Time waits for no man or woman, and the aging of the Baby Boomer generation has given rise in recent years to a robust senior living industry. Individuals are living longer today than ever before as the average lifespan for both genders has advanced well beyond 70 years. The time period which defines the Baby Boom, generally the 18 years from 1946 through 1964, was a period of post-World War II growth and expansion in the U.S. economy and in the number of children born in the country. Logically, it follows that such growth in the young population roughly 40 to 60 years ago would result in a growing senior population today. Baby Boomers are planning for their own senior living lifestyles while also considering choices for the long-term care of their parents.
Never before has the overall quality of senior living options been as high as it is today, nor has the array of choices been as diverse. These include totally independent living, assisted living, and full- or part-time nursing care. Retirement communities offer single level ranch style condominiums, cottages, and apartments. In the Chattanooga area alone, more than 50 retirement communities are currently in operation. In its February/March 2007 issue, Retirement Lifestyles magazine named Chattanooga one of the top 11 retirement towns in the South.
Publisher Dan Owens told the Chattanooga Times-Free Press, “Our editorial staff was impressed by the moderate cost of living, great year-round climate, great outdoor recreational opportunities, strong health care, resurgent riverfront and downtown festivals.” Other cities noted were Panama City, Florida; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Valdosta, Georgia; Georgetown, South Carolina; Morganton, North Carolina; Dothan, Alabama; Lafayette, Louisiana; San Antonio, Texas; and Natchez, Mississippi.
In recognition of the growing need for options in healthcare, Greg Vital and Franklin Farrow formed Independent Health Care Properties in 1996. Among the properties currently owned and managed by the company are the Morning Pointe Assisted Living Centers of Chattanooga and Collegedale, the 100-acre master planned Greenbriar Cove retirement community for active adults located in Ooltewah, and the Lantern at Morning Pointe, which is specifically designed for the care of those with Alzheimer’s Disease or other memory related concerns.
Greenbriar Cove will ultimately consist of five phases. Phase One, the Villages at Greenbriar Cove, includes 40 patio homes attached in twos. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes range from 1,300 to 1,600 square feet and are priced from $175,000 to $225,000. Phase Two, the Cottages at Greenbriar Cove, is currently under construction and will include 60 freestanding cottage style bungalow residences. These will be priced from $260,000 to $325,000 and range from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet. Greenbriar Cove also includes an 8,000-square foot health club, community lodge, walking and exercise trails tying into the Collegedale-Wolftever Greenway, and beautiful lakes with fountains.
Morning Pointe Assisted Living provides continuum of care services which include on-site nursing, wellness programs, fine dining, educational and spiritual programs, individualized activities, on-site pharmacy and salon services, and transportation services. “We feel that as the population ages, they need to have choices,” commented Brenda Hixson-Rye, regional director of operations. “It has been our experience that, in today’s market, persons exploring retirement living options are looking for an active, healthy lifestyle that fosters independence. This includes both the adult children and the seniors themselves. We feel the scope of services offered in retirement living should not use a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach. Instead, our services should address the individual needs of the consumer.”
Atlanta-based Harvest Active Adult Communities has debuted the Village at Greenway, located on Mountain Creek Road. According to partner Carol Eskew, one of the most sought after designs in recent years has been the single level ranch condominium, and the Village at Greenway began development last fall on the 34 homes of its first phase. A planned second phase will include another 42 residences. Two models are available at this time, including two- and three-bedroom homes of 2,000 to 2,200 square feet and priced in the mid $200s.
Harvest Active Adult Communities also developed the Village at Ashwood on Shallowford Road, while three other independent living communities are located in metropolitan Atlanta. “The central point of the Village at Greenway is the 3,000-square foot clubhouse,” related Eskew. “It is the center of all activities in the community, so active adults who are looking for friends and things to do will have a sense of community. The clubhouse includes a fully equipped fitness center, walking trails, a putting green, and a very large, beautifully landscaped and heated swimming pool.”
While the targeted audience for the Village at Greenway is adults age 55 and over, the community itself is not age restricted. Among the 25 current residents, a younger couple has moved in, considering the property a good investment and enjoying the amenities and convenient location.
“Today’s retirees are healthy and more active than at any other time in history,” acknowledges Alicia Bennett of Hickory Valley Retirement Center. “So, why do so many seniors choose to move to a retirement community? Some seniors are tired of keeping up with repairs on an aging house and dealing with backbreaking yard work. For others, daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, and bill paying have become too much of a burden. For a senior living alone, retirement can also mean isolation and seclusion. All of these factors can play an important part in the decision to move to a retirement community.”
Since 1984, Hickory Valley Retirement Center has provided housekeeping, transportation, food preparation, and other necessary services to residents. The facility underwent an extensive renovation in 2002, and landscaping, paved walkways, and lots of outdoor seating complement the seven different apartment floor plans, which range in size from a one-room studio to a 1,049-square foot, two-bedroom unit. Dinner is served each evening in the light filled atrium, while other amenities include a beauty shop, library, billiard room, and lounge areas. Rates are as low as $1,450 per month, and residents benefit from flexible lease terms.
“Hickory Valley’s full time activity director organizes a variety of events, including socials, live entertainment, movies, card clubs, exercise classes, crafts, and health seminars,” added Bennett. “Outbound excursions in our 15 passenger, wheelchair accessible van include such local attractions as Coolidge Park, the IMAX Theater and the Cumberland County Playhouse. The personal driver will take you to and from your medical appointments five days a week.”
Dan Spriggs, owner of Amara Home Care (formerly known as EverCare), recognizes the importance of tailored levels of care based on need. He notes that the National Family Caregivers Association conducted a survey in 2000, which determined that 54 million people, or 26.6 percent of the population of the United States will be involved in providing care for a family member at some point.
“We give respite care to families,” said Spriggs, “which is relief from the ongoing duties and responsibilities that a family caregiver would give to another family member. We give care for a period of one hour to 24 hours and for an indefinite period of time. Actually, we work with individuals who are simply lonely and need companionship and with those needing skilled nursing care. Sometimes, family members may be out of town, relying on us as the only contact the individual has. The family may want us to stop by and check on their loved one, make sure the heat is not left on high, or give the individual a bath and get them going for the morning. So, there is a variety from companionship all the way to skilled nursing care.”
Amara personnel are on call around the clock and also work with area hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities to complement these staffs with personalized, one on one care. In-home consultations are available, and there are no downpayments or contracts necessary.
One of the most recognized names in senior living in Chattanooga is Alexian Brothers, which began its local retirement services in the 1930s. Located on Signal Mountain, Alexian Village is one of only two accredited continuing care retirement communities in Tennessee. Such a designation means that the facility includes components of independent and assisted living along with healthcare on its campus.
Other Alexian Brothers options include Alexian Grove, an independent living community located in Lookout Valley, Alexian Brothers Valley Residence, located on Mountain Creek Road and dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Alexian Court in St. Elmo, which accommodates seniors with demonstrated financial need, and the Residential Live At Home program, in which future care is planned and provided in the home environment.
“People that live at Alexian Village enter into a life care agreement,” explained Bill Tobin, marketing and public relations manager. “It provides lifetime care, including assisted living to nursing home level care on the campus. That is not the only way people can come to live at Alexian. There are contracts for just the assisted living portion or just the healthcare portion. Alexian Village consists of the Village, which is the independent component, Alexian Inn, which is assisted living, and Alexian Health Care Center, which is the nursing home. Alexian Village has its own fleet of vehicles that takes residents to and from necessary appointments, social gatherings, and cultural events all over the city. At Alexian Grove, residents pay a modest rental rate and receive a core set of basic services. Additional services can be purchased on an a la carte basis as needed.”
Senior living encompasses a broad spectrum of lifestyles, financial considerations, and levels of care. The best and most affordable quality of life is a continuing standard. For seniors during each stage of life, excellent options are available.