After months of anticipation, the new Bashaw Meadows seniors’ complex has become home for more than 30 residents, beginning this week.
“We planned to move in the 25 residents of Bashaw Valley Lodge on June 10, and then the 11 long-term-care residents from Bashaw Care Centre on Tuesday (June 11),” manager Donna Schiele said last Friday.
“We are very happy and the lodge residents got to see their rooms for the first time today.
“It’s beautiful — nice and open — and the rooms are so much bigger.”
Bashaw Meadows has been under construction since December 2011.
Built in 1966, the Bashaw Valley Lodge will be emptied over the next few weeks as the move continues into the 63-unit Bashaw Meadows, which already has a waiting list, Schiele said.
She said seniors on a lower income would be given “top priority” by Bethany Group, which operates the new home.
Bashaw Meadows features 33 lodge living spaces, with six one-bedroom units to accommodate couples. Operators say the rooms offer “the privacy and comfort of home, while providing a community setting with an active and carefree lifestyle.”
The seniors’ complex includes 30 rooms for designated-supportive living.
While the “official grand opening” isn’t until September, residents were already excited to move in this week.
“Now, I don’t mind spending the rest of my life in this new complex,” said Paul Laverdiere, 87, a Bashaw Valley Lodge resident for about a year. “I will like it much better and the appliances are wonderful.”
Other residents welcomed the larger living spaces.
“Bathrooms are big and spacious,” said Lydia Mulzet, 96.
“I like the whole place and I have been thinking about where to put my furniture in my room. I’ll be glad when the move is over.”
Her friend agreed with Mulzet’s view of the new seniors’ home
“It’s beautiful, said Elizabeth Cartier, 90. “Once we get our furniture in, we’ll be able to tell how it feels, much better.
“My daughter says it’s great.”
One longtime Bashaw couple had somewhat mixed feelings.
“We’re not used to this kind of living,” said Mary Buelow, 94.
“I guess we’ll get used to it,” said her husband, Walter, 95.
“We’ll have a wonderful view of the valley.”
Bethany says it provides basic room furnishings, though most residents planned to bring in their own.
Extra costs include hairdressing, telephone and TV service, and parking.
Residents are “under full care, with a licensed nurse on duty for 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” management said.