Diocese readies new housing for well-off seniors

To be located on 23 acres of land behind Teresian House Nursing Home in Albany, Avila is expected to open in 2003. Already, the Colonie Center office has amassed a list of 150 people who want to be notified when reservations are taken.

Avila is named for St. Teresa of Avila, described in the community's literature as a "great reformer and innovator."

For active people

There will also be monthly fees of $1,300 and up to cover utilities, one meal per day, housekeeping and the like. Half of Avila's campus will be a nature preserve with walking trails. The residences' architecture will be inspired by Adirondack lodges, where many residents will have spent summers.

"Taking care of older homes gets overwhelming," Ms. Van Orden noted. Avila, she said, will have "all the amenities of home."

Housing project

"It's a logical extension" of the current range of services, she said. "It's an exciting time for the Diocese."

Joseph Pofit, who directs long-term care campuses and senior housing for the Diocese through Catholic Charities, noted that the Diocese is also planning a facility for lower-middle class seniors so that it offers an entire continuum of options.

Connections

"Teresian House is right there," said Mr. Pofit. "It's an ideal setting."

The word "community" is often repeated when discussing Avila. The marketing team said they hope to make the complex a place where residents find a sense of community with one another.

"The people we've seen so far are very active," Ms. Van Orden remarked. "They're going to make a very dynamic community."

Statistics

About 70 percent of Avila's residences must be reserved before groundbreaking can begin. Currently, the Colonie Center office is focusing on market research: Each person inquiring about Avila is asked to fill out a survey on their preferences for the complex.

With such a wealth of information, marketing counselor Barbara Reutemann noted that the staff has been able to make Avila more a reflection of what local people want. People should be able to start making reservations for the complex in September.

In the meantime, the marketing team is encouraging interested seniors to stop by their mall office -- a homelike setting decorated with knickknacks and photos from Joe DiMaggio to the Marx Brothers -- to talk about Avila.

Some prospective residents already pause regularly during their shopping trips just to chat, Ms. Van Orden noted: "We're already establishing a warm community."

(For information on Avila, call 459-5511 or toll-free, 1-866-227-8900. Also, see the ad on this page.)

(06-28-01) [[In-content Ad]]