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 Member
Profile:
Capital Manor
The
word "manor" hearkens back to feudal times, when wealthy barons lorded over
peasants in the fields. Well, Capital Manor offers none of that. The 500
residents here are independent, many financially better off than the "lord" of
the manor, Scott Ferguson. Actually, he's Executive Director, and most
everybody calls him Scott. As for his style, he's not the lordly type. In fact,
in a crowded elevator on the way to lunch, Scott will often get maneuvered to
the rear, getting a good-natured ribbing from the people who pay his salary.
Capital Manor is an attractive
retirement community in West Salem. The only facility of its kind in the north
Willamette Valley, it goes a long way to allay foreboding that accompanies
many, who face moving from home at an advanced age. A tour of the expansive
place seems to illustrate a Capital Manor statistic. "On average, living here
will extend your life almost nine years longer than living at home," Ferguson
said. Why? Because everything here is taken care of...lodging, food,
maintenance, maid service, transportation, health care and social
opportunities.
Since 1963, Capital Manor has
been home to many thousands of seniors, nearly all of them having moved there
from less than 15 miles away. Part of the attraction is the variety of housing
options from which to choose...everything from studio apartments to three
bedroom villas. Another attraction is the multi-level health care available.
"Continuous care" is how the
industry refers to this type of retirement community. On site, everything from
independent and "assisted" living to full service convalescent care exists.
Other retirement centers might
offer only one of the above. In those instances, residents would move again for
each corresponding need. "Ninety-five percent of those who move here don't
believe they'll need the health care services," Ferguson said. "But they choose
Capital Manor because the service is available, just in case."
In general, Capital Manor
isn't a place for the weak of assets. Buying in costs at least $26,000, the
"accommodation fee" for a studio apartment. At the other end of the scale are
the new, three-bedroom, 1800 square foot villas. The fee for them is $115,000.
Additionally, there are monthly fees...from $926 to $2250, depending on the
type of housing you choose.
While that sounds expensive,
Ferguson says the cost compares favorably with other facilities. Capital Manor
is "all-inclusive," meaning that the cost for assisted or convalescent care is
the same, or very little more, than what you would pay under the healthiest of
circumstances. The highest possible monthly cost here would be less than $2300
a month for a couple, both being in the convalescent facility at the same time.
By contrast, other convalescent homes can cost as much as $6000 a month for the
same care per couple.
At Capital Manor, there are
about 100 beds allocated for assisted or convalescent care. "By pooling
(accommodation fee) income, we can keep the cost of health care reasonable,"
Ferguson said. For those whose cost of care exceeds their assets (happening
historically to less than 1 percent of residents) the cost is borne by the
company. Medicare and Medicaid are not part of the vernacular here.
The trend away from small
apartments towards two and three bedroom ones prompted two major expansions in
the past 10 years. The additions haven't eased the demand...there's a 1 percent
vacancy rate in the newer housing and 5 percent in the older tower apartments.
Ferguson, hired in 1987 to help with the first expansion, says more studio
space will be converted into larger apartments as needed.
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Apartments Built To Salem Electric
Energy Efficient Standards
Early in 1997 the Parkway Village
Apartments (located in NE Salem just off the Salem Parkway) were completed.
There are 10 buildings with a total of 124 units built to Super Good Cents
specifications.
All units are insulated a
minimum of 10 percent above Oregon energy code levels, in several cases even
higher. In addition, energy-efficient water heaters, dishwashers, high
performance shower heads, and fluorescent porch lights were installed.
The annual energy savings for
the project are estimated at 118,400 kWh.
If you plan to build an
electrically-heated single-family home or a multi-family project in the Salem
Electric service area, you could be eligible for rebates through our Super Good
Cents Program.
Contact Jeff Lewis, our Energy
Specialist, in our Conservation Department at 362-3601.
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.Another
Home Weatherized
The first thing Cathryn noticed
after having her home weatherized was "how quiet it was." She couldn't hear her
neighbors next door. There was also the comfort level, the whole house was
warmer in the cool months without the wide temperature swings or the drafts.
Cathryn and Kevin Garcia had
their home insulated through the Salem Electric WeatherWise Program. Salem
Electric paid an incentive to help with the cost of the project and the Garcias
used the SE Loan Program to help finance the remainder of the cost of the
project. Cathryn said, "the best part is the lower electric bill!" The savings
from their weatherization pays most of the monthly loan payment.
Cathryn suggests that you
check with Salem Electric, and "maybe they can help you stay comfortable and
save energy too!"
WeatherWise Work Done on the Garcia Home
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Wall Insulation
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Floor Insulation
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Duct Insulation
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Air Sealing
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Programmable Thermostat
Salem Electric members with
permanently installed electric heat are eligible for incentive levels of 50% of
the cost of insulation and $2, $4, or $6 per square foot for eligible glass
improvements. In addition, we offer a 5% interest loan for the balance,
$5,000 maximum. Call our Conservation Department for more information at
362-3601.
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.Cool
Off Safely This Summer
Trying to beat the heat this summer?
If your plans include cooling off with a portable electric fan or window air
conditioner, we recommend that you take a few minutes to conduct a safety check
before using these appliances.
Your electric fan should
have a guard or enclosures which are securely fastened. Grill openings should
be small enough so that fingers, especially children's small fingers, cannot
accidentally touch the moving fan blade.
Read and follow the manufacturer's
safety and operating instructions before using the product. Keep the
instructions handy in case you have questions about the maintenance of your
fan.
Check for frayed cords or broken
plugs. If you spot these hazards, don't use the fan. Touching even a single
exposed strand of wire can give you an electric shock or burn if the fan is
plugged in.
Place the fan on a level, stable
surface.
Position the fan and cord so that
the fan won't be bumped or knocked over by people or pets walking through the
room.
When using a window air
conditioner, check for any cracks or deterioration in the power cord
insulation. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct
installation.
Air conditioners operate at either
110 or 220 volts...never tamper with the plug or wiring to try to get the unit
to operate from outlets that do not match the plug's configuration. If new
wiring or a different outlet is needed, have it installed by a qualified
electrician in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Like other electrical products,
electric fans and room air conditioners have one function...to provide or
circulate cool air. Never use them to dry clothing or other materials.
Limit your use of extension
cords. These devices are intended for occasional use only. If you must
use an extension cord, make sure it's designed to meet the product's electrical
current needs. The extension cord you choose should be properly rated to safely
handle the current drawn by the product.
By following these
suggestions, Salem Electric hopes you will have a cool and safe summer.
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