Welcome home
The dedication program for Park Homes calls the new elderly residential living facility "a new paradigm in resident living."
And indeed it is.
Instead of the lonely and inhumane living conditions found in too many nursing homes, the five new houses at Park Village in Hillsboro each will allow a dozen seniors to live, almost like a family, in spacious modern comfort.
Imagine that.
We suggest you schedule an appointment to see the modern, home-style kitchen, private bedrooms, and large living room areas. Look for all the medical equipment, tucked in nooks, out of view.
More importantly, be sure to see the small plaque over the kitchen sink that reads, "God Bless Our Home."
Because that's what it is.
If you're going to tour this remarkable house — winner of design awards from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and the American Institute of Architects — we suggest you hurry.
There'll be no tours given after the residents move in to their new home. After that, you'll need to ask their permission to see their house. You'll need to ring their doorbell before you come in. And unlike most nursing homes, you'll be expected to stay in the living room unless they invite you to their rooms.
We can't begin to list all of the people who could take pride in making Park Homes a reality. There were so many involved, we'd surely forget to name someone.
"New paradigm" describes the "A-ha!" moments, when we suddenly see things in our world differently.
The officials at Parkside Homes, Inc., are to be commended for giving back to their residents, dignity, respect, privacy, and choice.
When they looked at "the old people" they saw human beings.
— GRANT OVERSTAKE
