Eastern Star Home Avoids COVID Throughout Pandemic

Poised to Grow in 2021

By Mark Schmidt

The Illinois Eastern Star Home – which admits members of the Masonic family as well as private pay residents – is somewhat of a rarity as our nation emerges from lockdown.

Residents of long-term care facilities throughout Illinois and across the nation were among the earliest and most severely impacted victims of the pandemic. Yet not one resident of the Home, located in Macon, Illinois, contracted the coronavirus. None.

Home administrator Rachel Bolsen credits quick and decisive action at the beginning of the crisis for this exceptional outcome. “When we first became aware of COVID-19 and what was happening in nursing homes, we decided to lock down the Home for two weeks. We asked 20 staff members to leave their families and live at the home during that period, sending the rest of our staff home,” she said. “With the support of our Board of Governors, we invested in testing devices, air sanitizers and other important equipment. It wasn’t cheap, but it was the right thing to do, and it paid great dividends for the health and well-being of our residents.”

Bolsen said that approach – putting the residents first – is a hallmark of everything done at the Eastern Star Home. “We focus on providing outstanding care and a great quality of life to all those we serve,” she said. “Our goal is to allow our residents to keep their independence to the greatest degree possible, for as long as possible.” Each resident has an individualized care plan tailored to their specific needs. Members are encouraged to use cell phones, computers, and other technology to stay connected with friends and relatives and will enjoy trips outside the home in nearby communities as public health and safety measures will allow.

The pandemic-related lockdown, which is now easing, has not meant a standstill for residents of the Home. A full schedule of in-house activities keeps residents active and engaged. A Residents’ Council helps plan activities and make sure the wishes of the residents are known to the administrator and staff. “This is a wonderful place to live,” said one of the residents.

In addition, the Home is constantly being updated for the comfort of those that live there. The Grand Chapter of Illinois has an active “Adopt A Room” program that is widely supported by Eastern Star Chapters. Members of the

Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Group frequently donate new equipment for the Home and have been regular (pre-pandemic) visitors to the facility. In the past few years, a new pavilion has been constructed to enhance the beautiful tree-lined grounds at the Home, and plans are underway for new park benches for the residents to enjoy.

“We are particularly pleased that we are now able to update the bathrooms in each room,” Bolsen said. “This will make them more modern, more functional, and more comfortable for the women and men that we serve.”

The Eastern Star Home proudly serves women and men. Space is also available for married couples who wish to enter the Home together. Life care plans are available for members of the Order of the Eastern Star, while reasonable private-pay plans are available for members of the Masonic family and non-members. “Word is definitely getting out that we are a fantastic facility that now admits private-pay residents,” Bolsen said. “We have had a number of new admissions and we are happy to welcome new residents into the Home.”

While visitors are still limited for public health reasons, a virtual tour can be arranged for those interested in living at the Home. For more information on the Eastern Star Home, contact the Grand Chapter office at 217-764-3326 or via email at gs@iloes.org. v

Mark Schmidt,

Associate Editor