Friday, April 07, 2000
Range of care to be offered
Baptist Towers has 'special day'
BY TERRY FLYNN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — The Rev. Gary Parker, executive director of Baptist Life Services, was delighted to be standing in front of the new Baptist Towers on Highland Avenue here, preparing to cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the seniors facility.
“This is a very special day,” the Rev. Mr. Parker said in addressing a gathering of local dignitaries. “We've looked at the inside of this building for months.”
Baptist Life Communities, a subsidiary of the Northern Kentucky Baptist Association that operates the Baptist Convalescent Center in Newport and the Baptist Village in Erlanger, obtained the former St. John's Nursing Home building more than a year ago. Since then, $4 million has been spent to give the high-rise structure a new look inside and out.
The Rev. Joe Boone, project manager for Baptist Towers, recalled a blustery winter day more than a year ago when he led a contingent of bankers and Baptist Life Communities board members through the structure. It had been deserted since 1997, when the state forced the previous owners to close after an investigation into problems and irregularities in the operation of the nursing home.
“There were (hypoder mic) needles on the floor, and someone found a set of (false) teeth,” he said. “Fortunately, we had a vision that we have been able to bring to reality.”
Baptist Towers follows the growing trend in senior care of providing various levels of independent or assisted living, all in one facility, so anyone 55 of older can move to the Towers and remain there regardless of health.
Efficiencies and one-bedroom apartments will be on floors four through seven. They will range from 550 square feet to 625 square feet.
The third floor features a mix of assisted-living and personal-care units, while the second floor has a dining room; chapel; board room; and space for bingo, exercise and other activities.
On the main floor is adult day care for families needing temporary breaks from caring for older relatives. A canopy covers the main entrance, which opens into an area with a large crystal chandelier. The lobby will eventually have plants, caged birds and a waterfall.
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