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Ed Yeates ReportingSalt Lake has some new neighbors, they're moving into a unique place called "Pheasant Hollow." Who are they and why are they all moving to this one location?
Young adults with brain injuries or physical disabilities that had forced them to stay in a nursing home are moving out. They're going to a new apartment complex called Pheasant Hollow.
The design, the layout has a very nice, warm feeling to it, including an open atrium where residents can sit and read, perhaps even listen to some music. But it's not just the aesthetics. It's about Ann Marsh who had to give up teaching because of multiple sclerosis.
Ann Marsh, Pheasant Hollow Resident: “It just motivates me to get up and find a morning breakfast.”
She can fix her own breakfast because these apartments are designed for independent living.
Todd Earl, Resident: “Just being able to work on my own goals and get whatever I want to accomplish, and not have other people trying to dictate my life to me.”
Even though 46-year old Todd Earl has a brain injury he can take care of himself in his own apartment and work in the community. A lot of partners in this visionary project came together today for the ribbon cutting.
Mary Beth Bohan, Manager, Pheasant Hollow: "We're so thrilled with the facility and the ability to get 23 people out of nursing homes and get them started back, and kind of redefining their life and moving on."
There's computer hookups and tele-health links with doctors, a recreation room, a place for therapy and rehab. It has everything! And for the community outside? Ann plans to volunteer, teaching kids to read at an elementary school just down the road.
Ann Marsh: “With people like us who have got more time, we can do that kind of thing.”
Work in the community, go back to school, whatever! Pheasant Hollow is like a new big door flung wide open. Pheasant Hollow came about through Valley Mental Health's FlexCare Program and Utah's Long Term Care Initiative, which is trying to broaden options for Medicaid residents in nursing homes.
