Benedictine Living Community-At the Shrine

Benedictine Living Community-At The Shrine sits on 200 acres on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois, and has been caring for older adults since 1966, drawing upon a long Benedictine tradition that values hospitality, stewardship, respect, and justice, and what's nice about this place is that you can find independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, palliative care, rehabilitation, respite care, hospice care, and adult day services all in one place so you don't have to make big moves if your needs change over time because you can just transition from one care level to another while staying on the familiar campus, and the apartments come in studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or one-bedroom plus a den, all with full baths, kitchenettes, and features like Wi-Fi, cable TV, and personal temperature control, plus the utilities are included, including things like heat, electric, water, and trash, and there's on-site parking if you want it, but lots of residents don't need cars since scheduled transportation is available for shopping, outings, or medical appointments, and the community is pet-friendly for folks who want to bring an approved dog, cat, bird, or fish.

This community offers daily well-being checks, a 24/7 licensed nurse for assisted living, and emergency response staff always present, so if anything happens, help is nearby, and when you need help with light daily tasks-dressing, bathing, grooming, or medication-staff provide respectful care based on what you prefer, and there's even help with medical assistance and management, while for those recovering after surgery or illness, or needing long-term or memory care, the community has on-site physical therapy and rehabilitation services, plus home health and hospice care if that's required.

Meals here come in a restaurant-style setting three times a day, and housekeeping takes care of cleaning, vacuuming, and trash removal, usually once a week or more often for some needs, and laundry's done for you, so you don't have to fuss with that either, and there are many chances to join in social, spiritual, recreational, and educational programs right at home, from craft rooms and libraries to gardens and life enrichment activities, including daily Catholic Mass and weekly Protestant services, with spiritual care, pastoral offerings, and mass led by the bishop in residence who's part of the diocese leadership, plus all faiths are welcome.

Residents can invite guests to their apartments, spend time in community spaces, and enjoy community dining venues, all while surrounded by the peace and green space of the National Wildlife Refuge, and there's a focus on keeping people active, engaged, and connected, whether it's through social outings, shopping trips, or cultural events, and the community strives for a clean, comfortable environment where privacy and dignity matter, and where person-centered wellness plans aim to support each person's body, mind, and spirit. With over fifty years of experience, a 4.4 rating from dozens of reviews, and a strong faith-based background, Benedictine Living Community-At The Shrine offers many ways for older adults to get care, support, and a sense of belonging, all while allowing them to stay in one place if their needs change, and to take part in a large, welcoming community on a historic and scenic campus.

Benedictine Living Community-At the Shrine is managed by Benedictine.

Benedictine, established in 1985 by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota, has grown into one of the largest Catholic senior living organizations in the United States, operating over 35 communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. With annual revenues reaching billion, approximately 5,000 employees, and over million of senior living assets under management, this faith-based nonprofit organization has experienced significant expansion from a single skilled nursing facility to a multi-state healthcare network through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, sponsorship transitions, and joint ventures.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Jerry Carley, who joined in 2018 bringing over 35 years of senior care experience, Benedictine has maintained its position as an industry leader while preserving its Catholic heritage and mission-driven focus. Carley's leadership has earned significant recognition, including being named to The Minnesota 500 as one of the state's most powerful executives (2018-2020) and designation as one of Minnesota's Most Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician Magazine in 2020. His extensive background includes previous roles as president and CEO of CSJ Initiatives and service on LeadingAge Minnesota's board of directors, where he serves as Chair.

Benedictine's innovative memory care program exemplifies their commitment to specialized care through two distinct neighborhoods: Tabitha, named after Sister Tabitha who was the first woman to head a hospital setting, which serves residents with mild to moderate memory loss, and Pauline, honoring Sister Pauline who devoted her life to dementia care, providing specialized support for those with moderate to advanced dementia. These research-based programs employ best practices in dementia care, offering engaging activities, personalized care plans, and family integration support. The organization's comprehensive service continuum extends to Adult Day Programs in Duluth and Winona, providing daytime respite care with trained memory care staff, while facilities like Benedictine Minneapolis specialize in complex medical care including tracheostomy and ventilator support.

The organization's care philosophy centers on nurturing mind, body, and spirit, rooted in Benedictine values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect, and Justice. This holistic approach emphasizes listening with the "ear of the heart," creating welcoming environments where unique needs are respected and each person's spirituality is honored. Through comprehensive rehabilitation services, spiritual care programs led by Director of Spiritual Care Rev. J. Scott Cartwright, and purposeful recreation incorporating art, music therapy, and movement, Benedictine continues the healthcare ministry begun by the Benedictine Sisters over a century ago. Recent strategic decisions, including the 2024 transition of Benedictine Living Community-Wausau to The Ensign Group, demonstrate the organization's commitment to ensuring sustainable, high-quality care while adapting to evolving market dynamics and maintaining their mission of empowering older adults to live to their highest potential.