Benedictine Health System will break ground this spring on a new model of skilled nursing care at the Cerenity Senior Care site in White Bear Lake, according to a press release from BHS.
A “small house” model is to be the first in three phases of a building plan that also is to include a three-level addition to the skilled nursing facility, which is to break ground in 2012. A third phase will add three levels to the independent and assisted living facility, after phase two is completed.
The small house model “changes everything about how long-term care has traditionally been provided,” said Dale Thompson, BHS president and CEO. “The elders will reside in private suites designed for privacy and comfort, with ample community living space for a household experience.”
According to BHS, the proposed small house will be a one-level, 9,000-square-foot building with 12 to 15 private rooms and baths with a shared kitchen, dining and living room area and an enclosed outdoor area.
Residents will lead their lives independently, as they would in their own homes. They may assist with cooking and household tasks and take part in a variety of activities that interest them.
Elder assistants will be trained in CPR, first aid, safe food handling, household operations and spiritual care.
The certified nursing assistants and medication aides will be responible for direct care, cooking, laundry and housekeeping.
Although similar residence care for assisted living and adult foster care has been available in Minnesota, the small house model will be “positioned to provide a higher level of care” because of its immediate proximity to Cerenity Senior Care at the corner of Florence Street and Third Avenue, according to BHS, which is working with the Minnesota Department of Health on the licensing process.
For more information on the new small house model, visit http://www.bhshealth.org.
