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 Route 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 regionwide
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