Edina seniors ready to modify their living arrangements need not modify their preferences for luxury, privacy and a comfortable quality of life. As the population ages, the search for suitable senior housing rises to the top of to-do lists for many local families. Fortunately, many senior living options have evolved to accommodate the desires of older adults who value the comforts of home. These upscale accommodations break the mold of what you may have envisioned about senior living and are sure to please even those with the most discriminating tastes.
Walk through the front entrance and immediately you’ll notice the sophistication of York Gardens. Its two-story lobby is trimmed in rich wood and panes of stained glass windows. A baby grand piano is situated near an inviting seating area and one of several fireplaces that are located throughout the building. The plush lobby welcomes residents and guests with comfort.
These luxury assisted living, memory care and care suites at York Gardens opened in 2011 and are an option for older adults who desire to maintain privacy and dignity within a beautifully appointed property. Floor plans include studios and apartments with one bedroom, two bedrooms, and one bedroom with a den. The building is pet friendly and each apartment has its own private bath and a kitchen even though all meals in addition to housekeeping and laundry service are provided. “A kitchen is a vital part of a home,” says Shannon Krogh, outreach and sales director at York Gardens. “Our residents appreciate having amenities they’re accustomed to. A kitchen is an important convenience for most people.”
It’s unclear why anyone would choose to cook since the restaurant-style dining room at York Gardens serves three meals a day with white linen dinner service in the evening. Also, a main level bistro bar provides refreshments and snacks and hosts some of the on-site activities. Other niceties include two rooftop terraces, a library, fitness center, a movie theater and a full service salon. And all of this is just steps away from Centennial Lakes Park where seniors can enjoy walking paths, a farmers market and outdoor concerts in summer. In the winter, many residents can opt to head out on scheduled outings to places like the Guthrie Theater or Mystic Lake Casino.
York Gardens is home to seniors with a wide range of acuity. The average age is 88 years old and many couples live together. Some need no additional care services. But for those who do, medical services like physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are performed in the therapy room or in the privacy of each owner’s suite. “When people come to the dining room, they’re just like everybody else,” says Krogh.
Ninety-year-old Wanda Bodin recently moved to York Gardens from the conveniently connected 7500 York Cooperative. “I’m a nurse, so I anticipated there would come a time I would need more help,” says Bodin. “I wanted to make that decision while it was still mine to make. It’s very homey here. The building is new and the attentive staff calls me by name.”
Bodin had the stove in her suite replaced with a desk. “I take my meals in the dining room,” says Bodin. “I’ll never have to worry about lugging groceries or carrying out garbage. Plus I have many connections with others who’ve moved here. When I go to the dining hall, I see many faces of people I already know.” Bodin is looking forward to meeting more people through sing-alongs, drama club and church services at York Gardens.
York Gardens
3451 Parklawn Avenue
952.898.6700 fairviewebenezer.org
A brand new senior apartment campus recently opened along Highway 62 in Edina. The serene country-like setting is a perfect location for the first senior living community of its kind in the state to partner with the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing (CSH). The Waters of Edina Senior Living company seeks to leverage its partnership with CSH to design innovative clinical care and offer integrative therapies and wellbeing activities to its residents.
There are one- and two-bedroom senior living apartments at The Waters each with a washer and dryer and full kitchen. Additional studio and one-bedroom memory care and enhanced care apartments are on campus for seniors in need of greater assistance. The park-like property has a nearby pond, sitting areas and walking paths that wind along next to waterfalls and fountains. Fireplaces and comfortable furnishings are arranged throughout the building to create a homelike environment that encourages socializing and making friends.
Restaurant-style dining, a full service day spa and salon, library and creative arts studio are among the amenities at The Waters. There is also a great room for gatherings, education and movies and a spiritual center for multi-faith based reflection and services.
But it’s the unique approach to wellbeing at The Waters of Edina that is the cornerstone of the living experience. Focus goes beyond physical health to incorporate all dimensions of personal wellness. Activities and programs are designed to balance the body, mind and spirit and help both residents and staff members thrive.
The Waters of Edina
6300 Colonial Way
612.924.1622 thewatersseniorliving.com
There are other exceptional senior living communities located in Edina and it’s important to do your research about senior living options before a need arises. This can help avoid rushed decision making. Also, high demand senior living communities may have lengthy waiting lists. Initial inquiries can be done easily online by visiting websites of potential communities. But be sure to tour properties so you can see for yourself if someplace is going to be a good fit. If possible, talk with current residents at potential locations about their experiences within the community.
Things to keep in mind when researching senior living options:
• Location – How accessible is the community and is it located near other desirable amenities and services?
• Care Services – What types and levels of care are offered in case health needs change?
• Staffing – What is the staff-to-resident ratio and what are the qualifications and licensure of care givers?
• Pets – Is there a pet policy?
• Services – What services are included? Meals, housekeeping, laundry, etc.
• What types of activities and wellness programs are offered?
• What are rental costs and what is included with rental fees? Be sure to ask about any additional fees that may factor into overall living expenses.
Additional Resources:
Minnesota Board on Aging: mnaging.net
Senior LinkAge Line: 800.333.2433
Minnesota Help: minnesotahelp.info
