LITTLE ROCK — Gathered friends, family and fellow participants cheered as a new queen, Virginia Baker, began her reign two weeks ago at a beauty pageant. Donning a perfectly made-up face and clad in a red and black dress she had made herself from curtains, the 69-year-old winner stepped out of the dim light to claim her tiara.
Baker is a resident of The Crossing, Malvern's new assisted-living home, and the pageant is one of the many events set up for the residents.
The facility was built in February after being supported by Healthmark Services, a contractor that aids in the establishment of nursing homes and assisted living residences.
The Crossing is the only assisted-living home in Malvern, and the buildingis owned by David Hightower, also of Malvern.
Director of Care April Bedford stressed that the residents in the assisted-living program have more independence than those in a nursing home. Most of the residents at The Crossing are able to perform daily routines with some assistance, while nursing home patients require more help and supervision.
Bedford added that many residents are accustomed to doing certain things, such as laundry, on their own. In addition to providing a "mini-Laundromat" with a washing machine and dryer so that these residents can succeed at the task, the center also equips each room with a refrigerator and microwave for cooking. The residents each have either a one-bedroom or studio apartment, so none have to share rooms.
Patients who are able to drive bring their vehicles to park at the center and can shop, visit family overnight and go on vacations.
"It's like a retirement home, really," Bedford said. "We try to give them as much freedom as they want. They're not bound here."
Although many of the residents are capable of completing day-to-day activities on their own, they rely on the staff at the center for the medical attention they need. Nurses administer various medications, and each bedroom and bathroom includes a pull cord, similar to that of a hospital bedside, that patients can use to call for assistance. If a resident ever falls too ill to be taken care of by the staff, he or she is admitted to the hospital. Thecenter's employees also schedule regular appointments with local doctors for the residents, and the facility has a transportation system that takes the patients to the offices.
The Crossing is contracted with Home Health Care and Services in Malvern.
Through this service, specialists like physical, speech and occupational therapists are sent to the center to further aid patients.
Common ailments of The Crossing's residents are dementia and the aftereffects of strokes, so therapists are sometimes needed to provide the foundation for additional mental and physical stimulation.
The center's kitchen staff serves three meals a day with noconcentrated sweets for diabetic residents and no added salt for those with heart problems.
The patients are served in a spacious dining room, and a private room to the side is designated for residents with visiting family who wish to eat there.
Housekeeping services (including laundry for residents who are unable to take care of it themselves) are provided for the patients.
An on-site beautician for both women and men perms, cuts and colors hair.
Beyond basic medical and cleaning care, the facility offers its patients an array of events and creative activities.
Since The Crossing opened its doors earlier this year, the activities director has taken some of the residents on numerous shopping trips and out-of-town visits.
Afternoons have been dedicated to fishing and picnics, andthe patients have participated in several arts and crafts projects.
The director also set up the beauty pageant that took place two weeks ago.
"We have a wonderful activities director," Bedford said. "It's always a surprise with her - we never know what she has planned."
The various programs offered at The Crossing are designed to promote growth in different areas, but family is still the backbone of progression for patients.
The center has open visiting hours, and family members are welcome to spend the night.
"Family does a lot to help with self-esteem," Bedford said.
"There's really good family involvement here, and I encourage it. I think it's a part of therapy."
Bedford also acknowledged that dedicated staff members add to the success of the residence.
She said Administrator Suzanne Graves makes a point to personally communicate with the patients.
"She's not the typical administrator," Bedford said.
"She gets out and socializes with the residents. I think she spends more time out in the halls than in her office."
The Crossing houses 44 residents but has a capacity of 77. More information is available at (501) 467-8488.
Tri-Lakes, Pages 123, 126 on 10/07/2007