Legacy Village Green House is first in Arkansas
Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2008
BENTONVILLE - Scheduled to open by the first part of next year are six Green House Assisted Living structures at Legacy Village here. The first six Green House Assisted Living projects in the state will house 60 residents.
Gathered for a luncheon meeting and update on the Green Houses presented by Natalie Carlisle Cochran were some Legacy Village board members, interested seniors and members of the community. Cochran is from Tupelo, Miss., where the first Green House project in the country was built. She worked with the project and now serves as a consultant.
Introduced by Ed Adair, chairman of the Legacy Village Board of Directors, Cochran spoke knowledgeably and easily about Green Houses.
"It's important, I think, to remember that this is part of a national project," Cochran explained. "Twenty of the residents will receive monthly financial assistance because of a Medicaid waver. Arkansas is expected to serve as a model for the 40 other states that also have Medicaid Wavers.
"There are six houses with 10 residents each. Everyone has a private room with a small kitchenette and bathroom. Residents can bring some furnishings from their homes. Although it's not exactly like being at home, it's arranged to be much more comfortable and home-like than the traditional nursing homes."
Cochran emphasized the difference made by the caregivers. After receiving 120 hours of training covering everything from culinary arts to CPR, the Green House employees or shabahzim (pronounced sha-ba-zeem ) work as members of a team. They rotate responsibilities every three months. Each shahbaz feels accountable. Overseeing all the shabahzim is the project manager, called a guide.
"At Legacy Village, there will probably be 45 shabahzim, two or three licensed practical nurses and a registered nurse," Cochran said. "There will, of course, also be an executive director. Unlike traditional nursing homes, there is very little turnover in Green Houses. Their morale is incredibly high, and they take such pride in what a difference they're making in the lives of the residents.
"They know they are there to protect, sustain and nurture life in the Green Houses. They become close to the clients. Great friendships develop in Green Houses between residents and with the shabahzim. Some clients who are able to help might take on a duty for the house. I know at one house two of the women volunteered to do the laundry. They enjoyed having something to do and felt good about contributing to the house. I'm just glad I get to be a part of the Green House projects, and I think Bentonville is so fortunate to have Legacy Village with the Green Houses here."
A brief television interview featuring Bill Thomas, M. D., who developed the Green House project, was shown at the meeting. Thomas visited Legacy Village last year. He reiterated his message in the TV spot.
"What we know is that love matters," Thomas said. "Green Houses are a place where love matters. They are life honoring."
Chairman-elect of the Legacy Village Board Laura Fleetwood addressed those in attendance.
"There are cards to note your attendance and your pledge if you want to help us," Fleetwood said. "This $ 10 million project includes $ 1 million to be raised by the board members. We're within $ 400, 000 of that goal.
"We look forward to opening the Green Houses in January 2009. What Dr. Thomas said is so true: love matters."
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