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Dirt work is well underway for ConvaCare's new skilled nursing facility. The facility is being constructed on 8.3 acres on the north side of Moore Avenue near the intersection with Llama Drive, near the Lightle Center. ConvaCare Management Incorporated provides management services for Byrd Haven Nursing Home at 105 College Street in Searcy. “This is what is called a culture change home,” said Leah Elliott, director of business development for ConvaCare, “which means much of the look and feel of an institution is taken out and it's made to look and feel more like home.” “The new Byrd Haven nursing home is going to open up an opportunity for 50 new employees,” Elliott said. “Each of the four hallways is set up like a neighborhood, and they'll have their own dining rooms opening into a patio, and a courtyard with walkways and walking paths,” Elliott said. “There will even be a putting green.” A full-size movie projection screen will be available to show cinema-style movies and hooking up to gaming systems. “This concept encourages socialization,” Elliott said. “Some people just don't feel comfortable going in and being in huge groups of people. This breaks it down and makes it feel more comfortable, more personalized.” Current Byrd Haven residents helped break ground for the facility June 10, and the year-long construction project is expected to have a grand opening in July or August 2009. “We will offer the same services as in our current facility,” Elliott said. “We have full rehabilitation services offering physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.” Elliott said it has not been determined what will happen to the old building. Joey Wiggins is president and owner of ConvaCare and Missy Stroud is director of operations. “I know the residents and staff are very excited,” Stroud said. “I've been in this industry for over 27 years and this is a new concept to long-term care. We're trying to make these facilities not seem to clinical. We will still meet and take care of all skilled nursing care needs.” ConvaCare manages locations at Oakdale Nursing Center in Judsonia, Fountain Lake Health and Rehabilitation near Hot Springs, Golden Years Manor in Lonoke, Little Rock Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Little Rock, Rolling Hills Nursing Center in Batesville and Woodland Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Little Rock. ConvaCare's Northridge Healthcare and Rehabilitation in North Little Rock features Pulaski County's only certified all-female Alzheimer's unit. For more information go to ConvaCare.com.
By Warren Watkins |
