Mary Lou's Country Home

Alterna-Care Home Health System was founded in 1990 by five registered nurses who wanted to provide physicians and their patients a higher quality of home healthcare; free from the bureaucracy found in many hospital-based agencies.  The dream of these five nurses was to establish a free-standing home health agency that understood the constant demands of a physician’s time, but more importantly, understood that compassion coupled with expert care in the home will speed the healing process.   This simple philosophy became the cornerstone of an organization that constantly strives to provide the highest quality of care to as many people possible.

1992 marked the first year that Alterna-Care’s philosophy became a realization when private duty services became available to those who did not meet Medicare qualifications.  Alterna-Care expanded its services again in 1994, when it recognized the need to provide hospice services to terminally ill patients and their families while remaining in their own homes.  Adding these additional services made Alterna-Care the most comprehensive home health organization in central Illinois.  Today, Alterna-Care Home Health System is the only organization in central Illinois where an individual, regardless of their Medicare status, level of care, or their stage in life can receive the care they deserve in the comfort of their home. 

The quality of home healthcare that only Alterna-Care can provide should be available to as many people as possible, which is why we are committed to expanding our services to as many areas as possible.

Mary Lou's Country Home is an enchanting assisted living community in Buffalo, Illinois. It is within scenic Sangamon County which is part of the Prairie State.

Assisted living is a valuable option for those that require help with everyday tasks but do not require medical assistance. Situated on over an acre, our secured home is the Bed and Breakfast of Assisted Living.  We offer residents country living at its finest with fresh air, local wildlife and home cooked meals – just 15 minutes east of Springfield.

Along with the beautiful living quarters and fully furnished rooms, our staff builds strong bonds by getting to know the residents well to better understand their unique needs.

Whether you or a loved one needs long-term residency or short-term respite care, Mary Lou’s Country Home can accommodate those needs and help to prevent caregiver burnout.

Services Provided:

• Long and short term residency options
• Day care and respite care
• Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments
• 24 hour care and supervision
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Private dining with family in the dining room
• Beautician on site weekly
• Social activities that are focused on fun, physical exercise, mental stimulation or relaxation

Mary Lou’s boasts the ability to draw from our highly skilled team of health care professionals as we work to care for your family as we would our own.  By offering a small, homelike environment with a long-standing staff, we can ensure thorough care and quicker help:

• RNs     
• LPNs
• CNAs     
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Physical Therapists     
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Therapists   
• Medical Social Worker
• Nurse Practitioners     
• Physician Consultants