St. Luke Lutheran Community is building a major addition on the North Canton campus with an estimated construction cost of 7.7 million dollars. The 41,000 square foot addition will house a state-of-the-art, short term rehabilitation center and assisted living that can accommodate the needs of individuals with memory impairment.
Dr. John L. Spieler, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated that the project is critically important to the mission of St. Luke and represents our commitment to the region and older adults. The project is modeled after the nationally acclaimed neighborhood concept reflected in pictures here from the recent additions to St. Luke – Portage Lakes and St. Luke – Minerva. The design significantly changes the perception of nursing homes for residents, staff, and families from one of an institution to a more home-like environment. The first floor of the addition will be a rehabilitation center for patients requiring short term nursing and comprehensive rehabilitation care. The rehabilitation center will include 24 private rooms with lounges and private dining. The 19-unit assisted living facility will have a separate entrance and will be equipped with secure features to support residents with Alzheimer’s.
The state-of-the-art rehabilitation center boasts ample room for physical, occupational and speech therapy with three private rehab suites including new equipment purchased through the generous support of the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation. The rehab center is complete with a mock-apartment including a full kitchen, washer and dryer, bedroom and bathroom to mimic common scenarios faced upon returning home.
The new addition is designed to provide care in a setting which supports the concept of person-centered care. According to Evelyn Moore, Executive Director, “The project will allow St. Luke to provide the type of environment and amenities that meet the expectations of current consumers. In today’s world, individuals expect private rooms and facilities that feel more like their home.” Having 24 private rehabilitation rooms will make for more private rooms in the existing nursing home. Funding for the project is through PNC Bank and a tax-exempt bond issue. Construction began with Welty Construction in September 2014. The project will be completed by April 2016.
As completion nears, renovations have already begun in the existing building beginning with a redesign of the nurses’ station, lounges and bathing area in the memory support neighborhood. Plans for Phase II renovations are being secured with anticipated completion in 2018. The renovations are more complex than the addition because the areas are occupied by residents. St. Luke is working with professionals from Olivieri Construction who understand the difficulties and are accommodating the needs of residents, families and staff.
To be part of the exciting changes at St. Luke – North Canton or to express future interest and add your name to the waiting list, please contact Valerie LeFever or Theresa Thomas in the Admissions Department at
(330) 499-8341, online at www.StLukeLutheranCommunity.org and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/St.LukeLutheranCommunity.
St. Luke Lutheran Community is a faith-based, regional, not-for-profit provider of senior services including independent living, assisted living, skilled and intermediate nursing, memory support, in/out-patient therapy and respite care with locations in North Canton, Minerva and Portage Lakes. For more information please visit www.StLukeLutheranCommunity.org, call or email Kristie Woods, Director of Development & Community Relations, at (330) 966-5626 or kwoods@stllc.org.
St: Lukes North Canton
