With the ever-rising numbers of nursing home abuse and neglect, nursing homes constantly need to upgrade their facilities in order to provide the care their patients need. Golden LivingCenter nursing home in Erie, Pennsylvania is taking things a step further. On July 8th they are breaking ground on a brand new nursing home dubbed the “nursing home of the future.” Golden Living believes they will bring a new level of superior eldercare to northwestern Pennsylvania. Aaron Ackley, Executive Director of Golden LivingCenter said, “We’re thrilled to be launching our new building at the groundbreaking ceremony on July 8. Spaciousness, comfort, efficiency and high technology will be the hallmarks of the new facility, which has been designed around a ‘resident-centered care’ model of eldercare. The new building’s design puts the needs of the resident first, and creates a more welcoming environment. It also gives them more autonomy and choice.”
The new LivingCenter will be divided into five separate and self-contained “neighborhoods” — each with accommodations for 20 to 30 people. Each neighborhood features its own living room, private dining area and “country kitchen” where residents can eat according to their own schedules or grab a snack whenever they want. Also the new LivingCenter will provide a variety of specialized services. One of the neighborhoods will be a 24-bed Alzheimer’s Care Unit devoted exclusively to meeting the unique needs of Alzheimer’s patients. There also will be a dedicated 21-bed short-term rehabilitation unit tailored to treating adults of all ages who are in need of intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy services with the goal of returning home.
In addition wireless technology will be utilized throughout the building. Residents, family members and other visitors will be able to take advantage of the building’s high-speed wireless Internet connections. Ten common-area computers also will be available to residents. “The use of wireless technology throughout the new building will help our clinical staff provide the best care possible,” noted Ackley. “For example, we will be using the system for more efficient and accurate computerized record keeping and medication management.”
Golden LivingCenter seems to be building the facility needed to provide quality care for its elderly residents. It will be exciting to see the benefits the “nursing home of the future” can provide. Hopefully nursing homes across the nation will follow Golden Living Center’s lead and provide superior care and facilities for our loved ones.
For more information, click here.