01
Bathing, dressing and grooming
Unhurried help, at each resident's own pace.
Included
Est. 1987 · Council Grove, Kansas
Caring for Morris County's own since 1987.
A Kansas home plus for twelve, up the hill from Main Street. Three generations of one family have run it, and many of our caregivers' grandparents lived here.
Our story
Started by a farm wife with a big kitchen and a long memory.
In 1987 Edna Brunner took in her neighbor, then her neighbor's sister, then a retired schoolteacher from Dunlap who had nowhere else to go. By the end of that year the big limestone house on Belfry Street was a licensed home with twelve residents and a waiting list. Edna ran it for twenty-two years. Her daughter-in-law Gail runs it now, and Gail's son Tyler keeps the books and the furnace running.
Not much has changed that did not need to. Supper is still at five-thirty. The porch still faces the Neosho. And the people who care for our residents are still mostly from Council Grove, White City and Dwight, which means they often knew your mother before she moved in.
— Gail Brunner, owner and operator
- 1987the year the Brunners opened the doors
- 12residents, each in a private room
- 3generations of Brunners at the front desk
- 22years our longest-serving caregiver has worked here
What sets us apart
What three generations have kept the same
02
Three home-cooked meals
Edna's recipes still: bierocks, pot roast Sundays and rhubarb pie in May.
Included
03
Porch evenings by the river
Supper's done, the porch light is on and the Neosho goes by.
IncludedPhoto tour
Life on Belfry Street
Sample family reviews
From Morris County families
My grandmother lived here in 1995. Now my mother does. Same porch, same pie, and Rita knew both of them.
Dad farmed outside Dwight for sixty years. They let him feed the hens every morning, and he has opinions about every one of them.
Tyler sat with me for two hours sorting out the VA paperwork. He would not let me leave until it was done right.
We live in Kansas City. The weekly phone call from Gail is how I know my mother is doing well, and it has never once been late.
Mother taught first grade in White City for thirty-one years. Two of her old students work here now. She still calls them by their last names.
The quilt they finished in the parlor last winter is on my bed. Mom put in about three stitches and supervised the rest.
When Dad passed, the whole staff came to the funeral. That is Council Grove, and that is Elm Hollow.
For families
For families
How things work around here.
- 01
Visiting
Come any time. The back door is open from seven to eight; after that, ring the bell.
- 02
The Sunday call
Gail or Rita calls every family each Sunday afternoon with the week's news.
- 03
Service plan meetings
Before move-in, every quarter and whenever needs change, with our nurse at the table.
- 04
Laundry and labels
Label clothing with a name. We launder everything here and return it folded.
Insurance & payment
Paying for care
Tyler walks every family through cost before move-in. These are the usual ways care is paid for in Kansas.
Private pay
Most families pay monthly. Your written agreement lists every fee.
Long-term care insurance
Many policies cover care in a home plus. We help with the claim paperwork.
VA Aid & Attendance
Eligible veterans and surviving spouses may receive a monthly pension toward care.
KanCare
Some residents qualify for home and community based services through KanCare. Ask us whether it applies.
Our team
The folks who run the house
Gail Brunner
Owner and operator
Joanne Pfeifer, RN
Consulting registered nurse
Rita Sauceda, CMA
Lead caregiver
Marcus Lee, CNA
Night caregiver
Rooms & suites
Rooms in the old house
Every room is private. Bring the bed you sleep best in, or use ours.
01
Front room
Tall windows facing Belfry Street and the old elms, with space for a bed, dresser and rocking chair.
- Private room
- Ceiling fan
- Street view
02
River-side room
Looks out over the back porch toward the Neosho. Quiet, and the first room to get the sunrise.
- Private room
- River view
- Near the porch door
03
Main-floor room with bath
No stairs and a private bath with a walk-in shower, for residents who use a walker or wheelchair.
- Private bath
- Walk-in shower
- No steps
04
Couple's room
Our largest room, with space for two beds or one big one, and a sitting corner by the window.
- For couples
- Sitting area
- Private bath
Ratings & recognition · sample
- Est. 1987 · family owned for three generations
- Council Grove Chamber · Business of the Year (sample)
- Readers' Choice · Best Senior Care in Morris County (sample)
- Kansas home plus · licensed since 1987
- Family survey · 99% would recommend (sample)
Activities & dining
A week at Elm Hollow
A sample week. The real calendar hangs by the kitchen door and goes home to families each month.
Mon
- Coffee and the Council Grove Republican, read aloud
- Quilting in the parlor
Tue
- Pitch tournament
- Hen house chores with Rita
Wed
- Hymn sing with First Methodist volunteers
- Chair exercise
Thu
- Beauty shop day (every other week)
Now hiring
Grew up around here? Good with people? We would like to meet you.
Visit
Up the hill from the Post Office Oak
- 214 Belfry Street
Council Grove, KS
Park in the gravel lot behind the house. A paved path leads to the back porch, which has the ramp. - (620) 555-0148
- Text us
- frontporch@elmhollow.example
- Elm Hollow Home Plus
Tour & office hours
- Tours, Mon – Sat9a – 5p
- Office, Mon – Fri8a – 4p
- Families visitAny time
Supper is at five-thirty sharp. Families are welcome at the table any night.
Come sit on the porch that's faced the river since 1987.
Gail gives every tour herself. Call or text, or pick a time below.