MorningStar Senior Living shows assisted living concept that’s long on amenities
When senior housing exec Ken Jaeger was working his way up through the retirement-living industry, he began imagining a better way to handle the decisions families make when parents move beyond the point of living alone. “Daughters were always telling us, ‘I want Mom to be safe and secure,’” Jaeger recalls; “but mom would say, ‘I want to be independent.’”
Ken Jaeger and Katie Yoho of MorningStar Senior Living join residents Marian Hoskinson (left), Dorothy Kinsley and Betty Peters, outside their community in Applewood.
You can come see how Jaeger’s company, MorningStar Senior Living, puts those opposites together at his newest assisted living community in Applewood — easily the most appealing-looking of its kind you’ve ever seen — a couple of blocks south of I-70 at W. 32nd on Youngfield. You’ll find an open house today with refreshments and giveaways, as well as at four other locations in Denver, Littleton and Greenwood Village.
Applewood was completed last year – fulfilling Jaeger’s idea of an assisted living concept that would “remind you of grandmother’s house.” “When I visited other places, it struck me that all of the amenities you see in independent living communities were always absent in assisted living.” So Applewood is long on those: the neighborhood’s pretty Chester-Portsmouth Park, tucked next door with trails that interconnect; and a 24-hour ‘Bistro’ with coffee, cookies, and fresh popcorn right off the dining area.
MorningStar created an “outdoor living area” with barbecue and eat-outdoors seating; a formal dining room you can reserve for family events; living room with fireplace; and restaurant style dining that includes a menu and executive chef-prepared meals three times a day. “Residents really do want the social option,” says MorningStar Regional Marketing Director Katie Yoho, noting that people have often lived alone for years before they arrive. MorningStar created a country store, movie theater, beauty salon, library with computer stations and other places to intermingle; and designs its rooms (you can see 1-and-2 bedroom models) for privacy, but for safety and ease of care, as well.
MorningStar (they’re offering a month’s-rent free as part of the open house) also offers memory care, not only at Applewood, but also at their Dayton Place and Littleton locations. Dayton Place also offers independent living and a new line of Cottages for active seniors, complete with health club, swimming pool and dining. Cottages range up to 1,750 square feet, plus a 2-car attached garage.
–
If you go…
WHERE: MorningStar Assisted Living at Applewood, 4 other locations. 2800 Youngfield, Lakewood; exit I-70 at Youngfield, south on Youngfield, 0.4 mi. Also, MorningStar of Littleton, 5344 S. Kipling, between Bowles and Belleview; Dayton Place, 1950 S. Dayton St, Denver at corner of Parker Rd.; Cranbook Assisted Living 5565 S. Yosemite, Greenwood Village so. of Belleview on Yosemite
WHEN: Daily 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
PHONE: 303-233-4343 WEB: MorningStarSeniorLiving.com
