Supporting residents with comfort, compassion

Alden Estates of Barrington Rehabilitation and Health Care Center Barrington, Illinois

PROJECT SUMMARY

Type of Facility/Setting: Rehabilitation and Health Center

Owner: Alden Group Ltd.

Chief Administrator: Greg Nienaber

Architecture and Interior Design: Alden Design Group

Photography: Cheryl Debes/Alden Management Services; Scott McDonald-Hedrich Blessing

Resident Capacity: 150

Total Project Area (sq. ft.): 59,500

Remodeling Cost: $4.5 million

Cost/sq.ft: $75.63

In the late 1960s, the grandfather of Alden Management Services President Floyd A. Schlossberg’s wife fell ill and required 24-hour nursing care, but her family’s financial situation did not allow for care in a private specialty home. Schlossberg knew there had to be other older adults in similar circumstances. Therefore, in 1971, he opened his first skilled nursing facility. In December 2003, Alden assumed management of Alden Estates of Barrington. Four years after taking over, Alden Estates completed a top-to-bottom multimillion dollar renovation to meet the needs of the growing Baby Boomer generation. Its grand reopening was January 18, 2007.

“We knew when we assumed ownership that we would need to make a major investment to bring the building, campus, and programs up to Alden’s standards and the community’s expectations for top-quality, post-hospital healthcare in an exclusive setting,” says Robert Molitor, chief operating officer, Alden Management Services. “We believe that a pleasant environment promotes healing and wellness and aids in the recovery process.”

Alden Estates of Barrington combines a state-of-the-art rehabilitation and healthcare center with many of the comforts of home. The lobby is welcoming and conducive to socialization. Warm, rich color tones in the wall coverings, furniture, and carpet complement the wood finishes and crown moldings. The jewel-like colors inspire confidence and provide a cheerful atmosphere, while the leaf motif in the custom carpet infuses the project with a lively, energetic, and organic feeling.

The latest electronic amenities are incorporated into resident rooms, including flat-screen televisions and bedside telephones with voicemail and wireless Internet access is available throughout the building. In addition, the layout of the vanity and toilet fixtures in resident bathrooms was reconfigured for easier access. To address safety, a 24-hour closed-circuit security system monitors all common areas.

Throughout the facility, new crown molding, hand rails, door trim, light fixtures, and ceiling tiles were added to all corridors, and new cabinets and Corian countertops were installed. To complete the project, the mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and plumbing systems were reconfigured and reconstructed.

Spacious therapy/rehabilitation rooms are equipped with the most state-of-the-art equipment, such as Dynatron 950 Plus electrotherapy/ultrasound unit and a NuStep TRS 400 recumbent bike to help restore patients to maximum functional independence as quickly as possible. Orthopedic, cardiac, and neurological rehabilitation as well as a respiratory unit with piped-in oxygen are also offered.

Entering the dining room, residents are greeted by a hostess and served by a trained wait staff-with meals presented on fine china in an elegant setting. The main dining room features a wood-burning fireplace, chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grounds. The dining room also offers a salad and soup bar, and an a la carte menu with a variety of meal options. Adjacent to the main dining room, there is an inviting ice cream parlor where residents and their guests can enjoy a variety of specialty creations-even fresh popcorn from an old-fashioned popcorn cart.

Adding to these interior design positives, Alden Estates of Barrington, an attractive brick building, is situated on beautifully landscaped grounds with a decorative natural stone pathway and bridge that crosses over a picturesque Koi pond. Here residents, staff, and guests can enjoy the beauty of the seasonal flowers and foliage. Inside and out, patients, visitors, and staff are treated and comforted in a truly restorative atmosphere.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.