SAVOY – The new owner of the Carle Arbours continuing care center has renamed it the Champaign-Urbana Regional Rehab Center.

The new name was effective Wednesday, along with the change of ownership from the Carle Foundation to Florida-based Traditions Management.

Despite the new name focusing on rehab, Traditions plans to continue offering long-term, Alzheimer's and hospice care, along with rehabilitation services, according to Mike Ward, Traditions' chief operating officer.

The company also plans to spend about $2 million on the facility over the next 12 months to improve it. Ward said that will include new paint, carpeting, wallpaper and furniture, new therapy and nursing equipment, a new roof and a resurfacing of the parking lot.

Ward said the Savoy facility is typically about 94 percent full, and Traditions plans to reduce the total beds from 231 to about 212 to add some private rooms for rehab patients.

Also in the plans is to make cable TV and telephone service available for all residents as part of the regular service package. Currently, patients are on their own for those services, Ward said.

One change that's already been made: About 75 nurses have been hired to fill positions that were formerly staffed by an agency, Ward said.

Traditions Management manages health care, retirement and assisted-living communities in Florida, Virginia, Iowa and Missouri, as well as in Illinois.

Carle Foundation Executive Vice President John Snyder said Carle chose Traditions to buy the Carle Arbours based on its reputation as a high-quality provider and commitment to enhancing communities where it has a presence.

"We're thrilled to be part of the community and look forward to continuing a great relationship that we've had with Carle hospital system and being what I think will be a premier employer," Ward said.