| By Vic Olson Planning continues for an August construction start for “Heritage Cottages” on the east side of the county-owned Heritage Living Community (HLC) in Park Rapids. The 18-unit building has been proposed for memory care/enhanced care assisted living that reflects the evolving and changing philosophy of care for persons who can no longer live independently. The latest plans for the building were presented to the Hubbard County board at its last meeting prior to the city of Park Rapids holding a public hearing on a conditional use permit to demolish the “A” wing on the HLC campus and build the addition. Those plans are a slight revision of drawings presented last March. The size of the building has been reduced about 2,000 sq. ft. by consolidating some of the common areas that serve the two sides of nine-rooms each. The estimated cost has also been reduced from $1.9 million to $1.65 million, plus $35,000 for demolition and $55,000 for asbestos abatement. County funds would not be used for the addition, but the county would be responsible for the long-term tax exempt bonds financing construction that would be augmented by $80,000 from the Friends of Heritage. The facility would be an alternative to the traditional nursing home of a corridor with rooms on each side, said Kurt Hansen, HLC administrator, explaining the cottage concept. Three different studies indicate that there is demand for the services of the building. The number of beds in the skilled nursing service home that is county-owned has been reduced while apartments for independent living and assisted living have been built. The state continues to gear its funding in that direction as well. The base rate rental cost for the cottages unit was estimated last spring at $3,400 per month. The cost prompted Doc Carlson to ask who could afford to live in the units, but other commissioners said they were cheaper than skilled nursing homes, which would cost about $4,000 per month. Many use life savings or proceeds from the sale of property to pay rental costs. Commissioners have not objected to the cottages plan, but earlier in the meeting an HLC employee in the activity department, Teresa Drewes read a statement that called for a plan that reflects “the special needs of residents” with Alzheimer’s. “These individuals often have a need to wander,” she said. “An unobstructed path that facilitates ‘finding their way’ is needed.” She also said the proposed kitchen was “hotelish” and the secured memory care addition next to the park may block access for others in the HLC. The commissioners did not discuss her remarks when presented, nor during the plan presentation. |