Lourdes Senior Community

Home
United States
Waterford Township, MI
Lourdes Senior Community

Lourdes Senior Community is a non-profit, continuing care retirement community. Over 250 seniors liv

In 1948, at the request of Archbishop Edward Mooney, the Dominican Sisters of Oxford began caring for the elderly in their previous motherhouse nestled along the shores of Scott Lake – a stunning location reflecting the beauty of God’s creation. Today, more than 60 years later, Lourdes Senior Community, a non-profit, continuing care retirement community, has grown into a neighborhood of 250 seniors living in four distinct residences. Fox Manor offers independent living, Mendelson Home provides assisted living, Clausen Manor cares for those living with dementia and Lourdes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center offers long-term care and a rehabilitation center. Lourdes Senior Community has a long history of quality healthcare services and programs. In 2013, the Lourdes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center was named one of the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report magazine, and the overall community was selected Best of the Best for senior living for the sixth year in a row by readers of the Oakland Press, a suburban Detroit daily newspaper. In addition, Clausen Manor and the Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center previously received Michigan Governor Care Awards, and each year our facilities pass state surveys with exemplary records.

01/20/2026

Today we are continuing with another piece of Lourdes' history.

In the early 1960s, the Most Reverend John F. Dearden responded to the ever-growing need for a long-term care facility to minister to the elderly who were terminally ill.

Plans were initiated for a 100-bed nursing home to provide 24-hour skilled nursing care. It would be open to all, regardless of race, creed, or ability to pay.

Archbishop Dearden was familiar with Menscola Convalescent Home: its beautiful location and the fine work being done by the sisters there.

Consequently, in 1962, he asked the Dominican Sisters of Oxford to staff the proposed facility.

Under an operating agreement with the Congregation, the new nursing home would be built on the Menscola property and financed by a $1,000,000 gift from the Archdiocese.

The home would be named “Lourdes” after the famous French shrine where multitudes of people came each year seeking spiritual and physical healing.

The groundbreaking ceremonies took place on February 11, 1964.

Check back next to find out more about Lourdes, France and the miracles performed there.

01/13/2026

Did you know the property where Lourdes sits today used to be called Menscola Manor?

Check out last weeks post to learn about the history of Menscola and the generous donation of the property from the Mendelson family to Archbishop Edward Mooney of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Archbishop Mooney acquired the property in 1939.

When he learned that the Dominican Sisters were searching for a new site for their Motherhouse, he donated the Mendelson estate to them in exchange for their Warren Motherhouse.

The Sisters moved to Scott Lake that same year & Menscola Manor became their Motherhouse for the next nine years.

The spacious living room of the house was transformed into the chapel. The wood paneled walls, the high arched ceiling, and the large leaded glass window at one end gave the room a church-like atmosphere.

Mother Mary Joseph had to make a major decision: expand the facilities at Scott Lake, or find a larger building at another location.

When “Lakeview Manor,” the M.E Coyle estate at Oxford became available, it was decided to move to this much larger facility. The Sisters moved to their new Motherhouse at Oxford, Michigan in the winter of 1948.

Afterwards, there was much prayerful thought and discussion on the Menscola property.

It was decided that the Order would assume a new ministry in addition to their teaching apostolate: care for the sick and elderly.

The facility, called Menscola Convalescent Home, officially opened on November 6, 1948, staffed by five Sisters.

In the early days of the Home, patients were cared for at a cost of $5.00 per day!

This was possible because the Sisters handled all phases of the Home’s operation without hired help.
In March 1962, Archbishop Dearden asked the Dominican Sisters of Oxford to staff a proposed nursing home to be built on the Menscola property by the Archdiocese of Detroit.

The patients of Menscola Convalescent Home were moved next door to Lourdes Nursing home after it was dedicated on May 1, 1965.

Menscola Manor then became the home of the Sisters who were staffing Lourdes Nursing Home.
The Manor still sits next to Lourdes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

01/12/2026

At Lourdes Senior Community, it’s often the small moments that mean the most: a warm smile, a listening ear, a gentle touch, or a word of encouragement.

These simple acts, done with great love, create comfort, dignity, and joy for our residents each day. As we begin this week, may we all be reminded that no act of kindness is ever too small when it is done with love.

01/08/2026

YOU ARE INVITED!

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to senior care.

Decisions about where to go, what care may be needed, and how to navigate costs are often made during stressful moments. The good news? Planning ahead can create peace of mind.

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:00 PM at Fox Manor Independent Living for a free educational class led by Dahring & Cusmano Investment Professionals and hosted by Lourdes Senior Community.

This informative session will focus on how proactive financial and legacy planning can help reduce anxiety and prepare you, or someone you love, for future care needs.

Topics will include:

* Strategies for saving and planning for senior care
* Important updates from SECURE Act 1.0 & 2.0
* Legacy and estate planning for families
* Preparing for future levels of care with confidence

This class is designed for ALL AGES.

Whether you are planning for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand your options.

**Event Details:**

📅 Tuesday, March 3, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍Fox Manor Independent Living - 2350 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48328

RSVP By: February 20,2026
RSVP To:

Elisha Christopher
Development Department
248-886-5673
echristopher@lourdes-sc.org

We hope you’ll join us for this valuable conversation focused on planning ahead, easing uncertainty, and finding peace of mind for the future.

01/07/2026

Today is and since it's a bit chilly we're starting out with a post about staying active during the winter months!

The cold winter weather has a tendency to dissolve motivation, especially the motivation to exercise and stay active. Loss of sunlight brings the winter blues and cold temperatures are perfect for snuggling under blankets.

It’s easy to ignore exercise routines and the benefits of an active lifestyle, such as a lowered risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Exercise also reduces joint aches and pains, and even helps combat winter fatigue.

At Lourdes Senior Community we recommend these three tips to help you stay active this winter:

1. Find a Partner: it’s always a good idea to have a friend to exercise with. Having a partner makes the sometimes-dreaded-task of exercise more pleasurable. It will also encourage you to go even when you don’t feel like it.

2. Change-It-Up: motivation to exercise is easier to find when the activity is new and exciting. Find new movements to incorporate into your routine or a new class to take. Change your scenery. Walking an indoor mall or arena, instead of the treadmill at the gym every day, may help keep you motivated.

3. Give Yourself Incentive: reward yourself with a favorite treat. This does not have to be a sweet. A treat could be a new book, a trip to the movies, or a healthy lunch at your favorite restaurant. Adding incentive will help you meet and maintain health goals.

01/06/2026

Each January, we begin the year sharing a bit about Lourdes' history.

Did you know the birth of Lourdes Senior Community can be traced back to the 1800s?

In 1831, the property on the north side of Scott Lake was deeded to Enos and Abigail Silsbee by a government grant.

Two years later the property was sold to Charles Wild and then to Joseph Parshall in 1856.

The property remained in the Parshall family until 1916 when it was sold to Andrew and Emma Moore.
Aaron Mendelson, a Detroit industrialist, and his wife, Jennie, had been searching for some time for lake property on which to build a home as a retreat.

Mendelson…? Hmmm… That’s a name the Lourdes’ family knows well as it is still a major part of our community today.

Aaron Mendelson Purchased the parcel of property from the Moore family in July 1918.

The property consisted of 36 acres of land along Watkins Lake Road between Scott Lake on the south and Trunk Railroad on the north.

Aaron frequently visited the Scott Lake property and was always impressed with its beauty and serenity.
He decided to proceed with building plans for a home for his approaching retirement years and a summer residence for his children and grandchildren.

Aaron moved into his beautiful new home after his retirement from Fisher Body in 1926.
He named his Scott Lake estate Menscola Manor.

Men = Mendeson
SCO = Scott
LA – Lake

Menscola = Mendelson Scott Lake.

The Menscola estate was inherited by Aaron’s son, Herbert, and daughter, Gladys.
Neither family had need for the property.

Consequently, in 1939, in the spirit of their philanthropist father, they donated the estate to Archbishop Edward Mooney of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Check back next Tuesday to learn about Lourdes’ journey from convalescent home to skilled nursing facility.

01/05/2026

At Lourdes Senior Community, love is at the heart of everything we do.

From the compassionate care our staff provides each day to the kindness shared between residents, families, and friends, love guides our actions and strengthens our community.

As we begin this week, may we be reminded that even the smallest acts done with love can make a lasting difference in someone’s life. Let all that you do be done in love. ✨

01/01/2026

🎉✨ Happy New Year from Lourdes Senior Community! ✨🎉
As we welcome a new year, we hope everyone enjoyed a safe and joyful celebration. May the year ahead be filled with good health, peace, and many blessings.

From our Lourdes family to yours, we wish you happiness, hope, and beautiful moments in the year to come.

🎉

12/31/2025

🎉✨ Fox Manor’s Independent Living is celebrating the arrival of 2026 in style! 🎶

With good company, live music that’s lifting spirits, and a feast of delicious food, our New Year’s party is a joyous occasion.

The energy is electric with festive hats and noisemakers adding a touch of fun.

Here’s to new beginnings, cherished friendships, and all the wonderful memories to come in the new year! Cheers to 2026! 🥂🎊

12/25/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from Lourdes Senior Community!

This Christmas morning, we celebrate the joy, hope, and love that arrived with the birth of Christ. May your day be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of those you cherish most.

From our Lourdes family to yours, Merry Christmas — may the light of this day bring peace to your heart and blessings to your home. ✨❤️🎄

12/24/2025

“For to us a child is born… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

Holy God, tonight we light the Christ Candle, celebrating the moment when Your promise became flesh and lived among us. In the quiet glow of this night, we remember that You came not with grandeur, but with gentleness, as a child who would bring hope, joy, love, and peace to the world.

As we gather with family, friends, and community, fill our hearts with the wonder of Christ’s birth. Let the light of this holy night guide us, comfort us, and remind us that Your presence is with us always.

May the miracle of Christmas renew our faith, warm our spirits, and inspire us to carry Christ’s light into the days ahead.

Amen.

12/22/2025

As Christmas approaches, let’s remember that joy often begins with gratitude. Even in busy times, taking a moment to appreciate the people, memories, and blessings around us can lift our spirits and calm our hearts.

Here’s to starting this week with thankfulness and hope.

Address

2300 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford Township, MI
48328

Telephone

+12488865600

Website

http://lourdesseniorcommunity.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lourdes Senior Community posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Lourdes Senior Community:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Waterford Township?