More than 150 people, many of them residents, gathered at the Glendale Nursing Home in Glenville Thursday, Feb. 12, to make a case for what they feel are essential updates to the facility.
Resident Council President Barbara Botsford, 75, said that it is difficult enough for a person to make the transition into a nursing home, and dealing with the maintenance problems and lack of privacy at the facility does not make it any easier.
I am so grateful for the years I have had here, but the time is here for a new home with more single rooms. We are adults and many of us have lived on our own, said Botsford. `Moving in with a complete stranger is not always easy or what we want to do.`
The New York State Department of Health has provided Schenectady County with the funding to build a brand-new $51 million, 200-bed facility, but the plans must be in place before the Nov. 2 deadline. The county must also adhere to certain conditions set by the health department, including a bond note, a debt amortization schedule and a plan suitable for 200 beds.
Most of the residents who spoke on Thursday agreed that single rooms would help seniors maintain their privacy and dignity. The families said that many times when visiting their loved ones, they want privacy.
The sister of resident Earl Corino read a letter explaining that when the family visits, Corino’s room is often cold, the shower is sometimes not warm enough and there are no outdoor community spaces.
Corino’s sister also wrote about the heavy traffic on Hetcheltown Road, where the Glendale Home is located, although many residents said they are happy with the facility’s location.
County officials said they are looking to keep the facility in the current location.
Viola Jones, who visits her 82-year-old husband at Glendale Home, said that she has been overwhelmingly happy with the facility and cannot wait to see how it can improve.
`I hope the location stays because for me it is accessible, and I thank God that I can visit often,` said Jones.
Residents also requested additional landscaping, such as shrubs and more flowers. Families called for community spaces inside and outside the home where family members can congregate, particularly on holidays when residents have multiple visitors.
The home was constructed in 1936 and is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility that offers long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services.
Services at the home are catered to meet a wide variety of medical needs, different spiritual backgrounds, physical and occupational therapy as well as counseling for families. County officials will begin to review plans in the coming weeks.“