LANGENBURG, Sask. — Providing family dynamics and social interaction is the concept behind The Haas Cienda, a privately run home for seniors in Langenburg.
Cheryl Haas grew up here and is now the owner-general manager of the 8,000 sq. foot house in this town of 1,400.
It can house 17 and features two person, four person suites and seven bedroom suites, each with private bedrooms and common living areas.
Haas said the home is within walking distance of stores and services for seniors who can take care of themselves but don’t want to live alone.
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It’s similar to a college dormitory or The Golden Girls television show.
“You have to come out of the room to eat. It puts you back in a group and family,” said Haas.
“You can never put a price tag on what a cup of coffee and a sandwich shared can do. That goes a long, long ways.”
She said depression is a concern for seniors living alone.
“It can kill you from the inside out,” she said. “The loudness of the silence is what is terrible when you’re used to having someone across the table everyday.”
Property manager Tina Growers said the house offers a modern decor, living and dining areas and landscaped grounds.
“We were going for something homey, not clinical,” she said.
Both agree it targets those widowed, seeking companionship or wanting to downsize.
“It’s not for everyone,” Growers conceded.
Haas sees it as a transition from a private home to a care facility.
Residents pay a damage deposit and monthly rent of around $1,250 per month.
Haas, a potash worker who lives with her husband on an area farm that is rented out, has invested $750,000 in the project. She wants to eventually add a shuttle van, hair salon, elevator and walking track.
