Senator Collins Attends The Cedars Groundbreaking Ceremony

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Portland, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, delivered remarks at The Cedars Retirement Community’s groundbreaking ceremony in Portland.  Cedars is starting a new project that will accommodate the evolution of the care model towards the household model of care delivery and private rooms for residents.

“For nearly 90 years, The Cedars has helped Maine seniors live their lives to the fullest,” said Senator Collins during her remarks.  “From independent and assisted living to rehabilitation and skilled nursing care, expert staff and dedicated supporters have upheld the traditional values of community while responding to emerging needs and advancement in care.”

“Working together, in Washington and in communities across the nation, we are building a shared vision for aging that is centered on health, wellness, and community,” continued Senator Collins.  “Thank you for your dedication to this important cause.”

“We are thrilled to have Senator Collins with us today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Sam L. Cohen Households at The Cedars. As a long-standing advocate for seniors and healthcare in our State, she understands the challenges of our expanding, older population,” said Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO of The Cedars.  “The Household Model will help The Cedars address the work-force crisis and create home for seniors by dramatically expanding our ability to provide innovative, person-centered care.”

The project will convert existing rooms from semi-private to private, which will displace 40 beds.  Those beds will be added to the new building, along with 20 more beds in what is described as an “assisted living memory care household.”  The shift to private rooms will be made by creating “houses” of 20 beds each.

The Cedars is a comprehensive not-for-profit senior living community that offers a full continuum of senior living options for every stage of life, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care.

As the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Collins has been a strong advocate for our nation’s seniors.  Last year, Senator Collins chaired a series of Committee hearings to examine the growing epidemic of isolation and loneliness on older Americans. 

In addition to this serious problem, Senator Collins secured a $425 million increase for Alzheimer’s research in the funding bill for the upcoming fiscal year.