If you’ve driven between Bibb Medical Center and McDonald’s in Centreville lately you probably noticed construction going on. Phase Two of BMC’s Cahaba Trace Continuing Care Retirement Community broke ground in mid-September, adding six new cottages to the existing eight on the property.
These new cottages are two bedroom, and come at an “all-inclusive” monthly price. These aren’t ordinary rental homes, however. The all-inclusive aspect means elderly residents write one check each month, and all services are covered under their contract, from utilities to television. The only thing they might pay additional for would be having a meal delivered to their door, at a price of only $5 each.
The cottages are nicely appointed as well, with granite counter tops and all the modern amenities. Residents still live independently (this is not an assisted living center) but have the benefit of close proximity to medical care in case of emergencies, and doctor visits are right across the road.
BMC CEO Joseph Marchant said the appeal to seniors looking to simplify life and find a way to stretch their retirement dollar draws people from all over the country. “People like the idea of a small community where they don’t have to drive far or fight heavy traffic to go grocery shopping, and they like the idea of everything healthcare being right outside their door. It’s convenience,” he said. Adding, “We’ve added population to the county, and that boosts the local economy. It really benefits everyone.”
Bibb Medical Center is already one of the largest employers in the county, generating around $40 million of economic impact annually. As more residents of their retirement community come from not only an aging local population, but from all over the nation, their number of employees will rise along with it, causing an even greater economic impact. Marchant has big plans and a vision for BMC’s future.
In addition to the cottages, (phase two should be ready for move-in sometime in January) the CTCCRC will be breaking ground on phase three – an assisted living center followed by more cottages – late 2020, due to open in about two years. According to Marchant, this will fill the gap in their retirement services. “We have the apartments, cottages, garden homes, and congregate living in addition to the nursing home. That covers retirees who still live independently and those who need constant care. The new Assisted Living Center will fill the gap in terms of phase-of-life, with an all-inclusive facility.”
