December 15, 2003
On November 18, The Bethel City Council voted to approve Ordinance 03-14, leasing the land next to the Lulu Herron Center to YKHC for an assisted living home.
An assisted living home, which would have a resident trained staff of personal care attendants and nurses, would be a transitional stage between independent living facilities for Elders, such as the Lulu Herron Center, and a nursing home. The long term plan includes a first step of constructing an assisted living center. Additional future steps include the addition of a nursing home on the YKHC Regional Hospital campus.
"I would like to thank the City of Bethel and the Bethel City Council for authorizing the land lease agreement to build an assisted living home," said YKHC President/ CEO Gene Peltola, "Now we can roll up our sleeves and move forward to make assisted living and operational reality in our region."
The proposed facility would accommodate 18 Elders, but would be built to allow future expansion as the population of elders needing the services is expected to increase.
YKHC currently provides ongoing home-based services to approximately 200 people in 37 villages. These Elders receive assistance with activities of daily living. Some could be better served in a residential facility with 24-hour supervision and assistance available.
The Bethel Assisted Living Steering Committee,--representing YKHC, AVCP Housing, AVCP Inc., City of Bethel, Calista Elders Council, ONC, BNC, BCS, Alaska Legal Services, and Disability Law Center--has been studying the needs and options for an assisted living home for two years. A feasibility study commissioned by the group concluded, "Having a choice of settings within the region will enhance the quality of life for many people, allowing them the freedom and independence to choose where they want to live, and to live the way they want."
YKHC and the Steering Committee would like to thank all those who came to the City Council Meeting Nov. 18 to support the assisted living home project. Special thanks to Home Care Director Liz Lee for her efforts in moving the project along and providing so much support for community involvement.
Download brochure (pdf): Assisted Living: The Next Step In The Care Of Our Elders Download site plans, floor plans, elevations