By Ben Rodgers
Staff Writer
HOBART – Emerald Bay, a modern retirement community in Hobart recently completed an addition that adds style and ease to the independent lifestyle it promotes.
“It’s really a sense of family and community,” said Michael Fredrickson, regional community relations director with BAKA Enterprises, a Senior Living Management Company. “You feel truly welcome when you come to Emerald Bay.”
Emerald Bay added 24 additional one-bedroom apartments, and 20 memory care apartments, bringing the total number of units in the facility to 96.
Currently there are five one-bedroom units remaining and eight memory care units.
The memory care units are in a more cozy and quiet environment where specialized care can be delivered to those with forms of dementia.
“We saw a need in the Green Bay community and the Hobart community for this type of care,” Fredrickson said.
The new addition offers a centralized meeting area, complete with fireplaces and even a courtyard for residents to use when the weather is nice.
Plus those with a loved one who needs more specialized care, can still be under the same roof as them.
“We serve a lot of couples and we wanted to provide the type of care where they could be in the same community together,” Fredrickson said.
The rest of the facility boasts a large dining hall with tall ceilings, a media room for Packers games and movie nights, and a bistro for snacks.
The bistro also hosts one of many residents’ favorite activities, Friday night happy hour.
“Even though it’s an assisted living community we still promote independence,” Fredrickson said.
One example of this is the full kitchen, plus the washer and dryer the new units have. Even though three meals are served a day, residents have the choice to eat with others or cook for themselves. The kitchen can also be used when family comes to visit.
“The dining experience is a big part of the residents’ day,” Fredrickson said. “We encourage them to come down and socialize while they eat their meals.”
Emerald Bay also offers a beauty salon, numerous activities off campus and live entertainment at the facility.
“You name it and they can do it,” Fredrickson said. “Somebody can be involved as much as they want or they can do whatever they choose to do.”
Plus transportation is provided to and from any medical appointments residents may have.
As an assisted living facility Emerald Bay has CNAs on staff 24/7 to take care of any medical needs a resident may have.
“We can do things such as medication management, meal preparation, simple things like that all the way up to services for everyday needs,” Fredrickson said.
BAKA also owns its own training facility, which is one of the things that sets it apart.
“With us owning our own training center that ensures our staff are trained properly to provide the level of care we expect in our facilities,” Fredrickson said.
Emerald Bay is also contracted with Family Care, a Medicaid service, so cost might not be a deterrent for those who think they can’t afford it.
This assisted living community is also pet friendly, for small dogs and cats. One resident even has a bird.
Those who had an independent life before coming to Emerald Bay, can still enjoy their animal companion even though they are close to the assistance they require.
Those interested in the remaining units can call Fredrickson directly on his cell phone at 920-562-8898. More information can be found by liking its Facebook page, Emerald Bay Retirement Community & Memory Care.
