Because of the unique design of the SunPorch of Smith County complex, a few regulatory snags have delayed its opening.
However, “everything has been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction,” Administrator Tammy Pettijohn said. “We anticipate opening our doors within the next several weeks.”
The issues began when SunPorch met with some unexpected scrutiny from federal and state regulatory agencies.
“The interest generated at the state and federal levels reflects how unique we are,” Pettijohn said. “Our design and programs required extra reviews and we wanted to get everything right.
“We are committed to the Green House model, which zeros in on resident-centered care that is far different from that offered in a traditional nursing-home setting,” she added. “Our complex is only the second of its kind in Kansas and we are one of 40 organizations nationwide to adopt this spectacular design.”
For example, all elders will have private rooms, bathrooms and showers.
In addition, the SunPorch staff has undergone extensive training to coincide with this innovative way of caring for elders, Pettijohn noted.
“Our goal every day will be the physical and emotional well-being of our elders,” she said.
Background: Before construction began, SunPorch officials reviewed the architectural plans with governmental agencies.
“Some changes were required and we made those changes,” Pettijohn recalled. “At the half-way point in the project, state agencies inspected us and everything was in compliance.”
Then, in mid-June, final inspections were conducted. They revealed that lighting levels in some public rooms were not sufficient and the concrete safe room in each skilled-nursing building didn’t have the proper venting system.
In addition, the sunroom, which is adjacent to the living room, needed a sink and cabinet.
“There were other items pertaining to the use of certain rooms in the assisted-living complex that required clarification and negotiations with the agencies,” Pettijohn said. “They have all been resolved.”
Ryan Grace, SunPorch executive vice president, said “nothing great is ever accomplished without a struggle. In our attempt to push the limit of what can be done in senior living, we ran into situations in which we had to push back, rather than just follow the rules.
“We believe we are helping re-write the rules and evaluating how we can avoid the institutional model of care,” Grace continued. “All this is being done to improve the lives of those we care for.”
Specific changes include upgrading the brightness of the lighting and increasing the size of three exhaust fans in the beauty shop and laundry rooms.
“Many traditional facilities are dark and dreary because of decades-old standards,” Grace noted. “Our complex is light and bright. There is nothing unsafe here. All standards have been met or exceeded in all circumstances.”
Landscaping is scheduled for the fall when grass and other plantings have the best chance of success.
Grace also noted that “meaningful opportunities for activities and socialization will be offered. And we have a very welcoming courtyard and shaded areas for outdoor enjoyment.”
At this point, 22 elders are ready to move into the skilled-nursing building on day one; there is a waiting list of 17. Another five people have reserved assisted-living apartments in the 12-unit complex; one- and two-bedroom homes are available, with meals provided.
The federal and state agencies involved in the inspections include: the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; USDA Rural Development; Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services; and Kansas State Fire Marshal Office.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is the construction bank; Rural Development is financing a permanent loan with LISC.
