MCPHERSON, Kan. — The Cedars retirement community in McPherson recently completed the updating and remodeling of their Assisted Living Community Area. A ribbon-cutting with the McPherson Chamber of Commerce was held on June 8.
The Cedars is the longest continuous retirement community in the State of Kansas and has been serving their residents for over 130 years.
The project reflects The Cedars’ desire to capitalize on the importance of having a space for residents to be able to socialize and build relationships within their community. This rang true especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting people out of their apartments and enjoying the outdoors was something that The Cedars wanted to improve upon.
The newly refreshed area offers a technology center, a coffee bar, and restaurant-style dining with both indoor and outdoor dining area options. There are also areas to watch television, read, sit by the fireplace, or maybe do some work on one of the computers. Then there is space for families to gather no matter what the size.
The remodel of the Assisted Living Community Area was carefully designed with the residents in mind. The remodel committee consisted of three of the independent-living residents and four Cedars employees.
"What we had was a cafeteria in some ways, and a space that didn’t invite people to come down in between eating experiences or trying to create spaces for people to come down, for family members to be here," LaMonte Rothrock, CEO at The Cedars, said. "A lot of you would remember during COVID family members weren’t even allowed in. We’re trying to create spaces again to get people out of their apartments. We understand the social/emotional piece so well that we need to provide those opportunities for people to interact with each other. So that was really the motivation behind this project."
To accomplish that, different spaces were created within the area.
The comfort issue, such as it being too cold in the winter, was addressed by moving the exterior door providing an airlock to keep it more insulated. Sitting areas around the fireplace were opened to make a very comfortable area for conversation.
There is also a desk and computer area accessible to residents.
One area of the space has a nice countertop and serving area which can facilitate cooking classes or presentations. Areas for dining were adjusted and can now easily accommodate any size of gathering.
Essentially, the Assisted Living Community Area was opened up and made much more flexible as a living space.
"This area will be the hub of socialization, active lifestyles, and community building for many, many years to come," Daniela Rivas, McPherson Assistant City Administrator, said. "We would not be the successful city we are without this organization, this community, and the dedicated professionals who are passionate about what they do and give back. It really does take a village."
An open house for the public will take place on June 18.
The Cedars is located at 1021 Cedars Drive in McPherson, Kansas, and can be reached at (620) 241-0919.
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