The newest skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Lake Charles is designed, managed and operated differently than what some folks might picture in their minds when they hear the term “nursing home” or “rehab center.”

That’s because the Calcasieu Community Care Center is a
CommCare-managed nonprofit where the resident is the focal point by physical plant design and by philosophy. The center is set to open soon at 4190 Gerstner Memorial Drive and it is one of 15 CommCare-managed skilled nursing centers in the state, according to Lisa P. Gardner, CommCare spokesperson.

Finishing touches are almost complete inside and out. In each of the four households on the campus is a kitchen, dining area, living area, supersized TV screen and outdoor space. The common area is designed in much the same way, and for similar reasons, as a modern home’s open living space.

“Have you been to other nursing homes where you walk in, and the first thing you see is the nurses station?” Gardner asked. “Not here. Here, the residents are the focus.”

Residents choose their own seasonal menu. All rooms are private and tucked away from the
common area.

“Staff doesn’t just serve the resident a plate and leave. They sit down and visit,” Gardner said. “This interaction fosters an atmosphere where staff become extended family and really get to know the residents, their likes, dislikes and allows them to notice any changes more quickly.”

“Our culture in Louisiana includes gathering in the kitchen to visit with friends and family,” said Becky Gautheir, CommCare VP, clinical operations. “At home, you might have coffee or cake around the table. In a traditional nursing home, the physical spaces might not allow for that. This space does.”

Grandparents can treat grandchildren and other family members to ice cream, coffee and other treats. An on campus salon makes it easy for residents to look their best.

“You might have families visiting with other residents, that home-life feel we are truly trying to capture,” Gauthier said.

New hires are surprised to discover that not all skilled nursing centers wake clients at 5 a.m. for showers then roll them to the breakfast area.

“Some of our residents may have a habit of showering at night, something that helps them relax and get ready for bed. They can do that here with the private, walk-in or roll-in showers,” Gardner pointed out.

The first household model for CommCare culture change opened in 2014.

“I had the privilege of being a part of that,” said Gauthier. “What it encompasses, is creating home when a resident has to enter long-term care,”

Gauthier emphasized the word, “home.”

“It’s a hard transition,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how prepared you are. So that was our goal, to create home, to create a place to live, if that makes sense.

Gautheir emphasized the word, “live.”

“A huge piece of accomplishing that goal was creating a place that was equally rewarding for staff, where staff are engaged with the residents and their lives, engaged with the resident’s family members, to have that personal connection. CommCare marries quality of life and quality of care.”