Kenmore

A Eulogy for Kenmore

Deidra Goulding Kenmore Residence Director

In the ways of matter, Kenmore sprung from the earth as trees and iron ore and particles of silica, limestone, clay, the building blocks of what we call home, all houses carved from bedrock reality and refashioned into that most precious commodity, shelter. In the early years of the newly minted Immaculate Heart Community, I imagine moving to Kenmore like booking a ticket in steerage, that place in a ship designed to safely carry as many people as possible to port, and carry them to port Kenmore did, more than 120 souls ferried to infinity and all points beyond. There is still one CNA on staff who remembers when all apartments housed IHMs, some doubled-up. Those days are mere, fleeting reflections in the hallway glass right around dusk when the evening stars emerge from the darkened sky to momentarily cast a shine on a past you can see when you’re not looking for it. The bon-voyaging IHMs took a turn through all the decks last week, the rooftop where we watched the 2017 summer solar eclipse, just partial from LA, and then down to lower floors to view the art and possibly retrieve a memory or two, landing ultimately in the chapel. They were more stoic than I had expected, not willing to divulge their reverie. I read that a good way to say goodbye to an old house is to take a little something of it with you. None of them would bite, determined to disembark unencumbered, maintaining a steely gaze toward the new port. Not looking back at the vessel that carried so much meaning and memory. Some day Kenmore will follow all of them, aided by weather, wear and tear or a wrecking ball, follow them back into the bits and pieces of cosmos they and it have always been, where they will spend eternity, all reconstituting over and over until the glorious return to the source of all things, souls free to revisit all the points of light and substance along the way.

Catherine waving goodbye

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October 2020 CONCEPT PLAN FOR Current former

Canonical Kenmore Residents

Background

The 2019 Triennial Assembly Pathway of Care for the Elders called the Community and the Board to address the needs and safety of our elders residing at Kenmore. In Nov. 2019, the Supportive Housing SubCommittee meet with the Residence Community to hear their opinions, concerns and suggestions related to a potential move out of the Kenmore building. The Residence Community, while expressing a willingness to move and offered the following “wishes” as guidance in the process:

A facility that was able to accommodate them all by offering various levels of care and where they would not have to move to receive additional support.

A facility that had an onsite chapel where communal prayer and liturgy would be available on a frequent basis. A facility that had grounds where they could walk outside. A facility that had the capacity to host events and gatherings where the Community might be able to come together. A facility where other members of the Community might be able to move if they wished to do so.

In January, the Board requested from the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) an eldercare consultation of the Kenmore building. With the onset of COVID-19, that consultation was initially postponed but eventually performed virtually by Sr. Anna Marie Tag, RSM. Recommendations included:

Investigate the facility known as St. John of God Retirement Center and any other facility that may be appropriate and suitable for the needs of your elder and retired members. Assessments for levels of care would be performed as part of

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admission to determine level of care needed. Investigate other favorable opportunities to partner or affiliate with a religious community or organization for shared care of your members. Is maintaining this property the best option for the future needs of the members? Continue discussions with potential buyer(s) and move forward with sale of the property as soon as a preferred and more appropriate housing option is identified and the current pandemic status permits movement.

In July, various potential long-term care facilities were identified. Using the “wishes” from the Residence Community as a guide, the list was narrowed down.

A survey of former canonical members was created and recently sent out to members by the Healthcare Fund Committee to solicit feedback regarding their personal planning related to long term care.

At the October 10, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting, the following recommendations from the Finance Committee were passed:

Plan

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.  Relocation of members living at

Kenmore and the expected timeframe;  That the recommendation to the Community be to sell the

Kenmore property as soon as possible after Community members have moved;  That the proceeds of the sale of the Kenmore property will be

Board restricted for the care of members who held canonical status prior to 1970. That the proceeds will be appropriately invested per the investment

policy. The Immaculate Heart Community will act swiftly to place our elder Kenmore residents in a safe environment. The former canonical members want to move. The Kenmore residence faces major retrofitting work for earthquake safety. A recent 4.5 Los Angeles earthquake served as a reminder that emergency can occur at any time. Moving to a new retirement residence is not dependent on

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6.

7. selling 435 S Kenmore before the move. A study of 4 possible retirement residence facilities revealed *2 of the 4 are not licensed for memory care *1 of the 4 does not allow hospice for end of life choice *1, St. John of God, meets all the guidance criteria offered by the Residence Community, and offers all levels of care from assisted living, skilled nursing, residential memory care and hospice support. Units are modern, open studios and apartment choices, with amenities for exercise, gathering, media participation *A Catholic faith-based institution, St John of God offers a chapel and worship opportunities The overall description matches the residents’ wishes. By moving 10 resident to St. John of God, the Immaculate Heart Community will be able to provide the appropriate level of care for our elders in a safe and holistic environment specifically designed to meet their current and future needs. 8. While placement costs and monthly fees will be determined on an individual basis costs would not be a deterrent for movement. 9. Each resident moving to St

John of God will be supported in filing applications, filing financial statements, and overall moving arrangements. 10. “Smooth Move 2.0” will occur through Gentle Transitions, a senior relocation specialist company (www.gentletransitions.com), for actual movement from

Kenmore to St. John of God. 11.Committee on Stewardship of

Properties will investigate legal obligations to current renters at Kenmore from the public and from Alexandria House as part of the future considerations for the

Kenmore building. 12.As a practical matter we anticipate moving as soon as possible. 13.Timeline: *October. Inform all parties of the upcoming move *November/December file applications/ determine financial participation of residents and IHMs

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*ASAP move

Compiled by Nan Cano,IHM, Vice-President Immaculate Heart Community, Supportive Housing Committee Chair Mary FayZenk,IHM Health Care Fund Chair Ray Mattes,IHM Board of Trustees Chair In consultation with Karol Schulkin,IHM President Immaculate Heart Community

St John of God Retirement & Care Center

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