The Verandah: Independent, Assisted and Memory Care Living
Published 6:00 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Providing older adults with a sense of belonging in a community of friends
A shrinking social circle and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to isolation and loneliness, which may impact mental and physical health.
“Don’t live a lonely life. Don’t let the people you love and care for live lonely,” said Ginger Patton, Community Development Director at The Verandah. “Find a sense of belonging in a community of friends.”
The Verandah, managed by Sunshine Retirement Living, offers such a community with its three distinct neighborhoods for independent, assisted and memory care living for residents 55 and older. The property is located in South Lake Charles in a beautiful, safe, tranquil upscale community away from major thoroughfares.
Independent living residents can choose floor plans for apartment or cottage living. Patton said there are vacancies in apartments and cottages at this time.
Independent living is just like living at home, but without the hassle of yard work, pool care, cooking, cleaning and home maintenance. Plus, the Verandah offers activities onsite and off for residents.
Residents living in apartments or cottages enjoy the fitness center, swimming pool, movie theater, hair and nail salon, dining room (including dining area for private family events), activities and classes available in the main building.
The Verandah is unique as it is the only retirement living community in Southwest Louisiana that offers stand-alone cottages for independent living residents. Grounds are expertly designed. Two ponds add to the well-manicured grounds, and one is stocked with fish for the residents. The Verandah gives residents the opportunity for aging in place or options for going from independent cottage or apartment living to assisted living or memory care without, essentially, making a major move. (Assisted living has many of the same features as independent living with the addition of specially trained staff to help — within the privacy of the resident’s own home — with bathing, dressing, medication administration and mobility. Memory care is a distinct neighborhood that specifically caters to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other related diagnoses.)
When mamma’s happy…
“Sunshine Retirement Living manages with the goal of exceeding the residents’ expectations by keeping our residents safe and happy,” Patton said. “When you make residents happy, everything else will fall into place, Independent senior living at The Verandah is maintenance and worry free, giving our seniors more time to enjoy life. There’s an energy here that’s revitalizing. Neighbors encourage and check on one another. It’s human nature to want to connect, to have community with others.”
The monthly cost of living at The Verandah – with no long-term lease required – is less than some of the Verandah residents or residents’ children guesstimated before they finally picked up the phone and called, according to Patton.
Residents are happy to give testimonials about their satisfaction with The Verandah lifestyle.
“Selling the family farm and ranch in Lake Arthur was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Debbie Buck said, one of The Verandah’s cottage residents. “But it’s also the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Ron Istre is one of The Verandah’s newest residents. He and his wife have lived in Texas since 1982.
“We just hit the last nail to hang 44 paintings and framed needlework pieces in our cottage,” Istre said.
His wife was having health issues. For a year, he researched senior living properties before deciding on The Verandah.
“We haven’t been here long, but I already see a big change in her,” he said, “and The Verandah, is even better, ten times better, than I anticipated.”
Pat Lundy is a widow, twice. She’s perky and plain spoken. She said The Verandah is “perfect” for her.
“I don’t have to worry about yard work. If something breaks, I pick up the phone to have it fixed.”
Shirley Daniel said her friends and the staff at The Verandah “feel like family.”
Nancy and Jim Hanchey loved their home on Harrison in Margaret Place, but she moved to The Verandah because “we needed to interact more,” she said. “It was good for both of us.”
Ray and Diana Martini enjoy the freedom to be with others when they want – and privacy when they don’t.
“I think the children of our residents are happy their parents chose The Verandah,” said Patton. “I’ve talked with many of them, and it gives them peace of mind knowing the people who cared for them are being well cared for. They see it on their parents’ faces. They hear it in their voices.”
For additional details, or to schedule a tour, call (337) 478-9150
