their Centennial Celebration kick-off just a month away, they look forward to celebrating their achievements as an award-winning senior living community.

“Orchard Ridge Senior Living began when a group of Lutherans from Spokane had the vision to open a retirement home in Coeur d’Alene,” shares Amy Boni, director of development and marketing for Orchard Ridge. “From Coeur d’Alene’s former ‘Swedish College,’ the group purchased the land and buildings they needed to make that vision a reality.”

The retirement home, called Coeur d’Alene Homes, came to life and opened its doors to the elderly in September 1921. Today, the same strong mission still thrives but under a different name: Orchard Ridge Senior Living.

Today, the community offers 69 assisted living and memory care rooms situated on the same beautiful park-like campus as their 154 HUD-subsidized independent living apartments. Governed by 20 local churches, Orchard Ridge takes pride in being a faith-based community and their ability to take in financially troubled seniors who need a home and assistance with daily activities.

As a nonprofit assisted living facility, Orchard Ridge offers financial assistance through their charitable Christian care, the Resident Relief Fund.

“Our Resident Relief Fund is what sets us apart from most assisted living communities,” states Amy. “For example, when a resident has no funds, it is nearly impossible to find an assisted living who will take them in. Every year, we look to raise approximately $500,000 for our Resident Relief Fund so we can help those who need it most.”

In its 100 years of operation, Orchard Ridge has never asked a single resident to leave due to a lack of funds. Drawing on their resources as a nonprofit within the community, they maintain a dedication to providing financial relief for those in need.

To commemorate their 100th year in Kootenai County, their Centennial Celebration Fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, August 8, from 1:30 to 4:30pm at a private residence on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

What makes this location unique is that the home was once located on the Orchard Ridge campus. It was referred to as the “White House” to all who knew of the home, as it was the residence of the former president of the Swedish College and then the home for the director of Coeur d’Alene Homes and his family.

In 2018, the White House needed a new permanent location, and was donated from Orchard Ridge to local businessman John Swallow. With the help of several community contractors, Swallow was able to lift the large 115-year-old home from its foundation to transport it across the US-95 South bridge and onto a barge waiting to transport it across the lake.

Coming full circle this year, the fundraiser will be held in that same house at its new location, with Coeur d’Alene Lake Cruises transporting guests across the lake for the occasion. Tickets are $100 per person and very limited. For more information on tickets, call 208.664.8119.

There’s no question that Orchard Ridge has had an immeasurable impact on the lives touched by its care. The impact was recognized just last year with its Gold Star Excellence in Care Award, presented by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The award is given to assisted living facilities that meet exceptional standards of care while ensuring residents receive superior services in a clean, safe, home-like environment. The award presented to Orchard Ridge reflects the hard work and dedication of its team.

“Together, we can ensure a future where all of our residents receive the care they need and the home they deserve,” states Ann Johnson, executive director. “By partnering with us, you can help seniors who have no other place to go.”

Orchard Ridge is a treasure in our community. Any gifts received by their organization will directly benefit the Resident Relief Fund, supporting the continued care of residents who can no longer support themselves. For more information about Orchard Ridge and the services they provide, along with opportunities for giving and volunteering, visit them at TheOrchardCdA.org.