New Assisted Living Facility Nears Completion

By MAGGIE MCMURRAY

Moapa Valley Progress

Caring for aging family members is a challenge that almost everyone faces at some point. Sometimes, however, younger family members are unable to provide the care needed for their aging loved ones. Or sometimes those loved ones want just a little more independence. In situations like this, it is nice to know that nearby Mesquite offers several options that families can rely upon.

One of the most popular local choices over the last four years has been Beehive Homes, which first opened in Mesquite in November of 2014 with a total of 15 beds. Since opening, the home has consistently remained full, often with a waiting list.

To help serve even more families in the communities of Moapa Valley and Mesquite, the Beehive group is building a second facility right next door to the first one The new building will add another 16 beds and is projected to open before the end of May.

Beehive Homes is a national franchise organization. But each facility is independently owned and operated. The hallmark of the homes is the family-friendly home-like atmosphere they provide for their occupants.

Visiting hours are 24-hours a day and family is always welcome to join residents for a meal or activity; or even to take them home for a visit. Every unit is rented month-to-month, much like an apartment, and consists of a large bedroom and sitting room and a private bathroom. There is also a common dining room which provides guests with all their meals, including specialized meals for those with dietary restrictions.

Residents are encouraged to bring furniture from home and personalize their space as much as possible, which makes the facility much like home, only better. There are aids available at all times that help residents with every day living, such as laundry and cleaning, and a contracted RN is always on call. The facility also helps residents make sure to take prescription medications on time and provides extras such as beauty services, physical therapy, exercise classes, and so forth.

Local facility manager Vickie Ramirez stressed that the focus of the facility is not only providing physical care, but also making sure everyone feels like part of a family. “The concept is to have everyone feel like extended family,” she said. “We eat together, do activities together, and even have frequent parties such as a Superbowl party, Easter party, and, of course, birthday parties. We even have a resident-of-the-month every month and that person gets to choose the dinner menu and their favorite dessert at their party.”

The current building provides care mostly for residents who need less care. But the new building is designed to be licensed as a facility for residents that need a little more care.

The new building is very similar in design to its neighbor. However there are some key differences. For example, the ceiling in the common room is raised to allow for rows of skylights that will let in more natural light. In addition, the hallways are a little wider.

“Our ultimate goal is to bring people in when they are first starting to have trouble living alone, such as not remembering to eat or take medications, or when they just need a little more help,” Ramirez said. “We now will be better able to continue to care for them all the way through the rest of their lives without having to disrupt them again so that they can feel comfortable and secure. If they ever need anything, all they need to do is ring their bell and we are there for them.”

The facility is co-owned by contractor Tim Stewart and Gerald Hamilton, who more closely manages the facility. Hamilton explained why the group decided to expand.
“We have really enjoyed having a facility in Mesquite,” Hamilton said. “The community has been very supportive and good to us. We saw there was a need and expanded.”

The new facility will continue to be managed by Ramirez and overseen by Hamilton, who together have over forty years of combined experience as caregivers and managers in healthcare settings.

Hamilton is excited to be able to bring this new facility to Mesquite and wishes to thank both Mesquite and Moapa Valley residents for being so supportive over the years. “We appreciate how good these communities have been to us and we really look forward to working with them in the future,” he said. “If you’re unfamiliar with our facility, come and check us out and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.”

People wishing to learn more about the facility or to set up a tour of the home can call 702- 346-2040 or 702-373-2766. The facility does accept VA benefits and long-term insurance, but not Medicaid or Medicare because these programs do not pay for assisted living.