Sagewood, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is expanding its onsite Acacia Health Center to double in size, according to Sagewood’s Executive Director, Stewart Ingram.

The $13.2 million expansion will include another 36,300 square feet to Acacia Health Center at Sagewood.

The addition of 60 beds will include a 20-bed memory care neighborhood and 40 skilled nursing suites which will all be Medicare certified.

Amenities to be added to the service-rich health center will include three new neighborhood dining rooms, three activity kitchens and four neighborhood living areas.

Financing for the Acacia Health Center expansion project closed in late May of this year and construction is currently underway.

Designed to meet the future needs for residents of Sagewood, the expansion will also allow for public access to the skilled nursing suites, providing a great benefit to those who are looking for a sub-acute rehab and health center where Medicare Part A benefits can be utilized. Public access to the memory care neighborhood will also be available.

“The continuing demand for Acacia Health Center’s top medical and rehabilitative services has accelerated our timetable for this significant expansion,” said Ingram.

“Its innovative and refreshing approach to the delivery of health care services for a new generation is exceptional, provides for continuing care at various levels and is located within steps of the Sagewood residential community,” he said.

Currently, the beautifully-designed, state-of-the-art Acacia Health Center features 10 assisted living apartments, 38 skilled nursing care suites (including 30 private suites) all Medicare certified, and a rehabilitative therapy center.

Ninety percent of the 292 apartment home, loft, villa and casita residences at Sagewood are currently occupied by seniors from around the country. Seniors are drawn to the community’s open and inviting design, hospitality-oriented amenities and progressive health care program with its on-site health center.

CCRCs like Sagewood are a popular choice for young seniors looking to stay active in the aging process. The community provides an ideal setting for supporting independent lifestyles while offering increasing levels of care, as may be needed. Its continuing care program is designed to protect residents against the increasing costs of long-term care, providing a secured future with controlled and predictable long term health care costs.

Sagewood understands the relationship between good health and quality of life and offers a more comprehensive approach to wellness, active living and access to health care services that enables each resident to be in control of their own health care needs.

“Sagewood helps seniors stay independent; the residents direct their own care,” said Ingram.

“Care team members at Acacia Health Center assist residents with their

specific needs and aspirations, enabling them to recuperate and remain active members of the community.”

Project completion of the Acacia Health Center expansion is planned for second quarter of 2016.

The Weitz Company will serve as the general contractor and the architect is Todd & Associates, both of Phoenix. Interior designer is Spellman Brady Company of St. Louis, Mo.