Cedar Community, a senior living provider, partnered with us to lead the repositioning of its Cedar Lake campus in West Bend, Wisconsin. The project included downsizing the number of skilled nursing beds, converting units to modern independent living apartments, making several infrastructure upgrades and more. As a result, the Cedar Lake campus achieved full occupancy, marking a strong recovery from its pandemic-era low.
Key Considerations for a Sensitive Environment
Pre-planning construction at the Cedar Lake campus required careful consideration of several factors. The project involved working in an occupied space with a sensitive population, necessitating attention to residents' five senses, accessibility, and security. Starting towards the end of the COVID pandemic, we prioritized minimizing health risks by adhering to strict COVID protocols. To ensure transparency and address concerns, we held multiple presentations with residents, their families, and staff to discuss the construction process. Additionally, we implemented a STARC Wall System to control dust, contamination, infection, and noise in construction areas.
To minimize disruptions during the remodel, residents were relocated to unoccupied units on campus when construction phases required it. We also carefully considered the impact on the on-site nursing staff’s workflow. Our trade partners collaborated closely with the nursing team, providing easy-to-understand construction schedules and establishing set quiet hours to maintain a peaceful environment. This coordination helped reduce disruptions to the essential services provided to residents.
Beyond Construction: Fostering Lasting Relationships with Residents and Staff
Building strong relationships in the communities where we work is a priority for our team. At the senior living campus, the interest shown by residents and staff allowed us to engage with their community in meaningful ways.
Stan, a cherished resident, took great pleasure in watching the daily progress of the construction. To celebrate his 100th birthday, our team partnered with Cedar Community’s staff to make it special, with each team member on-site personally offering birthday wishes.
Despite the ongoing construction, we wanted to ensure the holiday spirit remained unaffected. Our team created a Winter Wonderland by installing festive decorations that lit up the campus at night.
As a token of our appreciation for their patience, we treated residents and staff to gift bags and hosted our signature pie party, giving them the chance to sit, enjoy pie, and further build rapport with our construction team.
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