Question: I drove by Lutheran Social Services and saw they were building another building on Falconer Street. What is that going to be?
Answer: Thanks for the question. This gave me a great opportunity to ask some questions about these apartments and what they are. The new building being built on Falconer Street near Aldren Avenue are 14 apartments that are trademarked ''SMARTMENTS.'' This name is just as it sounds. They are one bedroom apartments that have state-of-the-art technologies built into them to help keep the individuals/couples who live there active, independent and healthy.
The building itself, as I stated, is divided into 14 Smartments. Each Smartment has appliances, central air, WiFi, washer/dryer (in the apartment) and dishwashers included. The building is non-smoking and each apartment has its own patio for additional outside space.
The apartments will come with a touchpad-type ''Connect'' computer system that will be used to help individuals stay ahead of their chronic health conditions, preventing more serious illness and hospitalizations. The easy-to-use question/answer format will help to keep seniors aware of health concerns and keep their minds active.
The apartments include Quietcare, a state-of-the-art technology Lutheran Senior Housing has been using for a couple of years. This system tracks motion and activity within the apartments to alert family to changes in activity and behaviors. These changes often go unnoticed by the individuals until medical attention is required. Quietcare includes the Personal Emergency Response Alarms that residents wear on their wrist or as a necklace.
Residents can get additional assistance with a number of things like blood pressure monitoring, weight gain/loss, medication management and administration which is transmitted wirelessly to the monitoring company. These add-on services can be provided with additional technologies that will be used on a case-by-case desire or need. Monitoring of these types of health triggers can go a long way to keep you healthy and out of the hospital.
Lutheran Senior Housing and Lutheran Social Services received a significant HEAL 20 Federal Grant to build these apartments. This exciting alternative is available to our region beginning in September. If you are interested in touring and talking about these apartments, please call the staff at Lutheran Senior Housing at 665-8197. Tours may begin as early as the end of September. Applications will be taken then as well. There is no entrance fee for the Smartments. Monthly rent can be reviewed when you tour.
I am sure they will be scheduling an open house soon, but if you are interested in finding out more for yourself or a loved one, call today at 665-8197. I know I learned a lot when I called to find out about them.
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Janell Sluga is a geriatric care manager certified and works for Senior Life Matters, a program of Lutheran Senior Housing. Submit questions to Janell Sluga, at Senior Life Matters 737 Falconer St., Jamestown, NY 14701 or by e-mail at janells@lutheran-jamestown.org.
Please remember that not all questions can be answered in this format, but as many as can be, will be.