Aerial photo taken June 21st, 2011. The expansion is expected to be complete by the end of the year.Residents at Indian River Estates have pledged more than $3 million toward an expansion currently underway at the continuing care retirement community that will feature a new model of senior care widely lauded within the healthcare industry for its person-centered service delivery and architectural design.

Household settings provide greater flexibility for residents.ACTS Retirement-Life Communities, the parent company of Indian River Estates, is replacing the existing WillowBrooke Court Skilled Care Center, which provides nursing care and dementia support, with 66 new suites that will accommodate 120 residents on two floors and provide enhanced privacy and other features. The total cost for the project is estimated at $28 million.

The WillowBrooke Court addition follows a nationwide movement to make senior care more homelike, where residents live in “households” and share a kitchen, dining room and living room. Other features include flexible schedules and activities, enhanced dining options, as well as larger living spaces and activity areas that promote socialization.