Plainville will become home for new assisted-living facility

May 4, 2007, By STACIE SANDALL  Hays Daily News

PLAINVILLE — Soon, some Rooks County seniors will be able to sit in the relaxing atmosphere of a juice and coffee bar while chatting with friends, then walk a dozen yards or so home to watch television. They will be able to enjoy lounging on a porch overlooking a manicured landscape, or take a walk through the gardens.

Rooks County Senior Services Nursing Home is in the last architectural phase of constructing Plainville’s first assisted-living center. Groundbreaking is expected to happen in July, said Administrator Fontella Fant. “The need is substantial,” Fant said. “There isn’t anything available. Hays is the nearest one that I know of.” Fant said the 11,000-square-foot building should be completed one year from the start date. It’s a cooperative project between the Rooks County Commission and the nursing home. The commission has provided resources to the building.

Those who would utilize the facility, to be attached to the nursing home, are those who float between independent and nursing home-ready. “They don’t need a nursing home, they just need a little bit of attention,” Fant said, citing help taking medication and or walking as examples. “But they’re just not independent either.”  Around-the-clock aid will be available by nursing home staff, as the two buildings will be connected by a hallway and an automatic call system will be installed.

Having a facility in Plainville will allow people to stay “at home,” around their families and the people they know.

The building will feature 12 private or companion suite units, with showers, wall-to-wall carpeting, quality interior design and utilities. The monthly phone and cable are not included. Also planned are a 24-hour coffee and juice bar, wrap-around porch and terrace, sun room and media, living room and television areas. Landscaping is planned for the outdoors, as well as gardens and walk areas.

A private dining room for family or guests will be available. Residents are offered three meals each day and snacks throughout the day. Weekly housekeeping, daily trash removal, weekly personal laundry service, scheduled group transportation, daily afternoon socials, and several types of social, educational, devotional and recreational programs are all part of the services.

Additional help and care services include hygiene, grooming, dressing, socializing, medicating, continence management, safety management and eating assistance. Along with having a new assisted-living facility, the entire complex will gain a new kitchen and laundry to service both the facility and the nursing home.

Rooks County Senior Services is a nine-member non-profit corporation that was formed last year at the request of the county commission.

Reporter Stacie R. Sandall can be reached at (785) 628-1081, Ext. 136, or by e-mail at ssandall@dailynews.net.

Redbud Village new name of facility

Rooks County Senior Services will now be doing business as Redbud Village.  The nursing center will be called Redbud Court with the new Assisted Living facility called Redbud Estates.  The new names are part of the branding process currently underway with the organization, which includes new colors, logos, and marketing materials.

Redbud Estates is a joint effort between the Rooks County Commission and Rooks County Senior Services.  The County Commission has committed resources to the building of this complex for the benefit of the elderly of the county.  They believe that it is important to provide health and social support services for our elderly citizens.

Redbud Estates will be licensed as an Assisted Living residence specifically designed for elders who need some assistance with daily living, but do not need around the clock, 24-hour, nursing care.  Redbud Estates will contain nearly 10,000 square feet with 12 Private or companion suites of 450 square feet complete with bathroom and shower.

For more information, contact Fontella Fant, Administrator, at 785-434-4536, or visit the new website at www.rookscountyss.org.