Sheldon, Iowa — The ribbon has been cut on Village Northwest Unlimited’s two new residential homes on their campus in Sheldon. J&J Construction of Hull, Iowa built the two homes. The new homes will be licensed by the State of Iowa as Intermediate Care Facility homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Barry Whitsell, President and CEO of the Village said when the homes were envisioned, that it had became obvious to them that the old homes were less than efficient for the delivery of quality care into the future. The new homes have six bedrooms, and a half bath for each individual living in the home. In addition, the new homes are designed specifically to serve the needs of people with physical disabilities. The doors and the hallways are designed to be wide enough to accommodate people in wheelchairs. Each of the bedrooms, bathrooms and the bathing area are equipped with lift systems so that residents can be safely transferred and staff lifting will be minimized. He says the homes have an open floor plan so residents can move freely around the home. To accommodate the medical needs of the people served, the homes will be staffed with a registered nurse and each home will have a medication administration area. Each home is approximately 5,000 square feet.
At Friday’s ribbon cutting, Whitsell spoke about the facility and those who helped make it happen.
He says the building is also designed to be moved if needed.
Skip Tanner spoke at the ribbon cutting on behalf of the Sheldon Ambassadors.
Sanford Sheldon CEO Rick Nordahl spoke on behalf of the Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation.
Speaking on behalf of the city of Sheldon was City Councilman Greg Geels.
Village officials say these first two homes are part of a multi-year project to reduce the size of the current homes on campus from serving twelve individuals per home to six individuals per home. Village experts say experience and industry trends have shown that smaller, more intimate homes provide for better outcomes.
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