Effective Feb. 1, Christian Horizons will be acquiring River Birch Senior Living, located at 4012 Cockrell Lane in Springfield. The transaction will also include 19 acres of land for potential future growth, according to Ray Dickison, chief operating officer for Christian Horizons. However, he said the company is “currently considering different options” and doesn’t have firm plans at this point for the additional land.
River Birch has operated at its current location since 2009 and has 42 units of assisted living, constructed in three separate homes of 14 units each. Dickison said that the upcoming acquisition of River Birch reflects “our commitment to providing some additional living options that meet diverse needs,” noting that the small home model “allows for a more interactive and personal approach to care.”
Christian Horizons, one of the nation’s largest faith-based, nonprofit senior living providers, currently operates 13 communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Iowa. In Springfield, the company operates Lewis Memorial Christian Village at 3400 W. Washington St. which includes independent and assisted living, short-term rehabilitation services and long-term skilled nursing care. Christian Horizons is also the parent company for home health services provider CareLink and Safe Haven Hospice, which have offices at 1999 Wabash Ave.
While the assisted living community will now be known as River Birch Living, Dickison said the current staff will remain in place. “We’re very excited about welcoming River Birch into the Christian Horizons’ ministry and serving the residents,” he said.
