With construction beginning off Horton Street near the water treatment plant, Country Place Living residences will be available to the Fort Scott community possibly in approximately the next year with weather permitting.
“Truly, what we have to offer is a home-like residence,” marketing director Marie Jensen said of the residences.
The first one to be built is the Country Place Memory Care residence, which will provide 12 suites with the entire facility built with the goal of taking care of residents with dementia. The suites, activities, food and even flooring will all be structured around the residents to provide them a safe and comfortable place to stay.
A second building, the Country Place Senior Living center, will offer 26 suites for those who can not care for themselves on their own. But at the same time, Jensen said they encourage their members to remain active and consider the center their home.
“Everyone knows that a big part of aging and aging well is still being active,” Jensen said.
The suites in that center are each connected to a central social activity area for the residents. Jensen said some of their residents in other areas still drive their own vehicles and are able to get out and run errands.
With work beginning at the site just last week, Jensen said the memory care center should take five months to complete if the winter months are not too harsh. Work on the senior living center will begin shortly after that.
“We’re excited to be a part of Fort Scott,” Jensen said, saying they have worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Fort Scott in preparing to bring Country Place Living to the area.
There are 10 other such residences around the state of Kansas. Jensen said they consider the population demographics and the already available assisted living centers when considering locations for their residences.
The local residence will also provide jobs to about 10 staff members, including a director, head nurse, lead dietician, activities director and other caregivers.
Those interested in learning more about the residences can visit their office at 118 S. Main Street, next to the Common Grounds coffee shop.
