The Rehabilitation Center is a showcase facility situated in a wetlands area right within the city limits

Lifespan Hospice a welcome and welcoming addition to community.

Project Overview

Name: Lifespan Hospice Residence
Location: Battle Creek, Michigan
Project Type: New Construction
Square Footage: 12,000
CSM Project Director: Todd McDonald
CSM Project Manager:Larry Wentzel
CSM Project Coordinator: Kristin Goodchild
Owner’s Rep.: Warren Sprick
Architect: Diekema Hamann - Vickie Nelson, AIA

Many people have come to appreciate the dramatic difference hospice services can make at a very difficult time. Lifespan Hospice, a division of Battle Creek Health System, has added an important dimension to its end-of-life care with its new Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.

This facility will provide a vital link in the continuum of care for those suffering from a life-limiting illness or condition. Previously, a patient who could no longer be cared for in his or her home had only one alternative - a return to the hospital, at just the time when a warm, home-like environment means more than ever. This also represented a less-than-cost-effective use of community healthcare resources.

A dream for over a decade.

For just these reasons, Lifespan Hospice had long desired to add a residential facility to its in-home service offerings. When it finally became a reality in February, over 300 members of the community came to the public open house. And oh, what they saw!

One of the first things they noticed is the striking site upon which the facility is located. It features hills, ponds, and trees in a beautiful natural setting that envelops residents in peace and serenity. Creating such a virtual “oasis” amid a commercial area was no small challenge for CSM Group and the project architect, Diekema Hamann, but it was an essential element, according to Todd McDonald, Project Director for CSM Group.

“The peaceful surroundings are very important for residents. And the proximity to restaurants and other service businesses is vital for family members and visitors who have tasks that need to get done, or who need to get away for a while,” McDonald said.

More beauty than meets the eye.

With its home-like wood-frame, shingled-roof design, the residence is clearly an inviting and appealing place. The ten resident rooms have anything but an “institutional” feel; each one is unique, featuring different furniture, wall finishes, and more.

But that warmth is evidence of another challenge successfully met, because at the same time Good Samaritan Hospice Residence is designed and built to function as a commercial lodging and medical facility. It features commercial-grade mechanical and electrical systems, radiant heating, and an advanced nurse-call system along with many other impressive features.

And Lifespan’s Good Samaritan Hospice Residence features some unique elements that blend technical excellence with very human sensitivity. For example, every resident room has a deck, and the doors from the room are designed to allow the bed to be rolled out onto that deck, permitting the resident to enjoy the air and natural surroundings even when confined to bed.

This particular feature drew praise during the public open house; while bittersweet, it was very affirming to the vision Lifespan holds for its new hospice.

“At the open house, many people remembered a friend or family member who had received hospice care in the past, and commented, ‘They would have really appreciated this,’ ” McDonald said.

CSM Group’s experience a major plus.

CSM Group’s extensive experience in the healthcare field provided an extra measure of assurance in the construction of the Lifespan Hospice Residence. Having done so much work in the industry, CSM Group was uniquely qualified to anticipate the concerns of the state Health Inspector and Fire Marshal. With the extra demands placed on the construction of facilities with a high health care component, it was most helpful to have a Construction Manager well versed in organizing delivery systems to meet related codes and permit efficient installation.

A CEO ovation.

Warren Sprick, Chief Executive Officer of Lifespan Hospice, is widely respected for his dedication and commitment to the hospice patients served by his organization. So his satisfaction with the project is a great source of pride to CSM Group.

“They were the best organization we could have picked. They were with me from architect selection and site issues right through to the ribbon cutting. I never worried a minute-we were in the hands of professionals,” Sprick said.

The Lifespan Hospice Residence is the first in Calhoun county, and will also serve Branch and Barry counties. The community’s response to the facility has been overwhelmingly positive, adding an affirming note to Sprick’s enthusiasm.

“My Board and I were absolutely delighted. We’d recommend CSM Group without reservation. And if we build another one, they’re the first call I will make!”