Family and Friends Can Enjoy Senior Living

When Loretto Vesco moved into an independent living community, she was worried that she might not see her family and friends as much as when she lived at her home in the North Hills. After two months at her new residence, Mrs. Vesco is happy to say just the opposite has occurred.

"My family loves to come and visit because of all the things they can do here. There is something for everyone, even my three year old granddaughter Lauren," said Vesco.

The "something" Vesco refers to could be the 16-seat theater or maybe the pinball machine, pub, Nintendo games, grills, and juke box all on site at her independent living community.

"My granddaughter loves to come and play. She likes to watch her Mickey Mouse tape on the big screen at the theater. And she thinks that everyone that lives here are 'hers' to play with. It's fun to watch," said Vesco.

In addition to making residents comfortable, some Assisted Living and Independent Living Communities are focusing on families and friends by offering unique amenities like those at Vesco's community.

"When family members and friends visit loved ones in Senior Living communities, it enhances the quality of life of residents. That's why the trend in Senior Living is to make the atmosphere appealing to everyone-residents, their families and friends, and employees," said David M. Mastovich of Massolutions a Health Care Strategic Planning and Marketing firm.

Loretto Vesco is but one of many examples of residents who enjoy the focus on families and friends.

"My daughter, son-in-law and I enjoy our time together here. Things couldn't be better. I should've done this years ago," she said.

According to Mastovich, the family and friends concept can make the move easier for everyone involved.

"Family members are often apprehensive about moving their loved one into a Senior Living Community. If a community can make their visits enjoyable, the adult children will feel comfortable with the new community and the move. This can give the adult children and the resident a sense of relief," said Mastovich.

That's why Mastovich emphasizes that Senior Living Communities need to think about the interests of people of all ages and backgrounds.

"The cutting edge properties really do have something for everyone. Some residents and their families love to meet in the theater or pub, others like to spend time in the common areas talking to visitors and other residents. These properties really have a sense of community."

One thing is certain: families and friends of Senior Living residents can enjoy themselves at these communities year round-even during the holidays.

"I could have my family here for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and I can't wait until Halloween. Lauren is going to come over in her costume," said Vesco.

Loretto Vesco resides at Willow Heights, an independent living community in McKees Rocks operated by IntegraCare Corporation and owned by Ohio Valley General Hospital. Other IntegraCare properties in the Pittsburgh region include The Pines of Mount Lebanon, The Residence on Fifth in Oakland, New Haven Court at Lindwood in Greensburg, The Residence at Hilltop in Carroll Township, and New Haven Court at Clearview in Butler. IntegraCare also manages The Meadows and Maplewood properties located in Bridgeport, West Virginia.