Discover the Support You Need to Live the Life You Love 

In North Wales, The Solana^® Horsham offers senior accommodations that truly make a difference. That’s because our people strive each and every day to not only meet but also exceed the expectations of our residents and their families.

Step inside The Solana Horsham, and from the moment you do, you’ll be captivated by the comfortable surroundings, the sense of security and the welcoming environment. More than just a place to live, The Solana offers a way of life where you can immerse yourself in the activities that interest you most, while developing and nurturing new and enduring friendships. Most of all, you and your family will appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing your important needs are being met.

Now open, The Solana features Assistive Senior Living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care for residents who require specialized service and care.

Assistive Senior Living

The Solana’s special brand of Assistive Senior Living provides a beautiful place to live with just the right amount of help with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Our care plans offer an ideal blend of convenience and support, enabling us to deliver personalized care with Respect for Individual Preferences^SM.

Working in concert with family members and personal physicians, we continually assess each resident and adjust services to meet their evolving needs. The result is a dignified lifestyle that is rich and rewarding and allows residents to live as independently as possible.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care is provided in The Solana’s specialized Clare Bridge^® environment. A feature exclusive to Brookdale Senior Living^® communities, the Clare Bridge concept has evolved over more than 25 years by continually embracing the latest ideas in good Alzheimer’s care practice, coupled with the experience of caring for thousands of individuals and families touched by dementia. Each resident receives an individualized approach, depending on the progression of the disease.

The Solana offers two distinct Clare Bridge^® settings:

• Clare Bridge Crossings provides a bridge between Assistive Senior Living and more advanced care and is designed for individuals whose altered sense of time and place may result in anxiety and the need for additional support. This proactive program builds upon aging research to sustain mental functions that are often impacted in the early-to-mid stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

• As clinical and support needs increase, our Clare Bridge residence provides a specialized environment for those in mid-to-late stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Staff members are highly trained to understand and manage the unique challenges associated with dementia and implement a four-step plan each day to help residents achieve Daily Moments of Success^SM.

At The Solana, we know the key to aging well is living well. That’s why residents enjoy fabulous amenities, such as chef-prepared meals and housekeeping, laundry and transportation services. What’s more, our Optimum Life^® program supports residents’ pursuit of wellness through six key dimensions: purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and intellectual. As a result, every day here is filled with opportunities and experiences to keep residents connected and engaged.

From the compassionate support of Assistive Senior Living to the comfort of specialized Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, you’ll find everything residents need to enhance their quality of life in every possible way, even as their needs evolve. Best of all, it’s backed by the strength and stability of Brookdale Senior Living, the nation’s largest provider of senior accommodations.

Come see what our exceptional blend of hospitality, service and care means for you. Call (215) 642-2701 today to learn more.

THE SOLANA^® HORSHAM

A Brookdale^® Managed Community

Assistive Senior Living

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

1419 Horsham Road

North Wales, PA 19454

(215) 642-2701

www.brookdaleliving.com

Respect for Individual Preferences and Daily Moments of Success are Service Marks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office.

Since both communities are managed by Peregrine Health Management, these two women are able to enjoy the benefits of the organization’s visionary programs and mission to revolutionize expectations for the aging process.  Dorothy and Patricia met for the first time at this interview, and after only a few minutes of chatting it was clear they were “two of a kind,” as Patricia stated. “There are a lot of things that we have in common.” Most notably it is their warm demeanor and the fact that both women had cared for their family members as they needed assistance themselves.
A great-grandmother to seven, Dorothy Weinstein is a lifelong resident of Baltimore.  She enjoyed over 64 years of marriage to her husband.  After he passed away, Dorothy decided to leave the family home of 29 years and downsize to an apartment with the help of her children.

When to Make the Move to Assisted Living

When Dorothy’s son became sick, she naturally rallied to care for him, but as his condition worsened, he needed the skilled care of an assisted living facility.  Dorothy decided to move in with him. “Everyone thought I was out of my mind,”she said.

Having learned about Woodholme Gardens as it was being built, Dorothy and her son were able to move in to the community a few months later.  She said, “It was brand new, so we were among the first residents to move in.”
Built in 2010, the community offers state-of-the-art accommodations for 80 residents addressing the needs of all assisted living residents including those with memory impairment and senior behavioral concerns.  The community has embraced the philosophy of encouraging each resident to identify new goals or renew old interests so that they continue to grow physically, intellectually and spiritually. Woodholme Gardens provides support for each resident’s religious expression, whether it is through sacred ritual, meditation, scriptural reflection or prayer.

These and other features have been extra perks for Dorothy, who was impressed from the start with the community’s appearance.  “It’s a lovely place, just beautiful,” she said. “I don’t ever intend to move.”

With certain criteria in mind, Patricia's children helped her find Symphony Manor where says she has been very happy. Meanwhile, Dorothy resides at Woodholme Gardens, a community that immediately appealed to her with its beautiful campus and array of amenities.

Patricia Enid Rose Low was born and raised in Bermuda.  She credited the small, beautiful community in which she grew up for her outgoing personality, friendliness and warmth.  “Some people have cats that they love, others have dogs that they love, I enjoy people,” she said with a smile. “So I am a people person.”

Patricia left Bermuda to attend college in Baltimore at Morgan State University and proceeded to teach chemistry, math and physics there for several years. She shared that she particularly enjoyed teaching young women who thought that they could not learn math and physics or excel in those disciplines. “My great joy was the students, not the meetings,” she said.

Like Dorothy, Patricia was called upon to help care for her relatives. In 1993 she returned to Bermuda to care for her father and aunt who were in their eighties.  After the passing of both her father and sister, she spent some brief time back in Baltimore and then decided to live in Asheville, NC for a few years.  Her many connections in Baltimore, however, led her to the decision to eventually move back.

What to Look for in Senior Housing

With their mother in good health, Patricia’s son and daughter did some research on potential new living options that would enable her to have a future with security.  “There were very specific things that I wanted,” she said. “I wanted activities, I wanted to be in a beautiful place, and I wanted very delightful food because I was not going to be doing any cooking. I just wanted to enjoy life.”

Her children discovered these features and much more at Symphony Manor, where Patricia also became one of the first residents and has certainly been enjoying life. “I am very happy here,” she said.

Both women cite the array of activities and the amenities that have allowed them a maintenance-free lifestyle as the most important elements in their new homes.  Peregrine Communities are committed to establishing programs that are separate from the status quo. “We have a wonderful activities director at Symphony Manor who has us doing different things all the time,” said Patricia.

Enjoying an Active Lifestyle in Assisted Living Facilities

According to Dorothy, Woodholme has regular entertainment, from a talented musician playing on the community’s grand piano to different theme parties.  As both women have enjoyed establishing friendships and taking advantage of the numerous activities their communities offer onsite, they appreciate the transportation each place provides to various restaurants, shopping and other local cultural offerings.

Both women are enjoying the maintenance-free lifestyle and numerous activities their communities offer. With daytrips, parties and regular entertainment, they have each established several friendships.

“The environment at Symphony Manor is very nice and I like the proximity that this area of Baltimore has to so many places of interest,” said Patricia.

Meanwhile, Dorothy has loved the surprises she experiences regularly when venturing offsite.  “Every Wednesday, the young man who drives us will take us out for a surprise ride on the bus and will stop for different things, such as ice cream,” she said.

Both communities have also adapted cutting edge programs for stimulating long-term memory.  These include memory arts for dementia residents, Community Connections, and, complementary therapies such as massages, drum circles, Reiki and music therapy.

Although Patricia and Dorothy have family and friends nearby, their communities have embraced technology to keep residents connected by utilizing web cameras to facilitate communications between residents and their families and friends.

Specialized Programs in Senior Housing

Woodholme Gardens also features Peregrine Health Management’s innovative programming in Geri-Psych. This geriatric behavioral health program was successfully developed in 2004 based on findings that mental health professionals and family members alike prefer a residential setting to meet the needs of seniors with behavioral health disorders.

Stephen Bowman, the president of Peregrine Health Management, believes that residents who live in their facilities are individuals who are full of life, with unique pasts and particular interests. “Our goal is to enhance their lives by stimulating those interests and encouraging them to continue to grow both mentally and spiritually…. celebrating life!” he said.

And Dorothy and Patricia feel fortunate in having so many reasons to celebrate life having found homes that provide them with the support and security they desired.

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“The hardest part of getting older is that you no longer have anyone older or wiser than yourself to whom you can ask questions — no mother to ask, no father,” said Dorothy.

For both these women, as Patricia has always believed in life, things truly fell into place.  As individuals who in the past made the commitment to care for others, they have come full circle now living in places that have made the same commitment to them.

The process of downsizing and selling the family home is often overwhelming, even for those with a background in the moving industry. A real estate broker for 25 years, Carol Fine, and her husband, Richard, wanted to make a quick move from their five-bedroom house three years ago, and with the help of Downsize, Etc., they were able to do just that.

Married for 53 years, the Fines have two children. While Richard enjoys playing golf and swimming, Carol can often be seen sewing or settling down with her latest read.

It was when she was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s that they decided it was time to make the transition and ended up selling their home within a few weeks. “We couldn’t do it ourselves. It was just so overwhelming to stand there and figure out what to take or sell,” she said.

Fortunately, she was introduced to Nancy Malphrus and Bart Goldstein of Downsize, Etc., a company that specializes in real estate, liquidation and design. “Nancy came over and knew what we needed to do,” said Carol. “I was extremely impressed with her presentation and guidelines for downsizing.”

The couple then visited their future two-bedroom apartment with Bart, who drew up a diagram, factoring in the particular furniture they wanted to take.

“They recommended a moving company that was terrific,” said Carol. “It was also a very controlled environment as they limited the number of people who could go through the house.”

Not only were their valuables properly cared for and secure, but the Fines’ home was left spotless. According to Carol, Bart and Nancy made all of the arrangements for selling or donating the remainder of the couple’s belongings while Bart helped decorate their apartment.

Since their move, the Fines have continually stayed in touch with the organization and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone they know considering a move.

“Being in real estate for so many years I know how much is involved and you just can’t make a move like that on your own,” said Carol. “The process for us was absolutely seamless — it was a dream.”

Marilyn and Bob Ackelsberg have enjoyed interacting with different cultures and taking in the beautiful sights of the many places they have visited over the years. Therefore when it came time to find a living option for their future, the place they chose would have some unique experiences to follow. When they discovered Cathedral Village in Philadelphia with convenience to the cultural offerings of the city the choice was easy.

From Machu Picchu to Thailand, well-rounded travelers Marilyn and Bob Ackelsberg have enjoyed interacting with different cultures and taking in the beautiful sights of the many places they have visited over the years. Therefore when it came time to find a living option for their future, the place they chose would have some unique experiences to follow.  When they discovered Cathedral Village in Philadelphia, however, they found a vibrant continuing care community nestled in 44 acres that would not only offer them a suburban-style setting with scenic views, but convenience to the cultural offerings of the city.

Both born in the Bronx, Marilyn and Bob became friends in their early teens. After attending City College for his undergraduate studies, Bob received his Masters in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University. He also received a MBA from NYU, where Marilyn had gone for her undergraduate studies.

Having worked in the plastics industry and subsequently as a consultant, Bob decided to take a different career route and started teaching. He enrolled in a PhD business program at CUNY and started to teach at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. Meanwhile, Marilyn stayed at home with their three sons and then she too went back to school to get her teaching certification.

With summers off, the couple bought a trailer and made two cross-country trips. “We went all over the country and into Canada,” said Bob. “The first time we went 13,000 miles and the second, we did 10,000.”

One of Marilyn’s favorite memories from these trips was when they went camping in Idaho, after seeing white water rafters on a cover of National Geographic. “It just looked so exciting,” she said. “So we got in touch with a guide and arranged for a side camping trip, spending five nights in the middle fork of the Salmon River with about 25 people and several rafts.”

When Bob finally received his Doctorate he accepted a position in the School of Business at Shippensburg University. When the couple moved to Shippensburg, Marilyn received her Masters Degree in Reading and worked as a reading specialist. Bob received a federal grant to initiate an international business program that included Asian languages and international business courses. Over the years, sabbaticals and presentations at conferences took them to Europe for extended visits.

The couple felt very fortunate when Bob taught at Prince of Songkla University in Southern Thailand. While he was teaching MBA students, Marilyn taught Conversational English to the faculty and staff as well as the local tourist police. “We were lucky to be asked back for a second time,” she said.

Due to business trips and their summers off from teaching, the couple has also enjoyed visits to Malaysia, China and to different parts of South America and Europe.
As much as they traveled, however, they loved returning home to Pennsylvania. “Our 21 years in a pastoral setting were truly a blessing. Country folk and Amish neighbors helped make it so,” said Marilyn.

As time passed, the Ackelsbergs moved to an active adult community where they lived for 12 years. Although their eldest son kept bringing up the idea of moving to Philadelphia to be near his family, the couple was happy with their lifestyle. That quickly changed, however, when he sent them an ad for Cathedral Village.
Two days later they were there visiting. Their decision to officially move to the community happened quickly.

“Sitting in the beautiful lobby, surrounded by plants, art, lovely flowers, and being greeted by so many friendly people, we felt that Cathedral Village would be the place even before we toured,” said Bob. “It was a very welcoming environment, very warm, just like home.”

Although they committed to visiting other communities, there was no doubt in their minds where they would ultimately spend their future. Now, after nearly a year at Cathedral Village, the Ackelsbergs could not be happier with their choice.

“It’s an atmosphere that’s so alive,” said Marilyn. “I’m now around people my age more than before and it’s more stimulating than when I was in an ordinary community!”

In fact, the couple loves taking advantage of Cathedral Village’s “College Classes,” fitness center and elaborate library while Marilyn participates in painting classes. They both sing with the Village Chorus, and are members of several resident committees. They also enjoy onsite musical performances, parties and lectures along with provided daytrips to theaters and museums in Philadelphia. Most importantly, they have the flexibility of seeing their family which now includes seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The Ackelsbergs have had no problems getting to know their fellow residents. “It seems like a large group of people, but you really feel like family,” said Bob.

This feeling not only applies to the residents, but to “the staff who are so responsive and supportive and responsible for keeping this place so wonderful,” said Marilyn. “Everyone cares about everyone and it’s a very comfortable place to be.”

The fact that Cathedral Village offers a continuum of care has always been an important aspect for the Ackelsbergs. “The quality of healthcare here is absolutely superb,” said Bob.

With access to skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care onsite, residents have a sense of security and the convenience of even being able to receive assisted living services in the comforts of their apartments. A fully equipped medical department staffed with professional nurses is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and for routine checks, as well as onsite primary care physicians five days a week. There are also dozens of specialists, from podiatrists to optometrists, who visit Cathedral Village on a weekly basis. “We can be as active as we want knowing the care is there,” said Marilyn.

Given their passion for maintaining their land over the years, it comes as no surprise that among the couple’s favorite amenities at the community are its lavish gardens and greenhouse, which has a full time horticultural/therapist. The dedication of those who worked in the greenhouse, with the horticulturist, resulted in Cathedral Village winning a prestigious award at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show.

“There are trees here that are well over a hundred years old and all well cared for,” said Marilyn. “Sometimes when I look out the window, I think I’m at an arboretum, it’s so beautiful. They designed the place so well, it’s extraordinary.”

Although they are no longer traveling, it may be safe to say that with these picture-perfect views, an extended family and a range of amenities and activities, the Ackelsbergs still have the world at their fingertips at Cathedral Village.

Alan’s story is all too common; in 2009 he was downsized from his job in the information technology field. After spending considerable time and energy looking for similar work, he started to think about changing his career path and other entrepreneurial ideas and business opportunities.

One of the paths Alan followed was an idea of creating a concierge service designed to specifically assist seniors and family caregivers. Steve Gurney, publisher of Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook reviewed Alan’s business plan and asked him one simple question, “What do you REALLY like to do?” Alan responded with passion that he has played the drums for over 30 years, which sparked the idea to organize drum circles in senior living communities.

In less than a month Alan secured his first “gig” at a senior living community and launched his company, The Beat Goes On.

One of the first communities to take a chance on Alan’s innovative concept was Sunrise at Bluemont Park. Activity Director Danielle Nelson says, “It was a huge hit with all of our residents, from independent living to those with memory impairment.”

The staff is equally enthusiastic about the unique activity. When the drum circle is in full swing it is common to see several staff members joining in, dancing in the hallways or sharing a drum with the residents. “Seeing the success of the drum circles inspires you to think outside the box when planning activities,” says Danielle Nelson.

Alan is signing up new communities every week and has been enthusiastically asked to return by nearly every community at which he has conducted a drum circle. Although his new venture has not replaced his previous income, he says, “It’s a dream come true to be sharing my passion for drumming and music with others in such a positive manner.”

“It came on like I am sure it does for other people, very subtly, and it was really hard to define what was happening,” she said.

Shocked and traumatized by the diagnosis, Betty also experienced feelings of frustration when trying to find the best resource to guide her through this challenging transition. Fortunately, she had a small support network that included her nearby sister Peg, her doctor and Mindy Felinton, an elder law attorney.

For years, Betty was able to care for Jim in their home, but she eventually needed to hire in-home caregivers in order to continue her career with Montgomery County Public Schools. Last summer, as she was getting ready to take her two-week vacation, she realized she was at a crossroad with his care. “His needs had gotten so great,” she said.

Since their townhouse was not a suitable arrangement, she reluctantly accepted that instead of hiring a full-time caregiver, the best option was a specialty care center for those with Alzheimer’s and Memory Care needs.

The financial burden of this choice, however, would be prohibitive based on the couple’s income and savings. Betty realized she would need to immediately apply for Medicaid and gather all of the supporting documentation. Her doctor then referred her to Mindy Felinton.

“Mindy gave me the best news I had received in eight years,” said Betty. “She assured me she would be the one to advocate for me and actually make this application come to fruition.”

With her knowledge and experience, Mindy was able to provide Betty with choices and a strategy to protect some of the couple’s assets and ensure they would still qualify for Medicaid. “For the average person, going through this application process alone is a very daunting task,” said Mindy.

The entire process from application to approval took approximately four months, and Betty got Jim into the Wilson Health Center at Asbury Methodist Village near her home and office, which has given her peace of mind.

Seeing her sister’s situation has actually prompted Peg and her husband to better organize their records and think about their future, but both women have learned there are experienced professionals that can lend a helping hand in unexpected and difficult times.

What makes their story even more special is the fact that Kay and Joe have each been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. After being placed in a local assisted living community where they were in separate living quarters, the Ariettas refused to remain apart.

Now living at Sunrise at Floral Vale, which specializes in Memory Care, the couple is not only attached at the hip, but they receive the assistance they need through individualized service plans. While they are cued and programmed with the staff throughout the day, the Ariettas continue to remain as active as possible.

According to Activities Director Ruth Scherr, the couple can often be seen looking over the calendar of activities and helping set up chairs for the weekly entertainment. They enjoy venturing out to church, lunch or the movies with staff as well as bowling and playing horseshoes. Kay even participated in a special Valentine’s Day activity where she wrote the following prose about Joe:

“Our hearts fell in love a long time ago…I knew in a moment I was falling for Joe. Kindness, gentleness and special care…Were just a few of the traits he shared.”

“It just goes to show that they continue their love affair here,” said Callista Oberholtzer, director of Community Relations. “They’re still able to be together with their challenges, surrounded by others who care about them.”

The Ariettas prove just how love and support can help individuals withstand any obstacles as the staff has even taken note that Kay and Joe have figured out how to utilize one another’s remaining abilities to function as a pair.

“Even though folks have Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia, their human needs are always there regardless,” said Callista. “Kay and Joe are an example of that; you can see them holding hands and wanting to be connected. The human need of having contact with someone is very much still alive for them and will always be.”

Since his move five years ago, Barbara quit her part-time job at a boutique in Bethesda to become his caregiver. “Dad was quite functional when he moved up here,” she said. “After seven months, I became aware that he needed to do something else…he needed some involvement and stimulation.”

Barbara learned about a program called Arts for the Aging where artists interact with aging services programs. Although the program was not completely appropriate for her father, they connected Barbara to Friends Club, a program that brings together active gentlemen in the early-to-mid stages of Alzheimer’s disease in a caring, safe and secure environment.

“My dad was never someone that was involved with group activities, but he loves going to Friends Club,” said Barbara. “They make each and every gentleman think that the program was created just for them, and we are letting the other guys in. They love it.”

While she said her father’s memory is not too good, he has been involved with the program for three years and is very functional in its setting. For Barbara, the program is great and a perfect match for Jerry who attends three days a week and is able to contribute to the group.

“Seeing my dad having something to look forward to has been an amazing experience,” she said.

And Barbara has even benefited from connecting with the wives and families of other participants. “We have a support group that meets twice a month, which has been amazing,” she said.

She continued, “The difference between Friends Club and other programs that I have observed is how much dignity they treat the men with. They are not treated as though they are ‘ill.’ The stories of these men are incredible; this is an amazing place for all of us.”

For others in the same situation, Barbara offered the advice of lowering expectations and raising one’s acceptance levels. Most importantly, she said, “Find a support group; there are others just like you out there and it helps to have someone else to talk to.”

As someone who has served his country and others throughout his life, it was only appropriate that Douglas and his wife and family found a home that could offer that care and peace of mind in return.

Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Douglas was accepted to Northwestern University for a joint medical and dental course. His career plans were put on hold, however, due to World War II. After training new recruits in Texas, he was eventually asked to finish his dental school training which led him to become First Lieutenant in the Army Dental Corps.

“I had the good fortune to be the Command Dental Surgeon of Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and become one of the officers of the brand new U.S. Air Force,” he said.

Six years later, he was transferred to receive graduate training at University of Oregon and became a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. Douglas proceeded to run his own dental practice for 60 years, part of which was in his home office in Springfield, Va.

Josephine entered his life as a patient, and the two eventually learned they had been through similar experiences. He had five children from his previous marriage and she had four.

“We joined our two families and 35 years have passed in our happy marriage,” he said.

The couple has grown even stronger during that time as Josephine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago. It was of the upmost importance to Douglas and their family to find a home that would offer the necessary care in a vibrant environment.

“We looked at different places with Nancy [Powell], Josie’s daughter, and we ended up selecting Tall Oaks thanks to her,” he said.

Douglas knew the community was the perfect middle ground since he was still running his practice and could be surrounded by other active individuals knowing his wife would receive supportive Alzheimer’s care. The spacious apartments along with licensed nurses onsite around-the-clock and all inclusive pricing was just the beginning in terms of what appealed to the couple and their family.

“It was really was the most caring, loving place with a nice environment for them,” said Nancy.

Douglas added, “There are very nice people here that are friendly, cooperative and helpful.”

Of course, he will not be shy to admit that the ability to bring their dog was another major factor. “We take care of Daisy and she takes care of us,” said Douglas. “Everybody knows her and they’ve basically made her the mascot of Tall Oaks.”

Along with offering the flexibility of having pets, the staff has been extremely helpful with the transitions the Wendts’ have made from the apartment they initially shared together.

“They downsized apartments when my mother moved to the Rose Garden Alzheimer’s unit and now he’s right by the front door so that he can easily take Daisy out,” said Nancy. “They’ve been so accommodating here.”

And it is no surprise the individuals of Tall Oaks have taken these extra measures for their residents given their commitment to assisting with various charitable organizations.

This relationship with the surrounding area extends to outside physicians visiting the community. “They have a wellness center here where physicians of various specialties come one day a week or more,” said Douglas.

With a sense of security from the available healthcare and the response systems in their rooms, residents are able to enjoy the numerous activities and amenities of their home.

As Douglas continues his favorite pastime of hunting with his family in Luray, Va. and attends Dental Association meetings, he knows there is an array of opportunities to stay active onsite.

The community’s Wii has certainly been keeping people busy, including Josephine who won an award when she played it as part of the Senior Olympics.

“There is a movie playing every night at our theater and we have different groups that come in who sing and dance,” said Douglas. “There’s a beauty salon, barber shop, fitness center and a good restaurant.”

Though individuals can enjoy delicious meals prepared by a Culinary Institute-trained chef, the community provides transportation to the local grocery store and for other errands. Residents also have the freedom to utilize a nearby swimming pool and take advantage of all that Reston has to offer.

While there are different activities for their separate units, the Wendts spend plenty of time together strolling the grounds of Tall Oaks with Daisy and their nearby family as well as mingling with their peers at dances and socials. In the Rose Garden Activity Center, the staff provides mind-stimulating games while gathering the residents for teas and group singing, which Josephine as a singer and music lover greatly enjoys.

This is only the beginning, however, for the couple and their peers. Tall Oaks recently celebrated its reopening displaying its beautiful up-to-date modifications from remodeled floors to outdoor patios. Also among the community’s latest ventures are its Facebook Page and the Wi-Fi access it offers its residents.

With great care, a friendly environment and the freedom to pursue different interests, Douglas looks forward to his future with Josephine and Daisy at a financially sound community. Although there have been some major changes, those endearing qualities of Tall Oaks that have attracted its residents will always stay the same.

As Nancy said, “There’s just a very homey feeling here. The affordability, the programs they offer and the ability for people to stay here through all stages in life is really important.”

Simply stated, for the Wendts and their family, this place is truly the pick of the litter.

“I love to dance, I love the ocean and any water sports,” she said, “And I can definitely party.”

Widowed with no children, she has worked in the hospital for 37 years in the critical care field. Primarily dealing with cardiac issues, she has recently moved onto a different area, progressive rehab.

But there was a period in Edy’s life when she could not do all the things she was so passionate about. She needed knee replacements, and with the help of the social worker handling her case she found exactly what she wanted at Brightwood Center. The Progression Unit at Brightwood is just one among the many Genesis HealthCare specialty units in the Baltimore area. Other Genesis centers have specialty units that offer Dialysis, Alzheimer’s care, or Ventilator care, in addition to short-term rehabilitation.

“I chose this center because it has seven day a week physical therapy,” said Edy.

After her bilateral knee replacements in early August, she came to Brightwood Center in Lutherville. The staff, and Edy, knew her biggest challenge would be pain management, as she was experiencing severe and debilitating pain when she was admitted. It took a great deal of open communication with the nurses to control the pain appropriately.

As her physical therapy began, the pain diminished and Edy was able to make rapid progress. She spent about three to four days at the facility after both of her surgeries.

Edy was extremely impressed with the individualized care and attention she received from the staff as a whole.

“It was my ‘home away from home,’” she said, “Brightwood is wonderful and I can’t say enough about them.”

Now, Edy has vowed to be the center’s ‘ambassador’ and plans to return for its future functions.

“I’m a new person,” she said, “I can do the things I haven’t been able to do for years.”

Perhaps the toughest part for Edy recently was deciding what activity to start with first: a party or a day at the beach?