Konviktsgaart Résidence Grande-Duchesse Joséphine Charlotte

Assisted living for seniors in the heart of the city

KONVIKTSGAART Although the land for Konviktsgaart the institution opened its doors in was purchased in the 1970s, it was 1992. This institution provides essen- not until 1982 that the plan to build tial services for our citizens, and a community centre for the elderly we take real pride in what it does: at began to take shape. While today’s Konviktsgaart, not only do residents assisted living facilities have changed get to lead an independent life, but over time to offer residents all mod- they also live in the bustling heart of ern amenities, Konviktsgaart has our capital, while still enjoying round- remained true to its roots as a com- the-clock support from Konvikts- munity centre where residents retain gaart’s trained staff. their independence, without living in On behalf of the College of the Mayor isolation. and Aldermen, I encourage you to It has been a special pleasure for me read on to find out more about the as mayor to have been able to follow many benefits enjoyed by residents this project through all its phases, of Konviktsgaart. Happy reading! from the very beginning right up until Lydie Polfer Mayor The knowledge that there is always I would like to take this opportunity a nurse on hand when you need one, to express my gratitude to all those the range of leisure activities available whose commitment each and every nearby, and the fact that you can conti­ day ensures that Konviktsgaart meets nue to live your life as usual are just the expectations of our residents, and a few of the aspects that I – as both a I invite all of you who are reading this resident of the city but also as alder­ to get to know this wonderful residen­ woman – consider some of the clear tial community better from the pages benefits for residents of Konviktsgaart. that follow.

In addition to material comfort and convenience, and the services avai­ lable, I would also like to emphasise Isabel Wiseler-Lima the fact that Konviktsgaart focuses Alderwoman for Senior Policy on people in everything it does. Com­ mitment, discretion and respect are among our core values, and this is reflected in the day-to-day work of our employees.

1 Mrs DONVEN Welche Freude wenn es heißt: Alter, du bist alt an Jahren, blühend aber ist dein Geist. (G.E. Lessing) our story

The foundations for the creation of Konviktsgaart were first laid in 1982 with the establishment of a working group. Its members had a clear vision for the nature of this venture, shaping the institution as we know it today. Konviktsgaart first opened its doors in 1992, and provides assisted living services for seniors in the heart of the city.

3 our story

The history of Konviktsgaart began Building a centre is one thing, but in 1975, when the City of Luxem­ providing for its daily management bourg bought several plots of land and bringing it to life is an entirely at the junction between Avenue different – and equally important – Marie-Thérèse and Route d’Esch endeavour. The municipal leaders from the Maria Rheinsheim real therefore decided to entrust the estate firm. The City purchased centre’s management through an some more land through this same operating licence to a private com­ firm a few years later, in 1981. From pany specialised in this field. After the outset, it was planned for this a call for tenders, followed by an spot – with its prime location – to be in-depth analysis and comparative the site of a retirement home and study, the City selected SODEXO community centre for seniors. To SENIOR SERVICE S.A. this end, a working group was set up one year later with the task of drafting the plans to build the home. The members of this working group were: Lydie Polfer, mayor; , alderwoman; Henri Beck, secretary general; and Jean Horger, head engineer. In order to ensure that the operator In Konviktsgaart’s early years, the diligently performs its contractual average age of the residents was duties in accordance with standard 75. This was the case for some practice, this agreement stipulat­ time until the law on long-term ed the creation of a management care insurance (loi sur l’assurance committee, whose meetings are dépendance) took effect on 1 Janu­ called and chaired by the City and ary 1999. The provisions of this law take place at least once every three encourage elderly people to remain months. This committee includes in their own homes for longer. For an equal number of representatives a while now, the centre’s gender of both the City and the business distribution has remained the same, operator. They mainly come togeth­ with 75 women and 25 men out of er to monitor the centre’s financial 100 residents. This is closely related situation, evaluate its occupancy to the rise in the average age of new statistics and discuss the challeng­ residents at Konviktsgaart. At pres­ es related to managing the centre. ent, Konviktsgaart is home to a total The operating contract establishes of 110 residents. that the City remains the owner of the premises and is the sole party with the authority to accept resi­ dents and terminate a stay.

5 Various renovation works have The main improvements, complet- been carried out between 1992 ed in 2018, include: and the present day in order to ensure the facilities best meet complete remodelling of the main residents’ needs, as well as to kitchen in 2018, such that all fixtures ensure their general safety and are now state of the art; well-being: renovation of short-stay rooms (seven in all): bathroom conversion improvements to the emergency in order to bring these in line with lighting; current standards, re-flooring and sectioning throughout the building installation of suitable furnishings; (installation of fire doors and smoke renovation of studios and apart- barriers); ments (58 studios and 45 apart- upgrading of the medical alarm ments): bathroom conversion, system; widening of doorways, re-flooring and kitchenette remodelling. opening of a new grocery store closer to residents. When studios or apartments are va- cated, they are renovated so that all new residents move into completely refurbished home units. 7 Mr ROSSLER Ce n’est pas parce que je suis un vieux pommier que je donne de vieilles pommes. (F. Leclerc) our values

“Our values define who we are, and are the bedrock of what we do. Every day, they guide us in our interactions with residents and serve as a shared foundation for our employees, who reflect this in their daily work.”

9 our values Konviktsgaart is first and foremost a Humanity home, grounded in key values that Empathy are the pillars of our organisation. These values have allowed us to Honesty grow steadily and become the Kon­ Integrity viktsgaart that people know today: Availability an institution that believes firmly in its ideals. Discretion

Commitment

Respect

Responsibility

Transparency

11 Mrs EISCHEN A smile is a secret key that unlocks many hearts. (Lord Baden-Powell) our mission

We have made it our mission to offer more than just material comfort and convenience, and try to ensure our resident’s lives are as full as possible. For over two decades, we have put people at the centre of everything we do.

13 In addition to the facilities we pro­ vide, here at Konviktsgaart we per­ petually aspire to offer our residents a safe, comfortable environment where their everyday lives are both interesting and tranquil. Our mission is to ensure that our residents enjoy a sense of belonging and feel part of a community, whilst being free to make their own choices. our mission Although we offer the very latest Konviktsgaart is an assisted-living in modern amenities, our goal has facility that is committed to offering always been to go beyond merely regular care to its residents while providing a place to live. We remain giving them the freedom and space committed, each and every day, to they need to live as independently our core value: putting people at as possible. This means being the centre of everything we do. With available to residents, and offering their empathy and sensitivity, our support if needed. carers helps residents feel safe and at home with us at Konviktsgaart. Our residents can rest easy, reas­ sured by the staff’s expertise in sup­ porting the elderly with their daily activities and personal challenges.

15

Mr SALOMON Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment. (Lao tzu)

what we offer

With 110 living units, we offer solutions adapted to all situations: whether you are looking for a room, a studio or an apartment, we’ve got something to suit your needs.

17 what we offer

Apartments and studios In addition to abundant leisure and The facilities are let unfurnished; recreation facilities and spaces, residents are free to furnish their Konviktsgaart has 45 apartments for new home according to their own couples or single residents (with a personal taste. This includes home habitable space of 47 m² or 55 m²) textiles such as bath towels and and 58 studios for single residents bed sheets. The units have a living (habitable space of 39 m² or 45 m²). room, bathroom with shower and toilet, and a fitted kitchen. The apartments have a separate bedroom; in the studios, the sleep­ ing area is part of the living room. Apartements Studios of 47 m2 of 39 m2 or 55 m2 or 45 m2 Separate bedroom a Living room a a Fitted kitchen a a Bathroom with shower, WC a a Connections to phone line and shared TV antenna a a Small safe a a Connection to internal personal alert system a a Storage unit in basement area a a

19 Konviktsgaart offers the following services:

a spacious, air-conditioned an air-conditioned cafeteria restaurant where breakfast and with outdoor seating lunch are served: a grocery store is open Monday– your relatives are welcome to join Saturday you for lunch option to pay by credit card breakfast may be served in your  a basement-level laundry room room at no extra cost where you can do your own laundry all meals are prepared on site (pay with tokens). Or you can hire a private laundry company to collect choice between two menus (sal­ your laundry for a fee ad and vegetable buffet, appetis­ er, main course, dessert). Water a hair salon on the ground floor and coffee are included. One for hairstyling services and mani- alcoholic beverage is included on cures by appointment Sundays and holidays

vegetarian, vegan and special diet meals are available

themed parties in the restaurant a bank counter for all standard an on-site concierge, transactions (one morning per week) available 24/7

a library 24/7 reception desk

a chapel with weekly mass free Wi-Fi in common areas and short-term rental units a conference room

a party room that can be used for family celebrations

a fitness room

an infirmary for emergency first aid and a bit of help with activities of daily living

21 Other features if you can no longer stay at Konviktsgaart and you need to be all residents are free to come transferred to a home that better and go as they please meets your needs (more long-term friends and family may visit any intensive care), Konviktsgaart will time help you through this change and in order to respond to residents’ you are guaranteed a place in one grievances, a committee (Heem- of the City’s hospices bäirot) made up of the director, head chef, City representative and Leisure activities residents’ representative has been set up, and meets regularly board games

residents may choose their own reading doctors gentle exercise

trips to the large shopping dance classes centres nearby are organised swimming (at residents’ request) three times per month bus excursions qualified staff help residents make minor repairs in their accom- regular activities organised modation, navigate administrative by the home in partnership with procedures or contact family mem- City’s Service seniors bers if needed (Department of Senior Services)

visitor parking is available

all residents have large individual storage units in the basement Room and board

Room and board for an apartment or studio (including storage cellar) is paid monthly in advance by standing order. This price varies based on the surface area of the selected accom- modation and may be adjusted at the beginning of each year. Residents may request the following The following services are included: services for an additional fee:

breakfast and lunch lunch served in their room

use of communal facilities occasional help from the nursing staff heating and gas additional housekeeping water repairs and other maintenance common area charges work (cost of materials) water supply and waste manage­ laundry service ment fees shared TV antenna weekly housekeeping telephone subscription curtain cleaning once a year internet connection annual cleaning of the storage unit and underground parking air conditioning in the accommo­ space dation upon request

Residents pay the electric bill for underground parking space their accommodation unit directly to the provider. The costs for repainting the accommodation before moving in are incurred by the new tenants.

23 Admission conditions

Admission to an assisted-living If you are interested in becoming facility for seniors at Konviktsgaart is a resident here at Konviktsgaart, granted based on criteria set by the please contact the City of Luxem­ City of Luxembourg. bourg’s Service seniors to sign up to our waiting list. If you wish to On the date of admission, applicants move in quickly, please contact the must be: Service seniors to explain the ur­ at least 65 years old (for couples, gency of your situation and expedite the younger spouse must be 60 or the admission process. When a unit over); becomes available, people on the physically and mentally capa­ waiting list are contacted and given ble of completing basic household the option to move in. tasks alone and of moving around independently. Short-term rooms with full room and board

Seven fully renovated rooms are re- This fee includes the following served for seniors who wish to stay services: at Konviktsgaart for a short time, breakfast, lunch, dinner; ranging from one to several weeks. daily housekeeping; Interested parties can choose be- tween a single or double room. The TV, refrigerator, safe; price per day depends on the size of walk-in shower; the selected room. use of communal facilities;

participation in events and excur­ sions organised by the home.

25 Mr MARTIN I have striven not to mock, lament, or hate human actions, but to understand them. (Benedictus de Spinoza) our added value

Our added value is built on three pillars: our human capital, our core values and our expertise in pro- viding care for seniors. In addition, our institution takes an egalitarian approach in its relations between management and care workers.

27 our added value

Our commitment to providing higher Konviktsgaart is a friendly, wel­ added-value care is more than coming place near the city centre. just lip service. We treat our core Our prime location means that our values as the driving force behind residents can take part in the hustle everything we do: they are a tangi­ and bustle of city life, depending ble and essential part of our activi­ on their physical fitness. Residents ties, and underpin our offering as a can continue to lead their lives as whole. they did before moving in, and may come and go as they please. Konviktsgaart provides a wide vari­ ety of services under one roof, tai­ lored to its residents’ needs. Today, this institution is a one-stop shop for people who would like to continue living independently, but not on their own. Support and guidance is of­ fered if needed, but never imposed against residents’ wishes. In addition to our convenient loca- Last but not least, one of the key tion and the quality services we of- aspects of our added-value offering fer, our institution has a very human is our human capital. Our quali- philosophy. At Konviktsgaart, we fied staff receive ongoing training put people first so our residents feel and are always open to listen and well cared for. Our staff, who are respond to the various needs and strongly committed to the home’s expectations of our residents. At values, focus on creating a pleasant the same time, the management environment for our residents. team continually strives to develop and improve the services provided, ensuring the home always offers its residents the best possible living experience.

29 Tours and short stays Konviktsgaart Résidence Grande-Duchesse Admissions KONVIKTSGAART Joséphine Charlotte Résidence Grande-Duchesse Service Seniors Joséphine-Charlotte 9, boulevard Franklin D. Roosevelt 11, avenue Marie-Thérèse Assisted living for seniors L-2090 Luxembourg L-2132 Luxembourg in the heart of the city Tel 4796-4270 Tel 25 06 50-1 Fax 22 17 21 Fax 25 06 50-267 Email [email protected] Email [email protected]

konviktsgaart.vdl.lu