A newly renovated Long-Term Care (LTC) space in Sitka is helping residents feel more at home, offering brighter, more accessible, and community-centered surroundings for people who need ongoing supportive care. The refreshed environment reflects the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s (SEARHC) commitment to compassionate, culturally connected long-term care for people of all ages, ensuring comfort, dignity and a sense of belonging remain at the heart of daily life.
The multi-phase renovation project, which began in April 2025, was designed to make the environment warmer, more accessible, and more reflective of the community it serves. Currently home to 18 residents, the facility and caregivers play a critical role in SEARHC’s mission to support those who need 24/7 compassionate care.
The updated space includes brighter communal areas and expanded activity spaces, as well as upgraded accessibility features. Several new design elements, including expansive views, brighter lighting and a centralized nurse workstation, provide greater visibility to the resident’s private rooms. The facility’s staff members were deeply involved in the process, ensuring that the renovation was driven by the needs and preferences of the people who live and work there every day.
“This project was all about creating a place that truly feels like home for our residents,” Kay Turner, System Director of Long-Term Care, told the attendees at the open house. “The people who live here are the heart of our mission. They are culture-carriers, family members, teachers, and knowledge-holders in our communities. These updates give them a space that reflects the comfort, dignity, and respect they deserve.”
The event also included the opportunity to recognize Dr. Robert Hunter who served as the Long-Term Care Medical Director in 1994 and continues to care for senior members of this community to this day. “Over time, Long-Term Care has grown, and the “patients” have become “residents,” as in residents of a “home.” Steadily, efforts have been made to transition to a home environment. With the leadership of Kay and others at SEARHC, and the work of many, we now have this living room/commons area with a panoramic view, much more like a beautiful home. Some residents have been here decades, and this is their home. They are treated like members of our family,” remarked Dr. Hunter.
Harry Bradley, a member of SEARHC’s Behavioral Health team and a respected culture bearer, performed a blessing to honor the space and the residents, as well as the caregivers who support them. Staff members described the moment as deeply meaningful and grounding — a reminder that long-term care is not only clinical work, but emotional, cultural, and community work.
“This is more than new paint or upgraded spaces,” Kay added. “It’s a visual reminder of our commitment to the people we serve, and a promise that SEARHC will continue investing in environments where our elders can thrive.”
Residents and families have already shared positive feedback, noting that the refreshed space feels more open, calm, and personal.
With the Sitka LTC renovation now complete, SEARHC teams are planning other improvements across the Consortium to make sure our community’s elders receive the high-quality, culturally-grounded care we strive to offer at every stage of life.