PRIME LIVING

Freedom to grow

We put so much time and effort into choosing schools for our children and purchasing homes in neighborhoods that reflect the values we hold dear. Perhaps we ought to use that same care to choose a retirement community for ourselves and our parents that meets the next stage of life — a season in which we not only have the freedom to pursue new educational opportunities and recreational activities — but a season that we just might be able to call the prime of our life.

Read on to learn about six retirement communities in and around Lakewood where opportunities abound for living life to the fullest.

Since it opened in 1970, Monticello West has been a leader in the community, dedicated to providing senior care.

“The forward-thinking staff envisioned that as baby boomers aged, they would need to provide a place where people felt at home and have access to individualized medical care,” says Robin Daniels, Monticello West Communications Representative.

Critical to the overall atmosphere is the combined sense of community with high-quality care.

“When you visit Monticello West, you immediately realize the difference, such as the tenure of staff,” Daniels says.

The care from the staff of Monticello West has not only earned strong family loyalty but also the industry’s coveted five-star rating.

Caregivers at Monticello West realize that families work to gain advance knowledge and expertise about care for loved ones, Daniels says. They welcome family discussion and interaction to en- sure that residents are receiving personalized care. From personal grooming, to meals, to help with activities of daily living, Monticello West’s team members offer caring assistance 24 hours a day.

Life enrichment is another key to quality care, Daniels says.

Monticello West provides a full range of care, including all levels of assisted living to advanced memory care, so patients remain in a familiar environment. It’s also a pet-friendly residential community.

“Our goal is to enable our residents to live an active, independent lifestyle while our dedicated team members and licensed nurses provide assistance with medications, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and other specific services depending on the needs of our residents,” Daniels says.

This year, Monticello West has a new chef and a new Memor y Care Director, Daniels says. Taylor Self, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, works to understand the food preferences of residents. Memory Care Director Saba Ahmed brings innovative programs such as her vocational approach to help residents share their expertise with others.

Currently, more than 400 residents enjoy the care and amenities provided at C.C. Young Senior Living. Says Russell Crews, President and CEO of C. C. Young: “People don’t come to C.C. Young to retire. They come here to live.”

Located on 20 acres of land near the shores of White Rock Lake, C.C. Young includes eight buildings and offers services from independent and assisted living to memory care, home health and hospice.