A Place Where Care Feels Like Home: Sara’s Story

When you meet Sara Duffield, one of the first things you notice is her bright smile and the way she speaks with warmth about the people around her. Her life has been full of adventure—from flying to Venezuela as a child just after World War II to running her own art gallery and inspiring young artists. She’s lived in Kansas, Colorado, and Minnesota, built deep friendships, pursued higher education, and embraced every stage of life with a curious mind and open heart.

Sara’s journey to River Heights by Vivie began after a fall left her with a serious head injury and mobility challenges. She uses a wheelchair and has limited use of her right arm, but she’s quick to point out that she still has her “glorious brain,” her hearing, and her sense of humor. As her needs changed, Sara looked for a place where she could get more help while still enjoying connection, activity, and independence. She found that—and so much more—at Vivie.

“Here, they have aides that are the sweetest women or men in the world. They are so kind. It just warms my heart. I just thank God for them every day.”

The advantage of smaller communities.

Sara has lived in larger senior living communities before, but she finds there’s something special about a smaller community like River Heights.

“The nice thing about a smaller place like this is you can have a lot of extra help that they don’t have at other places.”

That might mean an aide taking extra time to help with a brace in the morning, a nurse checking in, or a staff member pulling the covers up at night with a gentle “good night.” In Sara’s words, she’s “put to bed by an angel and gotten up by an angel.”

Communities built around connection.

One of the things Sara appreciates most about River Heights is the closeness of the community.

“We all laugh and have a good time together and have memories together, and that’s important.”

Sara also lives by a personal philosophy rooted in gratitude and kindness. Every morning, she thanks God for the beauty outside her window. She values staying mentally active with word puzzles and conversation, and she believes happiness is something you create for yourself—through connection, caring for others, and staying engaged.

Her outlook fits right in with Vivie’s community-focused approach, where you’re encouraged to be an active participant in shaping your daily life. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a neighbor, sharing stories over dinner, or attending a devotional, everyone has something to contribute.

For Sara, River Heights isn’t just a place to live—it’s where she’s surrounded by people who genuinely care about her well-being. It’s where help is always available, but independence is encouraged. And it’s where every day brings new moments to connect, laugh, and enjoy every moment.

How Vivie’s services and programming make life engaging.

Vivie residents enjoy services designed to remove everyday stressors so they can focus on what matters most: living well. Depending on the community, that might include:

• On-site dining with healthy, freshly prepared meals and menus that accommodate special dietary needs.
• Home health care and hospice available right in your apartment.
• Specialty programs for Parkinson’s care, oral health, and veterans’ recognition.
• 24-hour emergency response pendants for peace of mind.
• Property maintenance so you never have to worry about shoveling, mowing, or repairs.
• Wellness programming, including state-of-the-art wellness centers and exercise classes.

And life enrichment opportunities here go beyond scheduled activities. Whether it’s social clubs, themed events, games, day trips, or simply knocking on a neighbor’s door for a visit, there’s always something to do and someone to connect with. All of our communities also provide spiritual programming, which can include services, devotionals, and opportunities for reflection that nurture the heart as much as the mind.

The Vivie difference.

At Vivie, we know that senior living is more than a building—it’s a community where each person should feel safe, valued, and connected. Between all of our communities, we offer a full continuum of care to meet residents’ needs at every stage, including:

• Independent senior living: Freedom and convenience with access to amenities and a vibrant community.
• Assisted living: Personalized support with daily activities while maintaining independence.
• Enhanced assisted living: Extra help for those with more complex needs.
• Memory care: Specialized programs and secure environments for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss.
• Respite care: Short-term stays with full access to services and amenities.

Because every person’s journey is unique, we create customized care plans tailored to your needs, preferences, and health conditions. Our team is trained, certified, and—most importantly—compassionate, making sure you feel supported in both body and spirit.

Find your place at Vivie.

With an array of senior living communities across Minnesota—including Alexandria, Northfield, Park Rapids, the metro area, and more—Vivie is sure to have something to fit your lifestyle and care needs. You’ll even receive priority placement when transferring between Vivie communities, ensuring continuity of care and a smooth transition if needs change.

If you or someone you love is looking for a place that offers personalized care, meaningful community, and a true sense of belonging, Vivie is ready to welcome you—just as we welcomed Sara.

Because at Vivie, we believe your next chapter should be full of comfort, connection, and joy.