Emerald Trace on Turkeyfoot in Elsmere to use Household Model for Northern Kentucky seniors

By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor

A new chapter in senior care in Northern Kentucky began Thursday evening with the official opening of Emerald Trace on Turkeyfoot in Elsemere.

Community leaders joined board members, staff and project partners for the ribbon-cutting at Emerald Trace on Turkeyfoot in Elsmere (photos by Mark Hansel).

A ribbon cutting and cocktail reception highlighted the ceremony for the $14 million senior living community, which broke ground in late 2015.

It is a sister campus to nearby Rosedale Green in Covington.

The community’s two buildings, support 74 memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing residences, designed in the Household Model, a more resident-centered layout that promotes greater socialization through a variety of common spaces.

Steve Shields, co-founder and CEO of Action Pact praised the leadership of Emerald Trace for embracing the company’s Household Model of Care.

Shields described the development as a case study of a group of people who feel deeply about their purpose.

“What started out to be a remodel at Rosedale Green became a complete utter model change that puts people in the driver’s seat of their own life,” Shields said. “People can get up when they want, eat want they want, have spontaneity, help set their own schedule. Whether you need rehab and will hurry home, or you move into one of the households, it’s life on your terms and this group is committed to it.”

Finishing touches are still being put on the buildings and grounds at Emerald trace on Turkeyfoot in Elsmere, the 74-bed facility hosted a ribbon-cutting event Thursday

The first building at Emerald Trace is dedicated specifically for short-term rehab patients and has a capacity for 34 individuals.

The second building will provide care to 20 people on the second floor that require traditional long-term services. The first floor of the building will also accommodate 30 residents and will be licensed for personal care memory support.

Rosedale Green was founded in 1962 as Kenton Housing Inc. d/b/a Rosedale Manor.

In 1992 Rosedale Manor moved into a new facility constructed through a bond sponsored by the Kenton County Fiscal Court and funded through a voter-approved payroll tax.

In 2008, Kenton Housing purchased the building from the Fiscal Court, ensuring its status as a 501c(3) nonprofit.

In 2009, discussions with Action Pact, to bring the Household Model of Care to Northern Kentucky. In 2012, the name Rosedale Manor was changed to Rosedale Green and three years later renovations began on the 110,000square-foot facility in Covington. When renovations are complete in August, Rosedale Green will be able to provide care to 176 residents that will also live in the Household Model of Design.

“This celebration is years in the making, and I know everyone associated with the project is excited our doors are officially open,” said Londa Knollman, whose role as executive director at Rosedale Green will expand to include the new community. “Our goal is to replicate the success we’ve had in Covington – to earn the respect of local seniors and their families, and demonstrate the level of care they’ll receive at Emerald Trace is second to none.”

Elsmere Mayor Marty Lenhof said the development of the facility has been nothing short of remarkable and the affiliation with Rosedale Green ensures it will be a tremendous asset to the city.

“I remember the land up here – there was a little house up here –and when I drove up here today, I said ‘Wow, this place is beautiful,’” Lemhof said. “Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services are needed in our area, so they’re arriving at the right time. Thank you all for this”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70 percent of people turning 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives

“We know there’s a need for quality, reliable health services and dementia support for seniors in Northern Kentucky and southwest Ohio, a need that unfortunately is unlikely to disappear in the near future,” said Knollman. “Emerald Trace allows us more flexibility to serve these older adults and provide them the care and quality of life they deserve.”

Members of the Rosedale Green board of directors, Action Pact and executive leadership from both communities, as well as current residents and their families were also on hand for the reception, which included tours of the facility.

Emerald Trace is located at 3802 Turkeyfoot Road in Elsmere. For more information, click here