Published: May 21, 2008 06:08 am      

Uplands celebrates groundbreaking for new nursing home

Spring is the time for new life, and what better way to celebrate life than to get ready for a new kind of nursing home.

In her introduction, Nancy Himell, Uplands executive director, told the audience it was "fitting on a spring day to plant a new garden of life," referring to the forthcoming facility.

The new Wharton facility is scheduled for a 2009 opening. According to Uplands, the groundbreaking was a significant occasion on their "Journey to Eden," the vision of Dr. Bill Thomas to improve the quality of life for elders by maintaining a healthy human habitat.

Present for the ceremony were Don Horton, architect for McCarty, Holsaple, McCarty; Joe Woody, USDA area director; Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill; John Robbins, field representative for Lincoln Davis; Pleasant Hill Mayor Jim Olds; John Clay Buck, former Uplands administrator; and members of the Uplands board of directors.

Himell noted three from the original Wharton nursing home groundbreaking, such as Geneva Brady, were present. The original Wharton Nursing Home groundbreaking took place in 1956 before the opening in 1957.

At the ceremony, Jane Heald, Uplands member and Eden Alternative associate, gave a special announcement that Uplands had been accepted into the Eden Alternative program, a registry recognizing facilities that strive to comply with the principles of the Eden Alternative. She and Himell held up the honorary "Eden Tree" plaque Uplands received for participating in the program.

Heald added so far the state had given $10,000 for Uplands employees, staff and representatives to attend the Eden Alternative three-day training.

Dr. Richard Braun, Wharton medical director, spoke of the forthcoming nursing as an "important step in the direction" of providing a new kind health care for senior adults. Braun also explained his experience in coming to Uplands to work with the elderly after mainly working with children and serving as a medical missionary in West Africa for more than 20 years.

Robin Gray, Wharton Home administrator, said with the the forthcoming facility, senior adults "won't be going to a traditional nursing home, but a new home."

Gray spoke of her arrival to Wharton in 1989, describing the staff as wonderful but the building depressing. With plans for the home having gone on for three to four years, Gray said she thinks the new home will fit her vision for nursing home care.

After the blessing of the site was given by Lyman Baier, the digging commenced with representatives and officials from Uplands, county and local government and other organizations.

The Pleasant Hill Ensemble provided music at the event and refreshments were provided by the Wharton dietary staff.