Page 26 - WHEDA Annual Report 2017

Astor Retirement resident
high quality, dignified care in an engaging, active environment that is also comfortable, secure and failure free,” said Moser.
While housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, medication management and help with daily living activities are provided as part of the assisted living, the level of services is increased in the memory care setting. Aster’s daily activities are designed especially to allow individuals to reconnect with their favorite hobbies or interests. The whole idea is to keep residents active with at least 10 hours of daily activities, including pet, music, fitness and multi-sensory therapy.
There are professional, certified dementia care specialists available 24/7. Other amenities include a chapel, meeting room, community gathering area, a beauty/barber shop, and even a grand piano where music is played weekly.
But does affordable housing combined with supportive services help people live more stable, productive lives? At Aster Retirement, the concept is working and the campus is continuing to expand to meet community needs.
“Most residents have increases in independence, social interaction, mental functioning and overall happiness,” said Moser. “Additionally, some residents also have decreases in medications, falls, and incidents involving violent behavior.”
Astor Retirement community room
Despite experts advising the Hustons to build no more than 16 to 18 units, they went with 24.
“We should have done 34 because there’s such a need,” said Dale Huston. “The community needs it. Every community needs it.”
Throughout the Hustons’ journey, WHEDA has been there with financing to help the brothers reach their vision for quality supportive housing. WHEDA’s funding has included $5.2 million to refinance debt on the Angelus 49 units in 2012; another $1.7 million to finance 22 additional units in 2012; and $2.7 million in construction and permanent financing for a 24-bed memory care housing facility for residents age 55 and older
in 2015.
“Oh my goodness, it was unbelievable how
good WHEDA was,” said Dale Huston. “You have loyalty. You have to have good partners. Once you have something good, you stay with it.”
Now in their 70’s, the Hustons visit Aster Retirement every day since they know a lot of the residents. Their motivation is that the residents, many of whom they grew up with, deserve dignity and a safe, comfortable place to live.
And their mission continues, as they opened their new building for ages 55 and older in December 2017.
26 WHEDA 1972-2017: 45 YEARS OF FIRSTS