Towne Centre renovations earn praise

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Occupational therapy assistant Sharon Fucela (center) works with Rosalie Simmons during an open house at Towne Centre in Merrillville, Ind, on Feb. 14, 2012. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 21, 2012 2:08PM

MERRILLVILLE — One of the ways Towne Center Retirement Community is celebrating its 25th anniversary is by unveiling an updated appearance and atmosphere in its Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.

A recent tour for health-care professionals found many visitors impressed with the results.

“The remodeling is beautiful; it definitely feels different,” said Shelia Reibly of Sunrise Home Health in Merrillville. “The visual changes make this Health Care Center feel very ‘noninstitutionalized.’ ”

Allyson Collins of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care agreed.

“There is more of a ‘home’ setting here, rather than the highly-waxed floors look,” she said while completing the tour of the two-floors involved in the project. “The neutral colors can enlighten your mood, put you in a different mindset.”

Towne Center residents Ralph Prendergast and Diane Hunt agreed. While relaxing in the larger of the two therapy rooms, which are considered the hub of the healthcare unit, each gave comments on their surroundings.

The two therapy rooms have been updated with new coats of paint and wall decorations.

“I definitely feel a difference; this enlightens the spirit,” Prendergast said. “I’m up at 5:30 every morning for therapy at 6, so it’s important to be comfortable when I get here.”

Hunt said since she loves a bright colorful room, she is more motivated to work on her tasks.

“It is better in here,” she said. “They chose great colors.”

About 80 people replied to the tour invitations, said Laura Certa, Towne Center outreach coordinator. Visitors talked among themselves and the Towne Center staff as they looked at the two floors, which can accommodate about 100 residents.

The renewal of the Health Care Center included new paint in all rooms and hallways, plus new flooring, decorations and furniture. But there are still some areas on the first floor that need attention.

“This (project) is being done in two phases; we are about 75 percent complete,” said Towne Center executive director Michael Moore. “Due to the current economy, we have to work within our means.”

The new wood flooring replaces the former shiny tile. Although it’s not carpeting, it feels like it, according to many of the visitors.

A new entrance to the dining room, as well as new furniture, greet residents.

Both nurses’ stations, one on the first floor and one on the second floor, also have seen changes. The first-floor station was enlarged and new carpeting added. The second-floor station also received new carpeting, but the dimensions did not change. The workspace was reconfigured, allowing more desk surface for employees.

Besides the health-care unit, Towne Center also offers two other living options — assisted living and independent living.