While some seniors may think that transitioning into a senior living community means giving up their independence, residents of The Heritage at Brentwood, a LifeCare® Community, are clearly not doing so. “At The Heritage, independent living is both encouraged and enabled so strongly that you’re more apt to increase your independence than for it to diminish,” says Hank Dye, who, along with his wife Margaret, has been residing there since March.
“I had never in my life attempted to draw anything, but now the art classes are teaching me the basic skills and encouraging me,” she says. “The water aerobics classes have challenged me in new ways and made me feel healthier. At age 80, I even bought a new swimsuit!”
Margaret has discovered other new interests as well. A big reader, she is most proud of organizing a book club. “It’s the first book club I have ever been a part of,” she says.
She likes to read while sitting on the porch and enjoying the outdoors. Hank will often join her, regardless of the temperature. While she reads, he sometimes enjoys a good nap.
Margaret also helps arrange and place small flower bouquets on all of the tables in the restaurants and the lounge. “The camaraderie that takes place is really special, and it’s fun to go to dinner and see people enjoying our handiwork.”
While viewing these centerpieces, residents can indulge in exceptional food and beverages. “Residents enjoy both fine and casual dining options, with menus that offer a wide variety of dishes and rotate bi-weekly,” says Tyler Moore, manager of restaurant operations. “We also host special dining events to celebrate every holiday, adding variety and excitement to the experience.”
Hank and Margaret appreciate the activities and opportunities to learn new skills and do things that they never had the time to discover earlier in life. They revel in the slower pace of their everyday routines, which have slowed substantially, and they treasure the opportunity that it affords them to simply enjoy each other, their new friends, and their new surroundings.
"Our main focus is creating a well-rounded lifestyle that supports our residents’ physical, emotional, and social well-being,” says Ben Zirkle, HR generalist. “Through enriching activities, various dining options, and a welcoming environment that feels like home, residents are encouraged to stay active and connected."
The couple has also made many new friends. “There is an amazing friendliness and camaraderie and an ease of developing relationships,” says Hank.
One of the things they’re most grateful for is the “great peace of mind and security knowing we don’t have to worry about what happens next,” says Hank. “We have told our two sons that the decision to come to The Heritage is one of the best gifts we could give them.”
They are also looking forward to starting new holiday traditions in their new home. “We haven’t been here long enough to experience a lot of holidays, but you can bet Margaret is already pondering the ways she will use her varied collection of Nativity scenes to decorate our door shelf for Christmas,” he says.
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