Meeting Goals

Czech Cottages meets two of the goals established in Kansas legislature statute (K.S.A. 75-4265) by that this development: 

• reduces future Medicaid costs to the state, and
• helps seniors avoid premature institutionalization

 
Each of the factors described below help seniors avoid premature institutionalization and thereby reduce Medicaid costs to the state.

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1. Proximity to Wilson Senior Center: Residents of Czech Cottages live in convenient proximity to the Wilson Senior Center, a center of social and recreational activities as well as noon meals on weekdays. Residents of Czech Cottages find the many services offered by the Wilson Senior Center just across the street. -- Learn More About Amenities 
2. Proximity to Businesses and Community Amenities: The proximity of Czech Cottages to community amenities such as the Lang Memorial Library and the Wilson Post Office (both are directly next door in the same block) adds to the convenience and quality of life for Czech Cottages residents. All of the following services and businesses are close to Czech Cottages: Ellsworth County Medical Center Health Clinic, Wilson City Hall, Wilson Police Station and Fire Department, Lions Club Park, Pride Park, Wilson State Bank, Wilson Foods Grocery Store, Grandma’s Soda Shop, Wilson Thrift Store, Amy’s Accounting Service, Ellco Insurance Agency, Langerman Auto Repair, and Wilson Communications.  These businesses are within one block from Czech Cottages.
3. Reduced Dependence on the Automobile / Greater Personal Freedom: The only congregate senior housing in Wilson is the Smoky View Villa apartments located at the south edge of town. To get from Smoky View Villa to the Senior Center or any of the above listed amenities and businesses requires travelling several blocks including crossing Highway 40 and the railroad tracks. Residents of Smoky View Villa are dependent on their automobiles to go almost anywhere. The only community facility located near Smoky View Villa is the Wilson Nursing Center. Czech Cottages’ location allows residents to live in the community with more freedom and independence for a longer period of time.
4. Safe Rooms, etc: Old age often includes limitations in mobility and a reduced sense of security. To address this, the utility room in each apartment doubles as a safe room – with steel-reinforced walls and ceilings built to FEMA standards. The frame of each apartment is sturdy post-and-beam, the thick straw bale exterior walls are thoroughly fastened to the concrete foundation, and the exterior walls are coated with 1.5 inches of fiberglass-reinforced cement stucco. These very substantial residences offer significant protection from Kansas storms. Residents have the comfort of knowing the safest place to be during a storm is at home. Greater safety and security adds to residents’ quality of life.
5. Lower Risk of Fire: Compared to conventional wood stud construction, straw bale walls provide better resistance to fire. Straw bale walls contain millions of tiny air pockets that provide excellent insulation value. Yet, the structure of straw bale walls inhibits combustion. Conversely, the structure of conventional wood stud walls provides a chimney effect between the studs that allows fire to spread from lower areas up to the roof structure. Straw bale walls tested at a certified construction materials testing facility achieved a two-hour commercial fire rating, far superior to conventional wood stud walls.
6. Lower Heating and Cooling Bills: Residents of Czech Cottages spend significantly less money for heating and cooling than residents of conventional housing. Lower utility bills help residents maintain greater financial independence and reduce the risk for premature institutionalization.