ELKHORN, Neb. (KMTV) — ELKHORN, Neb. (KMTV) -
It is a holiday gift wrapped in the form of community.
Agemark Senior Living is opening a new CountryHouse Residence. Chief Operating Officer Martin Hug says the focus will be building strong relationships with future residents.
"When people can't spend time with their loved ones, it's even more important our staff build relationships with the residents, and be the communicator to the families as to how they are doing," Hug said.
Hug promises a safe, smooth and secure opening.
"We're safer here than somebody being at home. Here, we're screening people, we have testing, we have 3 different ways to test our residents," Hug said.
Shelly Schwedhelm works at Nebraska Medicine. She says opening any sort of congregate setting is tough - but is feasible when done correctly.
"It's a balance with the economy, it's a balance making sure people know they are being cared for and they have friends and family who can connect," Schwedhelm said.
With the arrival of a vaccine, seniors and their families can take comfort: there's a ray of hope. Until then, Hug promises to provide a safe haven.
"What we know about people irrelevant of disease, irrelevant of age is they want to live a life of purpose, be happy, be better tomorrow than they are today," Hug said.
The location is 30,000 square feet housing up to 40 residents. It's expected to open with somewhere between 10 and 14 residents.
