Skilled nursing has its first WELL-certified building, a facility recognized for its commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents, staff and visitors.
Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center, a new 44-bed rehabilitation center in Chambersburg, PA, designed by RDG Planning and Design, earned its Gold WELL certification in late summer.
The WELL Building Standard was developed by the International Well Building Institute in 2014. Certification requires a focus on environmental health, building design, human health and behavioral factors with an emphasis on air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.
Menno Haven’s wellness-centered features include:
- MERV 13 media filters, carbon filtration, and UV lamps throughout HVAC system
- The elimination of pesticide and herbicide use on plants
- Building water filters that ensure the highest quality drinking water
- A light system designed to match circadian rhythms
- A health and wellness library
- Staff fitness programs
- A focus on reducing internally generated noise
- Abundant natural light
- A culinary hub managed and operated by Cura Hospitality
The building’s new kitchen — offering a rotating menu and locally sourced ingredients — is an expansive food production area, which will be able to support the growth of the community and satellite kitchens.
“The beauty of a centralized culinary kitchen allows us to manage consistency and nutritional standards throughout Menno Haven, creating a healthy, well focused and — most of all — delicious experience,” said Jeremy Fry, Cura General Manager of Culinary Services for Menno Haven.
It features an open concept kitchen where guests can interact with chefs and an outdoor courtyard, and is open for resident, staff and visitor meals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Onsite dietitians and chefs also offer presentations on creating healthier food lifestyles and offer samples of superfoods and take-home recipes for the greater community.
Dining options are a core component of the WELL initiative. The movement is much like the LEED building standard for environmentally construction and design.
The Rehabilitation Center is part of a five-year strategic plan that called for the replacement of Menno Haven’s original 1964 nursing home, and the addition of a Resident Life Center, Memory Care House and new independent living cottages. Those segments remain under construction.
