Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Hospital Becoming Residential Care Center

Renovation work is underway at the old Gurdon hospital.

The hospital was recently sold to Coleman Research and is being turned into a residential care facility.

When the work is done, the Gurdon Care Center, as it will be called, will have beds for 25 residents. According to Cliff Coleman, who spearheaded the project, the state has already licensed the project and allotted the beds.

He said if all goes according to plan, the facility will open in mid-April.

Carolyn Skaggs will be the clinical director and oversee most of the day-to-day operations.

She said one of the major differences between normal residential care facilities and the Gurdon Care Center will be the social activity at the local center.

Plans are in the works to have outings for the residents, along with in-house activities planned as well.

Those living at the Gurdon Care Center will have access to laundry facilities. Those who are physically and mentally able can do their own laundry, or choose to have it done for them. For the residents who are incapable of washing their own clothes, this chore will be handled for them.

The center will provide transportation for the residents or outings, medical appointments and other needs.

Each room in the center will have its own central heat and air conditioning unit. This will allow the resident to set the temperature at a more comfortable personal level.

Meals for the residents will also be provided at the center.

By late summer, Skaggs said, a doctor will be on staff at the center. She said the majority of the staff will be hired from the Gurdon area. This will include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs).

Skaggs said a person doesn't have to be ill or infirm to live at the center. While there will be nurses on hand, as this is a residential care facility, they will not be allowed to dispense medicine. All they can do is provide the medicines to the residents already prescribed by doctors. It will then be up to the resident to take or not take their medication.

"We're excited to provide these services," Skaggs said. "This is a good option for people not wanting to live alone."

The center is licensed to accept payment from Medicare and Medicaid, along with private pay.