DAYTON–Scores of local residents and visitors turned out for the ceremonial opening and ribbon-cutting of one of the new assisted living facilities adjacent to Dayton General Hospital, Rivers Walk Assisted Living, which will offer more opportunities for local elderly to "age in place."

The new facility consists of four units, named after local rivers or creeks, and each building can house up to 10 or 11 residents, in single- or two-person sized rooms. Ribbon-cutting residents toured Unit C, "Palouse," which will be designated for memory care and includes a safe outdoor space for residents. Palouse was toured by visitors to the ceremony. Other units are expected to be finished soon.

"When we started talking about this and talking about what we wanted for this community, knowing that we were seeing people have to move from what they considered their homes in Columbia County and in Waitsburg, we wanted to provide something that would allow them to stay and age in place," said Hospital CEO Shane McGuire, in opening remarks.

"Following our strategic plan," said Commission Chairman Bob Hutchens, "we're trying to meet the health-care needs of the community. We do that by looking at options all over, and we have things ongoing besides this, but it's nice to see this coming to fruition."

He thanked McGuire and the hospital administration staff, providers, staff, and an incredible workforce that is "very, very dedicated to providing health-care to this community," Hutchens said.

"Their work, especially at this time when it is hard to find workers and such, especially with their specifications that are needed, they just keep hanging in there and keep working, and that's really appreciated by the board and by Shane," Hutchens said.

"We would not be here today celebrating this if it were not for Ron [Asmus], REA and his team," McGuire told the assembled crowd.

Asmus was drawn into the project through his work with architect John McLean, who called Asmus when a property adjacent to the hospital campus was under contract, but the buyer extended the closing several times. He stepped in and purchased the property.

"It's a no brainer," Asmus said. "It's property right next to a hospital, and if anybody could best use the property, it's the hospital or the community.

"It's all about you guys," Asmus said. "I do construction. It's not much about me. It's about everybody here. It's a community thing. In that sense, this project is more exciting for me to build because of the end users.

-Chronicle photo

With Hospital District Commissioners and CEO Shane McGuire looking on, Joanna Huwe, a Licensed Practical Nurse who played a big role in the operations and licensing work, got the honor of cutting the ribbon, opening for the public to inspect and see, the Rivers Walk Assisted Living Facility.

"First of all: I hope I never have to use this facility or one like it," Asmus said. "However, if you have to use one, I'd sure hate to have to go to a different location where I don't live. So you can stay within your community, stay with your family and friends. They can come and visit at the drop of a hat so this is all about the community and yourselves.

After the ribbon was cut by LPN Joanna Huwe, who with Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Carpenter, will oversee operations of Rivers Walk, the public was invited to tour the facility. It has a central living room, a game parlor, and individual rooms with rest room facilities in each room. Bathing facilities are separate in the Palouse building.