Tervetuloa: Welcome Home! Care With European Flair
In the late 1950’s and 1960’s, two second generation Finnish gentlemen, Mr. Ed Jarvi and Dr. Aarne Suominen, had an idea to build a safe, comfortable, Finnish-style facility where older Finnish immigrants could spend their golden years.
Almost at the same time, two energetic Finnish ladies – both radio program announcers – were encouraging their listeners to visit local hospitals and nursing homes, bringing some coffee and “pulla” and thus make people inside feel good and not forgotten.
Listeners responded and very soon it became obvious how important it was to have a facility where older Finnish people could spend their retirement years, where their native language was spoken, and familiar customs were practiced.
At the request of Lantana and Lake Worth area Finns, Mr. Sam Miller invited everybody interested to attend a meeting at the Tourist Club on October 21, 1970. At this meeting, Mr. Janger donated the first $75.00 to get the idea off the ground, and it was decided that the Finnish American Rest Home was to be built.
Soon after the meeting, the search for land was started…and found! An 11-acre chicken farm for just over $50,000 with a $750 down payment. Architect Arne Kontturi immediately went to work on the drawings. Opening ceremonies were held March 1, 1974, making this past March our 50th Anniversary!
In the early years, many Finns in the area worked countless hours as volunteers, serving meals, helping in the kitchen, doing laundry, even drying laundry outside to save money and energy. Without these kind-hearted, hard-working individuals, this facility would never have stayed open, and still today volunteers are a big part of our daily routine.
Since 1974, The Finnish-American Rest Home has grown to incorporate many different levels of care: Home Care, allowing seniors to remain in the comfort of their own home and maintain their independence as long as possible, before transitioning to Assisted Living. Our Assisted Living Facility received a deficiency-free certificate of recognition from FALA (FL Assisted Living Association) in 2024. FAV also provides long and short-term rehabilitation, and since 1979, a Skilled Nursing Facility has provided exceptional care to those who require long-term care. In 2024, the FAV SNF was given a 5-star rating by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).
This continuum of care gives Finns and those of all nationalities and cultures the necessary support systems to offer a seamless transition across all stages of life.
The Finnish-American Village believes that true success lies within our company culture: An experienced team and community working in a positive environment creating services that exceed expectations in areas that improve the lives of those in need of care. We continue to promote and cultivate the Finnish culture and traditions while caring for Finnish people and all nationalities.
Our Values
Client Satisfaction: Working together with the client, their families, and the care giver to achieve the highest quality of life while respecting each client’s privacy, dignity and personal rights.
Staff Esteem: Hiring value-driven and intrinsically inspired employees who embody the Finnish American Values to provide the foundation of Excellence in Service.
Anticipatory Service: Our goal is to provide services above and beyond what is customary in today’s private care. We not only want to meet our clients’ needs but anticipate them as well.
Memorable Human Connection: We treat our clients as loved ones, like extended members of the family. Our goal is to foster relationships and establish trust as partners in your healthcare.
The information provided by Finnish-American Village is for thought-provoking and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional healthcare. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your personal needs, requirements, and any medical concerns you may have. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider before making any decisions or changes related to your health and well-being.