A lot of visitors at Evening's Porch say they would like to stay there.
That suits Erin Youngblood just fine.
The director of the new assisted living facility in Bayfield welcomed the first client to the new home last week.
She and other residents will enjoy amenities such as 24-hour staffing, three meals a day and snacks, cleaning services, a beauty salon and exercise room, spa tub, and extra services such as massages and colon therapy.
Non-medical assisted living fills the gap between someone not being able to stay at home alone and full nursing home care, explained Youngblood.
The newly renovated building has 11 rooms and a capacity of 16 residents. Each room has its own telephone, TV, bathroom with a sitting shower, and heat and air-conditioning controls. Call buttons are beside each bed and in the bathrooms. Residents can help cook and do their own laundry if they wish, or leave that to staff. The home also can administer up to five medications and help manage medical appointments.
There also will be daily activities, including arts and crafts, book club, yoga, movie matinees, trips to malls and Sky Ute Casino, and more.
Most of the people inquiring about the facility are children of parents who are 80 or older, Youngblood said. Handling housework, eating and drinking enough and remembering medications just becomes too difficult for many seniors in that age group, she explained. Assisted living also might be an option for some people with long-term care needs, but all residents need to be at least 18.
"The quality of life goes up," in assisted living, Youngblood said, with more social interaction, adequate food and hydration, and better monitoring of medicines and daily health.
Youngblood, a resident of Bayfield, has a masters degree in social work and has experience in home health and hospice care. Charmayne Uptain, the resident caregiver, lives onsite and is joined by Jessica Martin, the caregiver supervisor. The staff is comprised of certified nursing assistants, which is a higher level of certification for assisted living facilities than required by state law, Youngblood said. The facility is owned by Lee McCutcheon, also of Bayfield.
The rooms range in size from 366 to 572 square feet. Residents can provide their own furniture, or furnished rooms are available. Holistic care options will be offered, and the staff wants to use local and organic foods as much as possible, Youngblood added.
Schools or youth groups that want to visit Evening's Porch to perform or offer activities are welcome, as well. "We believe in being part of the community," she said.
A comfortable commons area has the look and feel of a big living room, with a fireplace, puzzles and library. Windows and a large deck and a walking path provide mountain views. Couples can live in the same room, and there also are two guest rooms for visitors. Evening's Porch is located on U.S. Highway 160 on the east end of Bayfield.
Youngblood is planning an open house later this fall. Inquiries or appointments for tours are available at 884-0101 or by visiting www.eveningsporch.com. Private pay and long-term care insurance is accepted.
