New senior housing development could become one of country’s few LEED-Certified Communities

SHOREVIEW, MN, June 17, 2008 — http://www.ecumen.org – Aging services provider Ecumen, one of the country’s largest non-profit senior housing companies, is developing a green senior housing for North Country Health services in Bemidji, Minn.  It is seeking to be one of the country’s few LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) senior housing developments.

The $20 million senior housing development, to be owned by North Country Health Services and developed by Ecumen, is being built using environmentally friendly or “green” features and methods.  For example, underground parking will lessen impervious surface space and reduce water use, lighting features will prevent light and energy waste, and many construction materials will be harvested locally. 

North Country Health Services and Ecumen plan to submit the project for third-party LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the United States Green Building Council.

“Three words stood out as we began to shape this project – mission, vibrancy and sustainability,” said Jim Hanko, president and CEO of North Country Health Services.  “The new housing will complement our mission of assuring a lifetime continuum of quality healthcare services, it will be a vibrant community that allows people to live in Bemidji for a lifetime, and it will help sustain natural resources that we all share.”

Latest whitepaper divulges 10 questions designed to ensure senior housing providers partner with the right management partners

SHOREVIEW, MN - May 8, 2008– http://www.ecumen.org – Aging services provider Ecumen, one of America’s largest non-profit senior housing companies, is helping senior housing owners, who are thinking of hiring a management firm, with the release of its latest whitepaper designed to help create the best possible partnerships.

The latest whitepaper from premier senior housing provider Ecumen titled “10 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Senior Housing, Nursing Home or CCRC Management Company”, shares Ecumen’s deep industry knowledge and insights geared towards helping senior housing owners choose the right management partner.

Ecumen’s latest whitepaper drives to help guide senior housing providers live up to and crate a home where elder adults will want to live rather than have to live there. Much of the advice offered in this latest whitepaper will help owners ask the right questions when it comes to selecting the right management partner.

The full version of this press release can be found on the Changing Aging Blog.