Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Chadwick, Ratsch, Mabie
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/10/2017
Riverside Assisted Living (Opening in Neillsville - 2017)
Riverside Assisted Living Set to Open in Neillsville
The former Sunburst Youth Homes Administration building in Neillsville has been converted into Riverside Assisted Living. A grand opening is scheduled Friday, May 19, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 21, from noon to 3 p.m. (Photos by Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)
By Todd Schmidt
Riverside Assisted Living is one step away from opening its new assisted living facility in the completely renovated former Sunburst Youth Homes administration building in Neillsville.
The project has passed building, fire, and electrical inspections. State officials are expected to conduct a final walk-through soon to issue the Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) license so the 17-room facility can begin accepting residents.
The Chadwick family purchased the complex from the School District of Colby. The school district received the property as a donation from the Sud Family Trust over 10 years ago.
Owners John and Kati Chadwick are shown by the fireplace in the community room at Riverside Assisted Living in Neillsville.
Owners John, Jenny, and Kati Chadwick provided a personal tour Thursday and then sat down in the spacious and airy community room to discuss the many amenities offered at Riverside Assisted Living. They also outlined plans to hold a grand opening Friday, May 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 21, from noon to 3 p.m.
“We will cater to seniors that require all levels of care,” Kati explained. “Riverside assisted living will provide the staff, skills, experiences, and higher quality living environment to meet the needs of each resident. We will meet their long-term care needs while maintaining their independence and improving their health and wellness.”
Kati said additional services offered at Riverside include laundry, housekeeping, dressing, medication assistance, all meals, and transportation.
John said the facility was purchased in February 2016. Forward Financial Bank provided the majority of the financing for the $1.1 million project, with the city of Neillsville kicking in a $50,000 grant from its economic development fund, contingent on licensing, and the creation of 10 jobs within one year from the facility opening. In addition, the Chadwick family cannot resell the building for 10 years.
Ratsch Engineering of Neillsville developed the building plans. At least a dozen local contractors were hired to perform the renovation work.
Rooms at Riverside Assisted Living in Neillsville consist of a kitchenette including a refrigerator, living area, and a separate bathroom. Each unit is equipped with three call placements into the state-of-the-art nursing call system.
Each unit consists of a kitchenette including a refrigerator, living area, and a bathroom. Most of the bathroom units include a shower. Two of the 17 units are set up as suites with separate living rooms and bedrooms.
“We will have individualized care plans for each person to meet their long-term care needs,” Kati added. “The place will have an upscale, at-home feel. It will certainly not appear like an institution.”
The rooms are connected to a state-of-the-art nursing call system, with three call placements in each unit. Kati said staff must enter a room to shut off a call light, ensuring safety and accountability. The exit doors are set up with 15-second delay alarms to monitor resident movement.
Kati said three meals and two snacks would be provided every day under flexible plans. Activities will also be scheduled, and a salon service will be offered. Two centrally located kitchens will be available for families of residents to use to cook full meals. A big screen TV is set up in the dining room.
“People can age in place and not have to move,” John said. “We will have the ability to fully care for them.”
Kati said, Riverside Assisted Living would have 12 employees to start with. Two staff members will be on duty at all times.
“We will adjust our staffing needs according to the care plan requirements of our residents,” she said. “We have over 25 interested referrals already. We will do assessments to make sure potential residents are appropriate for our facility.”
She said, the facility would arrange for physical therapy services required for residents, and would work with hospice providers when necessary. Staff would be able to handle two-person transfer situations.
Kati said activity staff would plan several activities each day, including crafts, group exercises, games, music, and pet visits. She said residents would be treated to community trips to view fall colors, Christmas lights, and other activities.
The centerpiece of the facility is the beautiful community room, which features a fireplace, big-screen TV, and a juice bar/snack area. Side shelves hold many books, puzzles, games, and craft projects.
John said the community room could be used for family gatherings, resident birthday parties, and other functions.
The lower level of the Riverside Assisted Living building has also been renovated and is leased to Community Link, Inc. (formerly Wester Wisconsin Cares) and International Quality Health Care.
Neillsville Mayor Steve Mabie said the city was pleased to have the property back on the tax roll.
“Our Economic Development Committee was in favor of helping them out,” Mabie said. “From everything we have seen so far, we think Riverside Assisted Living will do very well.”
“There is a big need for this type of housing,” John added. “Many facilities won’t take residents on Family Care or other state payment programs, where Riverside Assisted Living will. For many folks, it will be nice to have their loved ones back in Neillsville.”
For more information, contact Riverside Assisted Living at 715-937-2941.
