By Sara Strong
The vacated hospital space in Adrian will soon have a new use if plans stay on track.
A special task force is confident in the possibility of creating a "board and lodge" with limited home health services in the former hospital space.
The hospital closed a year ago, but Arnold Memorial Nursing Home and Clinic remained open. The hospital space was without a use until these new plans came forward.
Adrian Mayor and Hospital Board member John Faber said, "We’re leaning toward a board and lodge concept."
The city of Adrian owns the Arnold Memorial building, but leases the facility to Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System.
A board and lodge designation means that limited services, such as meals, laundry and housekeeping, will be offered to residents.
This shouldn’t be confused with an assisted living facility, because the boarding rooms won’t offer nursing staff, or other expanded services that come with assisted living facilities.
The next task force meeting is March 3, and the Adrian City Council must approve any recommendation from sub-boards and committees.
It’s expected that the former hospital space can accommodate eight rooms and a community room.
Faber said many details like service providers and specific costs aren’t available yet.
Last year at this time, the hospital board accepted Sioux Valley’s proposal and recommended hospital closure to the Adrian City Council.
The city council also voted at that time to work with Sioux Valley on implementing new services in the hospital space.
A task force was formed and has met several times to explore options for the space. The board and lodge concept became one of the most feasible possibilities, considering costs and state requirements.
Those interested in becoming residents will be asked to commit to at least a month-long stay and will be screened for physical and mental health.
