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8 - The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, November 14,.2000 Visit us at 8782881 ~MiltonJ ~CbampwR COI 111 «ýýSeniors' home construction slated for sprig By USA CARTWRIGHT The Champion Milton's seniors could have a new place to cail their own as early as 2002. If so, it'll be thanks to the ongoing volunteer efforts of the founders of the Milton Millennium Community Residences (MMCR) - whose sights remain l'irmly set on filling the gap of assisted living for the town's elderly population. MMCR is a non-profit registered charity that was formed four years ago with the goal of creat- ing a facility for seniors who need assistance with living, said chair KarI Reichert. Before undersaking the project, MMCR comn- pleted a survey to, determine whether -an assisted living facility was needed in town. TIhe survey ahowed there are about 861 units for assisted living in Halton region, but none located in Milton - despite a significans demand for them. "Thse outcome of thse study was that Milton needed over 100 suites for assisted living," hie said. The MMCR residence, when completed, will offer 50 unita. Mr. Reichert said MMCR took on thse projees when the govemment wouldn't. "Fifty years ago when the communisy wanted something, they got togesher and did it," Mr. Reichert said. "We thought, 'Hey folks, why don't we do something."' About 30 people showed up to, thse initial meet- ing to show their support. Since thas time, more people have joined the board, donating bath time and money. While the residence will be built with seniors in mi, anyone who requires assistance with living can apply to get in, explained Mr. Reicheri. "It is certainly set up as a seniors' residence, but if someone is struggling with MS (multiple scIe- rosis), they will find thse accommodations appro- priate," Ise said. The entire project is expected to cost $6.25 mail- lion. Construction is expected to begin sometime Milton Miiiennlumn Community Residences chair Kari Reichert stands In front of the future Martin Street home of the asaistedd liv- ing faciiity. in tIse spring of' 2001, with the move-in date set for tIse spning of 2002. The residence will Ise a three-storey building with two wings. EscIs wing will consist of bed- ait suites (one living ares) or one or two suites (one bedroom, plus a living ares. Somne will have also have a den and storage l'acilities). AIl units will have an ensuite bathroom, a kitch- enette with a fridge and outlets for small appli- ances, an emergency caîl service and tele- phone and cable jacks. Thse suites are designed with a person in a Arlist'a rendering of thse planned Milton Miiiennium Communlty Residences. wheelchair in mind. Thse light switches as well as the windowsills will be lower and tIse door frames will be wider, Mr. Reichert said. Each level will also have a lounge, which overlooka the Mill Pond and tIse Niagara Escarpment to the west, as well as a caregiver station. Residents can access care staff, who will be available for medication management, bathing and other personal care 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The main level will consist of a dining ares, a kitchen and an assembly room. Thse basement will offer storage space for the residents, a lounge as well as Isairdressing, hobby and phys- iotherapy rooms. The residence will be a rentai facility, with prices ranging fromn $1,750 to $2,000 a month. The price will include three meals a day as well as laundsy and housekeeping services. Because MMCR is a non-profit group, the price is Iselow market value, Mr. Reichert said. If seniors can nos afford tIse rent, MMCR will try to help them by either Isosting fundraisers or participating in govemment programas, hie said. "The Milton Millennium Community Residence will provide quality care, in a safe and secure environment while encouraging an active, independent and worry-free lifestyle lfor ita residents," Mr. Reichert said. To Iselp psy for tIse residence, the MMCR is approaching residents and businesses who have a connection to Milton to donate money. In addition, MMCR is offering 24 Right to Occupy (RTO) units. TIse RTO guarantees the units will be available to tIse person when the facility is buiît or when needed, Mr. Reichert said. It coats $50,000, with $5,000 down, to reserve a RTO bed-sit suite or $65,000 with $6,000 down f'orsa one or two-bedroom suite. Mr. Reichert explained the money is Iseld in a trust accouns. Once the residens move in, they psy rent minus the interest generased on their money. The money will be returned upon request. "TMe advantage to tIse purchaser is that their money ta îîot at nisk." Tlsree units have already been sold, with other people seriously looking at tIse RTO option, Mr. Reicheit said. For details or to donate, contact the MMCR as 693-8592. Memberships to the organization are $25 a year. ((OD QGE~"~ 5~CEO 14 Programming Schedijle - November l4th, 2000 - November 20th, 2000 §Md21 ! E5 I le% ""'M 14I d bllâmPdL k Il§ b m Idg.7~ là-h ln4ai *W 1 10111 10 hIN mmaWh Iý hm '5M~ 6M di Sap IMMIhlWm5l* L rmdbh. Opa-W 7ib 1W IL, w w w . c o g e c o . c a lm 1 W &r d b * lmp m m"u~ ~ jj p .* p k &111 u m o w n 701 9 u M d 5c 21 Main Street North, &~,A~ sib $MM.51 (519) 853-4700 Feature this week: "Haiton Rling Ail Candidates Meeting - Thurs. & Sun., 8 p.m." u