More contemporary retirement facility dedicated Thursday
After more than 40 years, the retirement home attached to the Jennie Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow just wasn’t enough.
Regulations for such facilities had changed. Residents’ needs had changed. While it used to be that most residents could get around by walker, many now needed help with tasks such as using the bathroom and getting into bed. The answer came with Brookestone View, a new facility that was dedicated Thursday. Residents move in Nov. 1.
There was no way to meet the changing needs without a changing facility, said Michael Steckler, president of the medical center. Three years ago, medical center officials met with Vetter Senior Living Inc., and construction on Brookestone View began about one year ago, he said.
The new facility allows for more activity and dining space, as well as views of fields and parks from its windows, Steckler said. Communication systems have also changed. Instead of call alarms and beeps, residents can communicate with staff via a walkie-talkie-like system. Add in new amenities and furniture and “it’s just very, very beautiful,” Steckler said.
Steckler said the new facility will meet the needs of residents for decades to come and also gives staff at the hospital new opportunities: They look to make the old retirement home into a medical clinic.
