A message from Orange City Area Health System CEO Marty Guthmiller that was included in our recent HealthLines newsletter …
To our valued patients, families, and stakeholders:
As a trusted healthcare partner, with a mission of providing a continuum of care throughout the generations, one of the areas we feel we are not “winning” at is in the ability to meet seniors’ needs in a timely manner for senior care, namely Prairie Ridge Care Center. Often times the wait is entirely too long – occasionally approaching two years. How to address this “wait time” was a critical factor in our strategic planning this year.
One option, of course, was to simply add beds/rooms at Prairie Ridge. While licensing capacity would allow this, and monies could be made available, staffing these beds is a major concern. Building more rooms is easy. Finding people to work, especially the vital nurses and nurse assistants, is very difficult for the forseeable future.
Another option emerged that may help slow the need/demand for services at Prairie Ridge. That is to consider expanding some services at Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community, located adjacent to Prairie Ridge on our Senior Care Campus. In some cases, that would be an effective, lower cost option for seniors, delaying the need for nursing home care.
As we explored this option, the strategy of “Landsmeer – the Next 25” emerged. It’s been nearly 25 years since Landsmeer opened, and planning is now underway to “re-tool” this facility and its services for the next 25 years. Key elements of “Landsmeer – the Next 25” include a completely new kitchen built outside the current footprint of the facility. Upon completion of the new kitchen, the current kitchen will be converted into a bistro/coffee shop, and new formal and informal dining options. A new community room will be added, as well as four new assisted living one-bedroom units. Various other improvements and functionality will be added as well. We expect to start this project in late Fall 2022 or early Spring 2023, with completion varying over the course of a year.
Yet another senior living option for those age 55-plus that is currently in the development stage is “Kanaal Huis” – Dutch for Canal House, to be located in a new division referred to as The Canals.
The Canals is a jointly-developed project by Orange City Area Health Foundation and Vision Builders. It consists of an approximate 20-acre site immediately south of the PuddleJumper Trail and OC Trailers. It will consist of three separate components – single family homes, twin homes, and a 36-unit condominium (Kanaal Huis). The single family homes must comply with the covenants requiring Dutch architecture, and lots will be offered by Vision Builders. The twin homes will be built, and offered for sale, by Vision Builders, and will also feature Dutch architecture. Owners of a single family home or twin home will have access to all the amenities of Kanaal Huis.
Kanaal Huis, owned and managed by Orange City Area Health Foundation, will be a three-story condominium featuring Dutch architecture and 36 individual units. It is expected that occupancy rights will be sold by the Foundation. In addition to amenities such as a fitness center, party room, clubhouse, and outdoor area, owners within Kanaal Huis will also enjoy priority placement – if and when needed – in either Landsmeer Ridge or Prairie Ridge. Construction is expected to begin Fall of 2022.
From Kanaal Huis to Landsmeer to Prairie Ridge, the senior living and care continuum within Orange City Area Health System will be well-positioned to offer peace of mind, safety, security, and quality of life for seniors during various phases of life.
For more information, please see the 4-page insert inside this newsletter, or at this link — and watch for upcoming community meetings/forums, a social medial presence, and other communications from me and our team.
Thank you for trusting us for a lifetime of care.
