DS&O Electric Cooperative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and First Bank Kansas of Salina have made a $1,000,000 interest-free loan available to Bethany Home for the construction of its new assisted living facility on East Swensson Street, between the Subway Restaurant and the First Baptist Church in Lindsborg.
The 10-year loan completes the $2.5 million financing package needed to build the $3.25 million first phase of the project. Twenty studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments are being built providing living space for up to 32 residents. It is hoped residents can begin moving in this fall.
Filling the gap between Bethany Home’s independent living units and its traditional skilled nursing facility at 321 North Chestnut, the assisted living complex will offer residents amenities like a bright sunlit commons area with fireplace, private dining room for entertaining guests, and places to sit for conversations, reading, eating or just plain relaxing.
Musical groups will be invited to perform in the commons, and artwork will be displayed in abundance. There will also be outdoor porches and walking areas to encourage outdoor activities. Laundry facilities will be available with residents given the option of doing their own or having it done by a staff member.
Residents will have the choice of preparing meals in their own apartments or ordering from a menu of prepared meals in the commons. Transportation will be available to concerts, shopping, dining out, site seeing and other activities in the area. A section of the commons will also serve as the chapel with regular services conducted by the Bethany Home Chaplin, visiting pastors and lay people.
With safety and Kansas weather in mind a tornado shelter built to FEMA specifications will be easily accessible from the commons area.
“Our assisted living complex is designed to benefit the entire community”, said Dale Hoosier, director of development. “We want to attract former residents back to Lindsborg to enjoy their retirement years here. With independent living, assisted living, and skill nursing, Bethany Home is here to make their lives comfortable, healthy, and trouble-free as our residents grow older with us”.
Bethany Home, which accepted its first eleven residents in 1911, is a social ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Bethany Home is one of the largest employers in Lindborg with 200 full and part time employees. It is estimated Bethany Home has an economic impact of over $7.5 million annually on the Smoky Valley.
