Final visit: Enjoy what I learned about Orchard Crest Retirement Community














































































Sunday, February 19, 2012

So much to do and so little time...

The following three videos clearly show how this active community embraces each day. The first video is one I took of the full service beauty salon, exercise room and craft room and library.

This next video shows the lovely living area and how beautifully it is decorated for the holidays. One thing I can say for sure having come to this community through out the year is they believe in celebrations and sharing all the holidays with the residents via decorations and events. Orchard Crest goes all out so their residents never miss a special day or moment.
My final video from Orchard Crest Retirement Community is from Tammy the Activity Director. As I have said over and over again this last year while I toured the communities in Spokane it became apparent to me the heart and soul of the community comes from the management and most especially the activity director. Nothing could be more true than with Tammy.
 
As you listened to Tammy speak about how she feels about her job and the residents she cares for it becomes clear that she is not only passionate about what she does, but one of those truly sweet & caring people you are lucky to meet. This was true with all the staff I met; from the chef to the front desk it is a warm and inviting home...yes, I said it a HOME! I have always loved Orchard Crest and I was so fortunate to be able to end my year long journey in such a well run & loving community. Thank you Orchard Crest Retirement Community I am glad I came to stay!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

My belated report on Orchard Crest Retirement Community

Hi all!!    It has been quite a while since I posted to this site. I have been neglectful in reporting about my visit to Orchard Crest Retirement Community. For this I apologize, but please know it is not a refection of my time with this community. Right after I left I had a family emergency and at the first of the year I moved my office from Keller Williams Realty to Century 21. As with all moves it takes time to get adjusted to the move. After I came up for air from my business move my mother became very ill and came to live with me. I share this part of my life journey because it falls in line with why I initiated this blog a year ago. I feel it is so important to be proactive and plan for our futures so that we do not have to react in the middle of a crisis and then come up for air and wonder how and why these decisions were made. Sometimes it is not fun or easy to make these choices, but truly so much better to make them upfront and to be forced into the choice in a moment of crisis.

The following is my report about the wonderful stay I had at Orchard Crest Retirement Community. The local owners of this fabulous community go all out to make this the home all their residents are proud to call home. The staffing is wonderful. From the minute you walk through the door you are greeted by a warm and inviting feel. It has long been one of my favorite communities to visit. I was happy to see that after staying here for my visit my initial thoughts were well founded. The following videos depict a little about my experience there and how the lucky residents are loved and cared for in this community.

The first video is me sharing my initial thoughts about my stay at Orchard Crest.

More thoughts to follow...

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

There's no place like home...There's no place like home...

Finding the right new home is so important to the transition you are facing. It will make all the difference now and in the future how this new chapter of your life develops. It is important to know as you are doing your search a key element in finding the right home for you is how will the community assist you in the transition of life. One of the questions to ask yourself is what will happen to me as I age. If I move in as an independent resident and due to health issues that may arise I now need assisted care or dementia care what will become of me? If you live in one of the CCRC campuses in town...of which Riverview is one, all the care you could ever need is at hand and waiting in the wings to help in all stages of aging.

The following 2 videos highlight two of the living options at Riverview Retirement Community. The first one is of one of the rooms in the Terrace.

This next video is of one of the cottages. It is owned by Shirley a very active lady who enjoys not only the privacy and independence of her cottage, but also all the amenities of the community. She takes comfort in knowing that as she ages and if her living/ health situation declines she has the option of moving into a new housing situation right here at Riverview.For her this is true peace of mind and why there really is no place like home!

Riverview is alive with the sound of music!

The following two videos clearly display how important music is to our well being. And because of this there is a strong emphasis on music at Riverview Retirement Community.

The first video is of a group of residents who joined together in one of the many community areas on the campus and sang songs of days gone by. Enjoy!

This next video is a group of dedicated Riverview terrace and Village residents who come together
to practice their skills. Together they make up the amazing group titled Riversong.This group performs all over and are in high demand. I was delighted to watch this rehearsal of an upcoming show. They are full of energy and joy. Watch till the end so you can see the lady with the happy feet!


One of the common elements the retirement communites I have stayed with share is the importance of having activites that not only stimulate the mind but ones that will enhance the residents live. After staying with the folks here at Riveview I can honestly say they take it to heart here in this community....and they do it with a song!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Let's talk turkey!



I feel it is appropriate to talk about food since we are right in the middle of the holiday season. What better time to talk "turkey"! No discussion would be complete with out me sharing with you my thoughts about the dining experience I had during my stay at Riverview Retirement Community. Of all the places I stayed this year I think Riverview ranks very close to the top in both the food served and the service given. Each day I was delighted to see a fresh breakfast bar and salad bars at both lunch and dinner. They were all full of various items that were fresh and enjoyable. In addition to this choice there were always multiple entrees available on the menu. I was  fortunate to sit at several tables during my stay and each table had warm wonderful people to enjoy my meal with. These folks many having lived here for upwards of 10+ years could not say enough of the ease of their life at Riverview.

As I mentioned Riverview ranks high on my list of dining choices and much of the praise must be placed on Pete, the Executive Chef. Pete, who has enjoyed a 30 year tenure at his post oversees a staff of truly caring professionals who daily serve their residents with love and care. I can not say enough of this well oiled machine and the folks that work here.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Introduction to Riverview Retirement Community

I spent a week with the wonderful folks at Riverview Retirement Community. While I was there I shot several videos of the grounds and the community. The following 3 videos display a beginning glimpse into live here at Riverview Community.
Below is a short video of the garden area. This area is a wonderful safe place for all the residents to enjoy. It is fenced and has access to all areas of the community.
This video shows a bit of the Terrace and the common areas.

Stay tuned for further updates about my stay at this wonderful community.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Final Thoughts from Broadway Court Estates

After spending a week with the wonderful folks at Broadway Court Estates I have nothing but wonderful comments about this community. It is family owned and operated and it shows. The owners are very hands on and on a daily basis they come in to keep up on things. When I spoke with the residents they had nothing but praise for the owners. This community is a fully independent building. The folks that live here are very active and enjoy activities that accommodate their needs, from swimming to dancing and everything in between there is plenty to do here. The dining room is a pleasant experience and full of wonderful conversation as we enjoyed well thought out menus and excellent executed meals. The staff is friendly and helpful and clearly devoted to the residents. If you are an active senior you really do not want to miss out on an opportunity to stay here at Broadway Court Estates!