After more than 40 years of caring for area
seniors, Fort Hudson Health System, a nonprofit
senior care organization, has plans for a $6 million
renovation and modernization of its centerpiece
Fort Hudson Nursing Center on Routes 4 in Fort
Edward.
Fort Hudson Nursing Center is the region’s
only privately operated nonprofit nursing center
and the largest skilled nursing facility in Warren,
Washington and northern Saratoga counties, at
196 beds. In 1996, the facility became the first in
the area to offer a specialized care environment
for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, the
Sandy Hill Pavilion, supported by the Sandy Hill
Foundation, officials said.
In addition to the 24-hour skilled nursing
center, Fort Hudson offers short-term rehabilitation,
home health care, medical and social adult
daycare programs, care coordination and retirement
senior housing.
The center announced it is already more than
halfway toward the goal of raising $1.5 million in
community donations for the project.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cruikshank
said more than $800,000 in community donations
was committed during the “quiet phase” of
a fundraising effort.
Leading the way with contributions are
the Charles R. Wood Foundation with a gift of
$250,000, and the Sandy Hill Foundation and the David S. & Janet R. Sheridan Foundation with
gifts of $200,000 each. Other major donors include
Glens Falls National Bank, Stewart’s Shops, The
Glens Falls Foundation and Cool Insuring Agency.
Fort Hudson is now launching a region-wide
capital campaign, entitled “Getting Better With
Age,” in hopes of raising an additional $700,000
for the project.
“This project is all about providing the best
quality of life for Fort Hudson’s residents, the
best visiting experience for families and friends,
and the best care environment for our caregivers,”
Cruikshank said. “As with any 40-year-old home,
the time has come to upgrade and enhance our
amenities, infrastructure and technology to provide
new levels of comfort and enjoyment.
“We are extremely honored and grateful that
three of our region’s most respected and generous
benefactors have stepped forward to help us
in such a significant way. The Charles R. Wood
Foundation, the Sandy Hill Foundation and the
Sheridan Foundation are among the greatest
friends our seniors could ask for.”
Among the many elements of the modernization,
Fort Hudson plans to:
• Transform four dining rooms to provide
a more comfortable, home-like setting, and
improved opportunities for activities and socialization.
• Create a new, more inviting lobby and gathering
place for residents, families and friends.
• Construct a new main entrance with a
covered portico to shelter arriving residents and
guests from the elements.
• Replace furnishings in many areas throughout
the facility, and make a wide variety of
infrastructure improvements, including new air
handling units and new elevators.
“The skilled medical care and personal attention
given to the residents of Fort Hudson are second
to none, and this project will bring the quality
of our facilities and technology to the next level,
as well,” said Gretchen Steffan, president of the
board of directors of Fort Hudson Health System.
“We are pleased to partner with our regional
community to continue Fort Hudson’s proud
tradition of care.”
Established in 1969, Fort Hudson Health System
is the region’s leading provider of senior care services inside and outside the home.
“Fort Hudson is one of our region’s greatest
assets,” said Dr. John Bulova, a retired surgeon
who is co-chairing the capital campaign committee
with his wife, Judith, a retired TD Bank
executive and a member of the Fort Hudson board
of directors. “There’s a great peace of mind that
comes from knowing this organization is here
for you when a loved one is in need of care. Our
committee is hopeful that people will stop to think
about this in the coming days and that they’ll join
us in making a gift to this community treasure.”
To help Fort Hudson continue getting better
with age, tax-deductible gifts can be made at
forthudson.com, or by sending a check to Getting
Better With Age, Fort Hudson Health System, 319
Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
For more information about the capital campaign
call Shawna Cruikshank of Fort Hudson
Health System at 747-2811.
Photo Courtesy Fort Hudson Health System