LIKE PEOPLE OF ALL AGE GROUPS, older adults want to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives with as much independence as possible. However, as we age, it’s not uncommon to need some extra help with activities of daily living, which can challenge our notion of self-reliance. That increased need for help, whether in oneself or a loved one, can also raise the question of whether it’s time to consider a senior community that provides different levels of care.
Seniors who are seeking a supportive environment that won’t compromise their independence will find exactly what they’re looking for in the assisted-living option at The Gardens of St. Francis, located at 930 S. Wynn Road in Oregon, Ohio. “We have 20 beautiful assisted-living apartments that help residents balance compassionate care with the maximum freedom possible on our campus,” states Kristy Wortketter, Director of Marketing at The Gardens of St. Francis. “It’s the perfect alternative for seniors who need a little extra support yet don’t require 24-hour, complex medical supervision.”
Each of the one-bedroom assisted-living apartments is large enough to accommodate a couple and features a private bath that is walker- and wheelchair-accessible, a kitchen with appliances, ample storage space, and individually controlled heating and air conditioning.
Other services and amenities include three home-style prepared meals and snacks daily; weekly linen services and housekeeping services; landscaped grounds with a fishing pond, gazebos, a porch, and patio areas; a beautifully appointed chapel with religious services and spiritual education; a library, computer center, and game area; a regularly scheduled happy hour; community and private dining rooms; planned recreational and activity programs; transportation for group outings and events; priority access to higher levels of care; cable television and internet services; a 24-hour emergency response system; health and wellness services; an onsite snack shop and country store; and access to guest rooms. Additional care level packages are also available. “Residents appreciate that our campus is conveniently located close to churches, shopping, hospitals, parks, and restaurants, as well,” Wortketter says.
Of course, the strongest advocates for the assisted-living program at The Gardens of St. Francis are the residents themselves. For example, Florence Partin, who moved to the Gardens of St. Francis this past spring, has gained a very favorable impression of the community, which she recently shared with HLN in writing.
Partin had been living part time with her daughter in the local area and part time with her son up in Michigan, but that arrangement proved to be challenging. “My children and I love each other, but since we are different people, too much togetherness put a strain on our relationships,” she explains. Partin had heard only positive things about The Gardens of St. Francis, so her daughter scheduled an appointment for the family to meet with Wortketter and learn more about the facility. “Kristy was pretty and intelligent and completely won me over,” Partin states. “She and my family were agreeable that the next opening would be for me. So, when the opening happened, it was a done deal.”
After moving in and getting adjusted to her new home, Partin soon discovered she has a lot in common with the other residents. “If you are interested in people, you will not be come bored here because we all have different backgrounds and we can all learn from one another,” she writes.
Like everyone who spends time at The Gardens of St. Francis, Partin is enamored with the campus’s beautiful grounds and facilities, observing, “It is now June 17 and summer is adding to the glory of this beautiful building. Everyone admires it. It has many plants and flowers and many walks where we can go for a hike. It’s also large enough that we keep finding new sights to wonder about. Each morning we wake up to many birds chirping. This evening we will gather on the porch to listen to music.”
Wortketter adds that, in addition to the assisted-living option, The Gardens of St. Francis offers memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing to meet residents’ changing needs, so seniors who choose the community can rest assured they have a home for life.
Partin would recommend The Gardens of St. Francis to others without hesitation, stating, “Anyone looking will find The Gardens of St. Francis a happy place with happy people as I have found.”
