Green House project breaks ground

THE LOG STAFF

June 12, 2008 at 3:17PM AKST

It’s almost here.

The groundbreaking for a new long-term care nursing facility took place May 19, when city representatives and Providence Health and Services Alaska gathered to bless the site.

The new facility is scheduled to open in 2009. It will replace the aging Wesley Care Center.

Designed as a “Green House” project, the facility will feature four individual homes with 10 beds in a home-like setting. The facility will be the first Green House project in Alaska.

“The Green House model of elder care is an innovative approach to how we care for elders within our community,” said Kathleen Kloster, Providence Seward Medical and Care Center administrator.

Green House homes are designed to resemble traditional homes, with a hearth, shared dining room and kitchen, private bedrooms and bathrooms plus access to an outdoor patio. Elders are actively involved in all facets of daily life, from cooking, menu planning, furnishing and individual décor.

Green House models are linked to toward better quality of life for residents, improved health and better relationships with staff.