They were once 10 small bachelor units and now they are five rather inviting one- bedroom suites overlooking the well trimmed valley's edge at Creighton Lodge.
The transformation took a little while plus a little planning, but the end results have been a spectacular success for the lodge that was once the seniors' complex that nobody wanted. Now, it is noted, there is a lengthy waiting list of potential residents seeking a home in this Level I and II (light care) facility.
Judy Pratt and Shelly Veroba who share management and development duties at Creighton Lodge, noted that the smaller 335 square foot bachelor units that had been included in the original Creighton Lodge plans in the early 1960s and subsequent addition in the 1970s, had fallen out of favour within the facility that had been under the management of the Sun Country Health Region for almost a decade. The region administered the lodge even though there was no mandate for them to do so since a low level seniors' complex is not within the official provincial health region guidelines. They did it though because it appeared as if nobody or any group appeared interested in purchasing the facility until two years ago when suddenly two groups arrived on the scene, expressing a desire to take ownership.
One of those groups was a consortium of five surrounding rural municipalities and they ultimately won the approval of the Sun Country board to proceed with the purchase which was consummated in June of last year. That is when Pratt, Veroba and a small support staff were hired and the work began in earnest to restore a central kitchen and dining experience for those who desired it, while others could continue to prepare meals in their own apartments.
But one of the more ambitious projects that was identified was the need to turn 10 bachelor units into more desirable one bedroom suites.
Funding sponsors were found within Estevan and area service clubs and businesses and the work began and was completed just before Christmas 2010 with the last of the five suites welcoming its first resident in early January of this year.
Those who have provided the majority of funding for the renovations have the right to name the suites which contain one bedroom, a den, additional plumbing and bathing facilities (telephone-style showers plus tub, sink and toilet), and workrooms next to the kitchen.
The refurbishments included fresh paint and new flooring plus new refrigerators and stoves.
Some of the renovations were carried out on site by staff while specific tradespeople were brought in when required with the total cost coming in at around $100,000.
The suites are now being rented for $950 per month.
"We have a waiting list of 33 people wanting an apartment or suite here," said Pratt.
The central kitchen service that was revived following the takeover by the RM group now attracts between 32 and 35 residents daily compared with the 12 to 18 who used a central-type service with the health region when meals that were prepared outside the facility were brought in.
Creighton Lodge now boasts a full occupancy of 45.
"We will renovate the other areas when the money and opportunities are made available," said Pratt.
Creighton Lodge still has one bachelor suite in its inventory plus one more that is held aside as a guest room that is made available for a reasonable rate so that visiting family members or friends who wish to stay over for short visits can do so.
The Lodge has 22 one-bedroom suites in total and 17 enriched living units, meaning that there is a bedroom and bathroom but no kitchen, plus the five enlarged valley suites.
