Lake Park Residential Care completes their new community space

Lake Park Residential Care, a Regional Care Group Member, recently completed outdoor patio renovations made possible through a grant from Legacy Foundation’s Transform Lake County grant. The improvements have given Lake Park residents a beautiful outdoor patio space to rest, socialize, garden, and reconnect. Lake Park, located in Lake Station, provides residential care for adults who cannot live independently due to their mental health, or a mental or physical disability.

“Many of our residents have complex mental health issues, they have no family, and they are not able to afford the current rent to live in the community. Lake Park Residential Care is a place where, if they’re on Medicaid, they can receive assistance to help pay for their room and board,” said Joelynn Miller-Johnson, who has been with the facility for almost 20 years. “They’re provided with meals, scheduled group activities, medication administration, and education by our nursing staff. We also provide housekeeping and laundry services for the residents.”

Miller-Johnson, administrator of the facility, connects with the Lake Park residents every day.

“My favorite aspect of my job is working with my residents and helping solve the issues they may have,” said Miller-Johnson.

As Lake Park approached its 20-year mark, Regional Care Group began exploring opportunities to update and enhance the building and grounds. Eventually, they decided that the patio was the perfect place to start.

“We have an exterior side of our building that has a patio and a large open area,” said Miller-Johnson. “Over the 20 years that Lake Park has been open, that area had not been enhanced much. We needed to find a way to improve the space for our residents because they enjoy planting flowers and vegetables,sitting outside, and enjoying time outdoors,” said Miller-Johnson. 

RCG secured funding from the Legacy Foundation to launch the project and complete it just in time for spring. Legacy Foundation’s investment helped transform an underused outdoor area into an inviting space that supports wellness, connection, and quality of life for Lake Park Residents. 

“A lot of times, people don’t understand how important it is to have an area like this patio space where residents with mental health issues and physical disabilities can take advantage of it,” said Miller-Johnson. “It just really enhances how they feel, how they socialize with others, and works as an overall stress reducer.”

Because Lake Park is home for many residents, Regional Care Group felt it was important to invest in the patio just as someone would invest in their own home.

“In our own homes, we have our backyards, but we needed it for our residents so they’re not just participating in indoor activities all day,” said Miller-Johnson. “The patio project gives them the opportunity to be outside, enjoy the weather, socialize with others, and put a smile on their face.”

The refurbished patio has encouraged more outdoor engagement and social connection among residents. With more opportunities to spend time outside, participate in gardening, and gather with others, Lake Park residents are benefiting from a healthier and more uplifting living environment.

Lake Park Residential Care and Regional Care Group are grateful to the Legacy Foundation for supporting a project that directly improves residents’ quality of life and reflects the importance of investing in spaces that promotes dignity, wellness, and connection. 

To learn more about Lake Park Residential Care, you can visit lakepark.care. For additional information on Regional Care Group, visit regionalgroup.care.