About Us
Bartels Today
Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community is a progressive, not-for-profit Christian healthcare facility dedicated to serving over 300 families in Waverly and the surrounding area. Our mission is to enrich lives through quality services and Christian care, operating with a supportive "residents first" philosophy.
Located on a beautiful 20-acre campus, Bartels offers a full, seamless continuum of care, giving residents peace of mind knowing they can access a higher level of care without having to leave the community they call home.
Located on a beautiful 20-acre campus, Bartels offers a full, seamless continuum of care, giving residents peace of mind knowing they can access a higher level of care without having to leave the community they call home.
Services That Simplify Daily Living
Our Comprehensive Services Include
Independent Living
Three distinct communities, including the newest single-family and duplex homes at Anna Estates, the active living community of Eisenach Village, and apartment-style living attached to the main campus of Eichhorn Haus.
Assisted Living
Two communities, including Linden Place and the specialized Aspen Cottage for Assisted Living Memory Care.
Skilled Nursing & Care
Nursing Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, and dedicated Memory Care units.
In Home Services
The Bartels-At-Home program, along with transitional services like Almost Home, the Foot Clinic, and an Equipment Lending Program.
Bartels Lutheran Retirement
We employ approximately 250 dedicated staff and provide robust support services, including a full-time chaplaincy program, music therapy, social work support, and a full schedule of activities. Bartels is licensed by the State of Iowa, Medicaid certified, and serves all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, or age.
Bartels History
Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community has evolved significantly from a single home to a multi-level campus, serving the Cedar Valley for over 70 years.
1950
The Founding Bequest
Anna Bartels, widow of a Lutheran pastor, bequeathed her Waverly home to St. Paul's Lutheran Church to be used as a home for senior citizens. Pastor William F. Schmidt urged the congregation to make "an old lady's dream come true."
1954
Doors Open
A group of laymen and pastors created Bartels Lutheran Home (receiving a state charter), purchased the Ted Bany home on a 40-acre lot, and officially opened its doors, beginning its service to the aging residents of the Cedar Valley.
1955-1977
Early Expansions
A succession of construction projects expanded the original facility, increasing the home's capacity from 11 residents to more than 200.
1987
Independent Living Debut
Eichhorn Haus, a 36-apartment retirement complex, opened, marking the community's first venture into independent living.
1991-1994
Service Specialization
Bartels added specialized care units: a 15-bed Skilled Nursing Unit opened in 1991, followed by a 17-bed Memory Care center in 1994.
1999-2002
Major Campus Overhaul
A $10 million building project began in 1999. It resulted in the opening of Linden Place (30-unit Assisted Living) in 2000, and later the new 30-bed Evergreen Arbor Memory Care center and the 96-bed nursing center Woodland Terrace in 2002. The project included a new chapel/community room, Ice Cream Den and other special amenities.
2000
Name Change
The organization officially changed its name to Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community to better reflect its evolution into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).
2007
Bartels-At-Home Launched
Introduced Bartels-At-Home, an in-home services program allowing clients to receive quality, Christian services in their own homes.
2009
Active Living Begins
Ground-breaking for Eisenach Village, a 55+ Active Living community on 31 acres north of the main campus. All 92 homes were completed by May 2023.
2011
Fireside Room
Thanks to a historic charitable contribution, an expansion of the Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facility was completed including the community gathering space of the Fireside Room.
2019
Aspen Cottage Opens
Aspen Cottage was constructed, offering a unique Assisted Living Memory Care setting for those with early-stage memory loss. This facility also added a respite service.
2021
Expanded In-Home Services
Launched new services including Almost Home (transitional care after rehab), a public Foot Clinic, and a donation-based Equipment Lending Program.
2023
Anna Estates Breaks Ground
Construction began on Anna Estates, an additional active living community for ages 55+ featuring single-family homes and duplexes, continuing the expansion of independent living options.
The rich, proactive history of Bartels along with the vision of the current leadership team and board of directors has set us up to be successful in the future. Bartels will continue to be a leader and on the cutting edge of senior living opportunities as retirement and senior living options evolve and change, all while sticking to the core values of the faith-based, non-profit organization. Throughout our history and into the future, the vision will be the same of engaging hearts, transforming lives, and celebrating the strengths of seniors. Striving to build communities where individuals flourish in an environment where spirituality is nurtured and independence and joy are fostered.
A Look Through the Years
