Begining phases of new Elders complex comes 'together'

Observer Staff

3/8/2005 12:00:00 AM

In our younger days living on or near the reservation, all generations lived together in one home.

Grandmother Nancy came to live with us when I was one-month-old. She helped Mom with many things including caring for the children, sewing and cooking. In reality I had two mothers or a live-in baby-sitter. We were mighty happy.

The reason I'm telling you about our home life is because we have something new in the near future for our Elders.

Close your eyes and vision this-80,000-square-feet of multipurpose facility apartments for Elders 50-years of age and older.

Located near the woods, Elders will be able to stroll through the trees and reminisce of younger times.

Construction on the 16 independent apartments, 24 assisted apartments and 16 studio dementia units, is expected to begin this spring and open in the fall of 2006.

The independent apartments boast over 900-square-feet of living space with one master bedroom and den, a second bedroom, kitchen, living room and a private entrance. Laundry and house keeping services will be available.

Assisted living quarters will be identical to the independent apartments, but will have registered nurses and care attendants available 24-hours a day to provide personal care, medications, meals and much more.

Elders with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease will have more intense nursing, as well as indoor and outdoor walking gardens.

Supportive services will include transportation, snow removal and emergency grants.

The housing units are designed like a neighborhood with eight apartments connected to the Sowmick Senior Center and a common gathering space for activities and dining services.

When Mom had Alzheimer's Disease I took care of her even though she didn't know I was her daughter. It was hard work, but I enjoyed giving back to her as she had done for me as a child.

All of this sounds so amazing. What a great source of pride to be able to provide a positive future for our Elders, who have given us what we have today and provide a link to our past.

Having a charming place to live among your peers with organized activities sounds like so much fun. The Elders facility gives you a reason to hurry and get old just to be a part of it.

Residency applications will be available April 1 and may be obtained by calling (989) 775-4550. Additional information is also available in brochure form or by contacting (989) 775-4593.

"God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll save a room for you."

-Nokomis