WASHINGTON, DC – Kingsway Senior Housing Facility, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), and Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) announced today that the retirement community in Norwalk will receive a grant of $2,836,302 to convert 28 independent living units into completely accessible assisted living units. Included in the grant is funding to construct a new commercial kitchen, which will serve three meals per day.
“This has been a tremendous effort from our Board, staff, and residents. I would also like to thank numerous City of Norwalk officials for endorsing this initiative along with Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes for their work at the federal level to help make this important project a reality,” said Kingsway Executive Director Michael Kennedy. “The overall winners here are our residents, who can now enjoy the peace of mind that their aging needs can now be met with consistent, quality care, right here at their home in Kingsway.”
“Everyone deserves to age with dignity, in their home and close to family and friends whenever possible,” Himes said. “With this grant, Kingsway will transform into a facility that helps seniors live comfortably as they need more assistance, which will keep families closer together during a precious time when many important memories are made and wisdom is shared.”
The conversion will allow frail elderly residents already living in Kingsway Apartments to receive the support they require while remaining in an environment where they feel comfortable. The new units will accommodate low-income frail elderly individuals who need assistance with the activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, and home management.
“Ensuring that Connecticut’s senior citizens can live affordably and with dignity has been a top priority for me in the United States Senate,” Blumenthal said. “I applaud King’s Daughter and Sons for sharing this goal and for securing highly competitive funding that will allow the residents of Kingsway Apartments to live comfortably and independently.”
The project is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through its Assisted Living Conversion Program. Construction will take 18 months and is expected to begin in early 2012.