Oakmont of Las Vegas

Oakmont of Las Vegas Adds Memory Care as Part o Multimillion Dollar Renovation to Luxury Senior Living Community

IRVINE, Calif.- May 24, 2021- Oakmont Senior Living has reimaged senior care at its luxury senior living community Oakmont of Las Vegas with a multi-million-dollar renovation and enhancement project that was completed this month. While the entire community has been refreshed, a focal point of the project is the addition of a Traditions Memory Care neighborhood to accommodate residents living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

“Memory care is an essential part of continuity of care and important to families who don’t want to uproot their loved ones should they need to transition to this type of care,” said Melon Rivera, executive director at Oakmont of Las Vegas. “We are excited to continue to raise the bar for luxury senior living in Las Vegas by offering a full spectrum of care options from independent and assisted living and now memory care in beautifully upgraded surroundings.”

Oakmont’s Traditions neighborhoods excel at customized care designed to inspire the physical and mental well-being of residents. The new Traditions at Oakmont of Las Vegas includes 31 memory care apartment homes plus a spacious dining room, activity room and picturesque outdoor courtyard. Engaging programming specifically planned for those living with memory loss includes activities such as yoga, animal care and life skills that help sharpen both mental acuity and exercise memory.

In addition to the new memory care neighborhood, the multi-million-dollar renovation project at Oakmont of Las Vegas included the addition of a movie theater featuring plush seating as well as a new bistro and wellness center. The onsite beauty salon received its own makeover with upgraded and new equipment. Other community-wide enhancements included new carpeting, tile flooring, fresh paint, a refinished roof and new fire-alarm system.

“Oakmont Senior Living is about creating an inspiring, safe and beautiful place to call home,” said Rivera. “These new enhancements provide us with the increased ability to deliver on that promise.”

Oakmont of Las Vegas residents enjoy signature Oakmont amenities such as a chef-driven, five-star culinary experience, expansive indoor and outdoor common spaces and programming that includes on-site educational, social and recreational programs as well as off-property group excursions as the pandemic allows. The sprawling Las Vegas campus is conveniently located near dining, shopping and entertainment in downtown Las Vegas, and residents enjoy complimentary chauffeur service.

About Oakmont Senior Living
Oakmont Senior Living is a recognized leader in the senior living industry, currently serving over 3,500 seniors across 35 communities in California and Nevada with an additional 9 in various stages of development. Residents receive customized care services delivered in luxurious, resort-style settings. With an impressive array of five-star amenities and compassionate team members, residents at Oakmont Senior Living benefit from the finest senior living experience in the industry. For more information about Oakmont Senior Living, visit www.oakmontseniorliving.com.

Dr. Michael Dambeck

Crest Pointe Introduces Physiatry Services, Earns 5-Star CMS Ratings

POINT PLEASANT, N.J.,  – Crest Pointe Rehabilitation & Healthcare Centerthis winter has enhanced its specialized rehabilitation focus with the introduction of Physiatry Services under the direction of Michael Dambeck, DO. The Point Pleasant skilled nursing facility also recently earned 5-star overall quality and 5-star quality measures ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – a testament to its next-level services and patient care.

Physiatry services – also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) services – blend pain treatments and physical therapy with the goal to help patients avoid surgery. This physician-led, “whole body” approach at Crest Pointe centers on designing, coordinating and overseeing customized rehabilitation therapies for patients while managing their medical conditions, including co-morbidities. The program is tailored for individuals with a range of diagnoses and rehab needs.

Board certified in PM&R, Dr. Dambeck earned his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship in internal medicine at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. In addition, Dr. Dambeck completed his residency training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, where he was the chief resident.

Crest Pointe developed its Physiatry Services offering with Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports the facility. “Crest Pointe’s Physiatry programming will maximize its rehab services and support the aim to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient,” said Marquis’ Pam Montemurno, regional director of market development. “Dr. Dambeck is known for his expertise in physiatry and will work closely with Crest Pointe’s dedicated on-site clinicians; the team is lucky to have him.”

Montemurno credits the quality of care and customer service at Crest Pointe as key factors for the facility’s 5-star overall quality and 5-star quality measures ratings. The overall quality rating is based on ratings for health inspections, staffing and quality measures. The quality measures component examines data on 15 different physical and clinical measures, including long- and short-term stays, for residents.

“Crest Pointe has partnered with the region’s top healthcare providers in developing its specialty programming, assembling a medical oversight team of the best of the best; all are highly-regarded for their medical expertise and caring manners,” added Montemurno. In addition to Physiatry Services, recent introductions include Cardiac Care and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management offerings, with others in development.
Crest Pointe also is in the midst of a 3,000-square-foot building expansion to house a new therapy gym, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including a smart car to help patients simulate actual daily living skills during the rehabilitation process. Construction, which began in fall 2020, is well underway.

Located at 1515 Hulse Road, the 118-bed Crest Pointe provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. Blending top-quality care with small town charm and warmth, the facility offers patients a scenic place to rehab and recover, as many patient rooms feature views of the scenic Point Pleasant Canal.

Crest Pointe is committed to serving as a healthcare resource for the community. Together with Marquis, it has established a resource library of physician-curated content, addressing many topics – including physiatry – of interest for families of patients and the larger community.

Based in Brick, N.J., Marquis Health Consulting Services is a highly skilled and vision-driven nursing home consulting company currently supporting Mid-Atlantic and New England facilities totaling nearly 4,500 skilled nursing and assisted living beds.

Seniors at Waltonwood communities are still encouraged to wear their face masks and keep socially distanced, as recommended by the CDC, but now can feel more secure in their safety and more confident in their communities as they begin their new normal.

Waltonwood Senior Living Reaches Optimum Vaccination Rate at its Michigan Communities

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – Since the vaccination clinics started this year, Waltonwood Senior Living has reached a 95% vaccination rate for all residents at its Michigan communities. Knowing the challenges and concerns faced by the senior living industry, the Waltonwood leadership team is ecstatic to reach such a high participation number and is proud of how smoothly and quickly its operations have managed this vital period, as well as the safety of all residents and associates through the transitions. Richard Mabe, Regional Director of Operations for Waltonwood communities in Michigan, was a major factor in driving the success of these communities’ vaccination rollout plan.

“I could not be prouder of our Executive Directors and all of their team members – from their excellent communication, high quality of care, and positivity maintained through this whole process,” says Mabe. “Day-to-day, we rely on our associates and their relationships with our residents to keep our communities going, and their commitment and dedication to their community families has been stronger than ever.”

Steven Tyshka, Director of Operations for Waltonwood Senior Living, believes the hard work and dedication of associates made the clinics successful. “It’s no secret that we hold a high standard for our upscale senior living communities, and I believe that we have strongly exemplified that in keeping our seniors, their family members and associates informed throughout the vaccination process,” says Tyshka. “The most important part – and what we’ve been striving for – is that this means stronger certainty for our residents, and more hope for a brighter tomorrow as we continue to protect and care for seniors.”

Seniors at Waltonwood communities are still encouraged to wear their face masks and keep socially distanced, as recommended by the CDC, but now can feel more secure in their safety and more confident in their communities as they begin their new normal.

The Waltonwood Senior Living communities in Michigan include Waltonwood Carriage Park and Waltonwood Cherry Hill in Canton, Waltonwood Twelve Oaks in Novi, Waltonwood Main in Rochester, Waltonwood University in Rochester Hills, Waltonwood Royal Oak in Royal Oak, and Waltonwood Lakeside in Sterling Heights.

If you are a reporter or photojournalist interested in covering this story, please contact Sarah Browning at (214) 378-7970, ext. 245 or sbrowning@thepointgroup.com, or Sarah Jackson at (214) 378-7970, ext. 304 or sjackson@thepointgroup.com.

ABOUT WALTONWOOD SENIOR LIVING

Waltonwood Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living and memory care services in Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia. Waltonwood serves as a benchmark in senior living options, with elegant housing and a wide spectrum of services and care options. Each community features unique architecture and impressive landscaping and provides residents with a maintenance-free lifestyle so they can enjoy all the comforts of their own home.

Singh is a family-owned company and for more than 45 years they have remained multifaceted in real estate development, with a strong foundation in luxury apartments, commercial properties, land development, high-end single-family homes and, for more than 30 years, senior living communities which have been branded “Waltonwood.” The vertical integration of the company, which provides for development, construction, finance and management under one umbrella, allows Singh to be poised for new opportunities in expanding markets. All projects are owned and operated by Singh management.

The company is headquartered in West Bloomfield, Mich. and has a regional office in Cary, N.C. Learn more about Singh and its Waltonwood communities at www.singhweb.com. If you are interested in learning more about Waltonwood Senior Living, please visit www.waltonwood.com or call 248-865-1600.

Solterra Companies Commences Development on $38M Age-Healthy Community in Castle Rock

DENVER , Colo. – Solterra Companies, a senior housing developer and operator, recently announced the groundbreaking of its new $38 million age-healthy community, Bridgewater Living, in Castle Rock, Colo. Located at 4001 Home Street, the 142 unit residential healthcare community sits on a 6.63 acre hilltop overlooking various scenic buttes and peaks of the surrounding area. A short drive from the I-25, this community is a state-of-the-art health and wellness campus for those looking to live a longer and healthier life.

“We’re excited to get our new age-healthy community in the works in Colorado,” said Steve Jorgenson, CEO and president of Solterra Companies. “This unique health and wellness campus focuses on a whole-person health, fitness, and wellness philosophy. What sets us apart from other residential healthcare communities is that our team includes registered nurses, and other health professionals who integrate a health and wellness approach throughout our community.”

Bridgewater Living, a pet-friendly community, will include a full service dining room, scenic walking trails, a dog park, sunken gardens for residents to enjoy as well as activity spaces for its engaging activity programs and more. Unlike most generational communities activity programs, Solterra Companies’ daily activity approach will create and deploy resident engagement products that measure resident participation, positive health and wellness outcomes, and interactive resident socialization goals.

Bridgewater Living, expected to open in summer 2022, was funded in partnership with the Douglas County Housing Authority and Multi-Family Housing Revenue Bonds. The community will begin to take deposits starting fall 2020. For more information about Solterra Companies, please visit https://solterraco.com/.

ABOUT SOLTERRA COMPANIES
Solterra Companies provides hands-on, detailed, and focused solutions for Senior Independent and Assisted Living Communities. Its team has extensive experience in project formation and development, financial modeling, operations management, marketing, leasing, cash-flow stabilization, asset management, health care integration, and strategic planning. For more information, please visit https://solterraco.com/.

Woodland Terrace Celebrates Fighting Coronavirus with 90% Vaccination Rate

CARY, N.C., – Today, Woodland Terrace (a Kisco Senior Living community) is throwing a big party to celebrate that over 90% of its residents have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (and more have started their first round) with an afternoon of pandemic-style partying – socially distanced and smiles underneath their masks. The community is offering their residents Corona beer, candies with motivational messages, chips with dips, and cake! The main feature: boxing gloves, because they fought the coronavirus together, “knocking it out” of their community with a high vaccination rate and the help of their pharmacy partner, Walgreens.

Two residents, Steve and Judy Bank, were so excited that they could get their COVID-19 shots so early. “I just want to go in a store and try out clothes again,” says Judy. “We still have to be very cautious but are learning more about it and have been safe all this time thanks to Woodland Terrace,” the couple shared.

These Cary seniors are ready and excited to start getting back to normal and have been putting their plans to paper – literally! With each vaccination clinic, the community provided “What’s Next?” sheets for its residents to share what they are looking forward to next. Some residents shared plans to see their family or explore the town, and others were simply thankful to feel safer.

“I personally will breathe a sigh of relief because we are that much closer to being able to do the things that the residents love,” says Stephie Watts, assistant wellness director at Woodland Terrace. “Outings to parks, museums, restaurants, dining together with their neighbors and most of all, hugs!

Like his residents, Executive Director Matt Towler expresses pride and gratitude for his Woodland Terrace team of associates. “We have all put in a tremendous amount of effort this past year and put up a tough fight that is paying off,” said Towler. “Social distancing and masks kept us apart, but we all feel closer and very much look forward to a safe transition back to group activity and continuing to support each other the way we always have.”

Residents and associates at Woodland Terrace will still be taking safety precautions as advised by the CDC, including social distancing, wearing face masks, and sanitizing frequently. All residents and associates are tested for COVID-19 often using pooled-saliva testing for quick identification of COVID-19 in the community.

ABOUT WOODLAND TERRACE:

Woodland Terrace, a Kisco senior living community in Cary, North Carolina, offers maintenance-free independent living apartment homes, cottages and assisted living and memory care apartment homes located on 22 acres of lushly landscaped grounds with the charm and comfort of a small southern town. This warm and friendly community features a variety of amenities and services including chef-prepared meals, a state-of-the-art wellness center, personal chauffer service, extensive engaging events and activities, as well as access to on-site therapy and rehabilitation for residents as needed.

Woodland Terrace embraces Kisco Confidence, our unique approach and philosophy centered on giving residents and associates peace of mind knowing that our communities deliver on safety and security, trust and transparency, health and wellbeing and a 5-star lifestyle experience. For more information, call (919) 465-0356 or go to www.kiscoseniorliving.com/senior-living/nc/cary/woodland-terrace/

Bebe Reed, RN, Director of Healthcare

Griffin Living Welcomes Bebe Reed, RN as Director of Healthcare Operations

CONEJO VALLEY, Calif. and SIMI VALLEY, Calif. and SANTA CLARITA, Calif. and TEMECULA, Calif. and LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif., — Senior Developer Griffin Living welcomes the newest member of the executive team, Bebe Reed, reflecting an increased focus in the senior living industry toward healthcare. As a Registered Nurse, Bebe brings 25 years of management and operational experience in senior living, healthcare management, program development, and staff education.

“The most fundamental aspect of our business is ensuring the welfare of our residents,” says CEO Paul E. Griffin III, “We are delighted to have Bebe Reed at Griffin Living to help us further understand and prioritize healthcare in our communities.”

Bebe has overseen 20 different senior living communities in nine states, where she has trained Executive Directors in all areas of regulatory compliance. Additionally, she has developed policy manuals for memory care, as well as state-specific policies as new communities opened.

Prior to working at Griffin Living, Bebe was Vice President of Wellness and Risk Management at Thrive Senior Living. Before joining Thrive, she was Director of Nursing Services at Saluda, an upscale transitional care and rehabilitation facility, and formerly, Director of Health Services at Pruitt Health. Bebe is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

“When it comes to care of their residents, Griffin Living goes above and beyond industry standards at every turn. I am honored to join them and help shape the future of senior care,” says Bebe.

Bebe holds a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and B.S. in Nursing from East Tennessee University, and a M.A. in Workforce Development and Training from the University of Georgia.

ABOUT GRIFFIN LIVING

Griffin Living is an award-winning, privately-owned real estate development firm headquartered in Calabasas, CA. The firm was founded in 2016 by Paul Griffin III, a fifth-generation home builder with thirty years of expertise in real estate development.

Griffin Living develops and maintains properties across the United States. They are committed to crafting innovative communities in partnership with community stakeholders, and apply their value-driven development philosophy to ensure that these properties represent strong investments for capital partners.

Laurel Brook Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Introduces Subacute Neuro Recovery Program Leading Area Specialists Overseeing New Initiative at Skilled Nursing Facility in Mount Laurel, N.J.

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Feb. 1, 2020 – Laurel Brook Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Mount Laurel has introduced a Neuro Recovery Program to meet the healthcare needs of area residents. The subacute initiative is directed by neurologists Tudor Jovin, MD, and Michael Gallagher, DO, and physiatrist Adam Schindelheim, MD.

Laurel Brook’s Neuro Recovery Program is designed to assist those affected by neurologically disabling conditions in improving abilities and returning to their most-optimal functional levels. The specialized initiative focuses on balance, speech, memory and pain management, as well as swallowing and proper nutrition. Patients receive an individualized recovery plan to address their needs, including a return to more routine daily functions, such as sitting, walking, dressing and showering.

Dr. Jovin, Dr. Gallagher, and Dr. Schindelheim are affiliated with Cooper University Health Care’s divisions of neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Laurel Brook established these key relationships in partnership with Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports the facility.

“Laurel Brook’s collaboration with the area’s leading neurology and physical medical rehabilitation professionals helps those recovering from neurological events, including strokes and diseases, live better lives,” said Jennifer Hertzog, vice president of marketing and business development for Marquis.

Subacute represents a comprehensive, high level of care for patients with active illnesses, injuries or complex medical conditions following – or as an alternative to – a hospital stay. Subacute patients typically undergo rehab therapy sessions for one or two hours per day, as prescribed. Laurel Brook features a state-of-the-art therapy gym with progressive rehabilitation equipment.

Neuro Recovery patients benefit from the care of Laurel Brook’s interdisciplinary team, which includes specialized rehab nurses and physical, speech and occupational therapists. The team also includes a care navigator, nutritional counselor and recreation specialist. “With the consultative presence of Dr. Jovin, Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Schindelheim, Laurel Brook’s team of rehab experts is supporting patients in regularly achieving recovery milestones,” added Hertzog.

Dr. Jovin is board certified in neurology, vascular neurology, neurocritical care and neuroendovascular surgery. He serves as the medical director of the Cooper Neurological Institute, and as the chairman and chief of neurology of Cooper Medical Care; he also is a stroke neurologist. Dr. Jovin, who is fluent in German, Romanian and Spanish, is a professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Dr. Gallagher is board certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology. He serves as the assistant professor of neurology at the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Dr. Schindelheim is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, with a specialty in traumatic brain injury and concussion in adults. Dr. Schindelheim is an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation with the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Located at 3718 Church Road, Laurel Brook provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab, memory care, long-term and respite care. It also features a 60-bed Korean Community wing, which creates a culturally authentic environment for the care and comfort of Korean seniors. The facility has earned a deficiency-free survey from the New Jersey Department of Health, and secured certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Together with Marquis Health Consulting Services, Laurel Brook has established a resource library of physician-curated content, addressing many topics of interest for families of patients and the larger community. The library and more information on Laurel Brook can be found at https://laurelbrookrehab.com.

Based in Brick, N.J., Marquis is a highly skilled and vision-driven nursing home consulting company currently supporting Mid-Atlantic and New England facilities totaling nearly 4,500 skilled nursing and assisted living beds.

Cooper University Health Care is the leading academic tertiary care health system and the only state-designated Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey with a mission to serve, to heal, to educate. With more than 630 physicians, more than 7,500 employees, and a network of more than 100 medical offices and four urgent care centers throughout the region, Cooper offers signature programs in cardiology, critical care, neurosciences, pediatrics, orthopedics and surgical specialties.

Tuckahoe Retirement Community to Administer First COVID-19 Vaccines to 72 Residents and 50 Associates Monday

(Tuckahoe, NY )  – More than 120 residents and staff members of The Fountains at RiverVue, a Watermark Retirement Community in TuckahoeN.Y., will receive the first of a two-dose vaccine against COVID-19 Monday. The onsite clinic by Omnicare/CVS is scheduled for a 10 a.m. launch on Monday, Jan. 25 with 72 residents and 50 associates being vaccinated throughout the day until 4 p.m. 

Among the residents is World War II veteran, Frank Caruso, and his wife of 75 years, Anne. Caruso safely celebrated his 100th birthday in 2020, and he is eager to receive the first vaccine alongside his wife and friends in the community. The couple looks forward to resuming much of what they’ve enjoyed at The Fountains at RiverVue, especially the musical events.

 

Fountains at RiverVue Executive Director Monica Lafferty says excitement is high among residents as the vaccine clinic begins – a sign that the community will soon regain much of its vibrancy.  

“Our residents have shown admirable resiliency as they have taken significant precautions to keep themselves and one another safe against the virus. They deserve this gift of the vaccine so that they can have more freedom to reconnect with their neighbors and safely return to the activities that once filled their calendars.

 

For resident Barbara Vahue, that favorite activity is the community’s trivia contests, and for resident Robert Ptofsky, it’s the monthly political roundtables. Both Vahue and Ptofsky are also scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Monday.

 

At the clinic, a registered nurse will be on hand to monitor residents for reactions to the vaccine. Under Watermark’s Stay Safe. Be Well. program, staff has been trained to constantly watch residents for symptoms of the disease and will continue to do so regarding response to the vaccine. 

Meadow Park, Catonsville, MD

Meadow Park Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Launches Cardio Pulmonary Care Program

CATONSVILLE, Md.,  Meadow Park Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has launched a Cardio Pulmonary Care Program designed to meet the healthcare needs of area residents. Pulmonologist Dr. Mark Gosnell and cardiologist Dr. Ashok Chopra are overseeing the initiative at the 120-bed skilled nursing facility in Catonsville.

Meadow Park’s comprehensive Cardio Pulmonary Care Program aims to promote independence and quality of life through reducing symptoms and decreasing disability in heart and lung patients, while increasing their participation in physical and social activities. Services are tailored for individuals with congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, post heart and lung transplants, emphysema, acute myocardial infarctions and acute respiratory failure, among other diagnoses.

In addition to consults with Dr. Chopra, Dr. Gosnell and other board-certified specialists, Meadow Park heart and lung patients benefit from certified nurses on staff, seven days per week therapy services as prescribed, 24/7 access to lab and radiology services, and a range of additional services and therapies. Those include tracheostomy care and management, a wide range of oxygen therapies and nebulizer therapies, as well as IV Lasix and Intotrope Infusions.

“Post-hospital rehab programs are proven to reduce the chance of hospital re-admission and significantly improve health and quality of life – and prolong life spans – for patients who have suffered a cardiac or pulmonary health event,” said Nikki Gachot, regional director of business development at Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports Meadow Park and helped the facility develop the new offering. “Meadow Park’s cardio pulmonary rehab services ease patients’ transition home and also focus on creating long-term lifestyle changes, including an improved exercise and nutrition plan, and stress reduction.”

Dr. Gosnell is board certified in critical care and pulmonary medicine, and is the director of intensive care and chief of pulmonary at MedStar Harbor Hospital, regularly teaching respiratory physiology to residents. He maintains a practice in Glen Burnie, Md., and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine.

Board certified in internal medicine and cardiology, Dr. Chopra is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He has been in private practice for 36 years and attending to patients at Grace Medical Center, formerly Bon Secours Hospital, where he served as the director of the ICU for more than 10 years. Dr. Chopra is also affiliated with St. Agnes Hospital, where he completed his medical residency and Cardiology Fellowship.

“Meadow Park is fortunate to have Dr. Chopra and Dr. Gosnell lead the Cardio Pulmonary Care Program,” noted Gachot. “They will work together with Meadow Park’s dedicated clinical team to provide for the best possible outcomes for heart and lung patients.”

Located at 1525 N Rolling Road, Meadow Park Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care.  As part of its programming, Meadow Park offers education and training for patients and family members, and coordination of home care services. The facility also offers 24/7 admissions direct from the emergency room.
Together with Marquis, Meadow Park has established a resource library of physician-curated content, addressing many topics – including cardiac rehab – of interest for families of patients and the larger community. The library and more information on Meadow Park can be found on the facility’s website, https://meadowparkrehabhc.com.

Based in Brick, N.J., Marquis Health Consulting Services is a highly skilled and vision-driven nursing home consulting company currently supporting Mid-Atlantic and New England facilities totaling nearly 4,500 skilled nursing and assisted living beds.

Jeffersons Ferry broke ground on a 89M expansion renovation project

$89M Expansion Begins at Jefferson’s Ferry

South Setauket, NY – ​Life plan community Jefferson’s Ferry secured tax-exempt bonds from the Town of Brookhaven Local Development Corporation and on Dec. 10 broke ground on an $89M expansion and renovation project during a private, socially distanced groundbreaking ceremony at One Jefferson Ferry Drive, South Setauket. Once completed, the 165,000 square-foot project will “enhance the lifestyle and experience for current residents and appeal to the desires and needs of a whole new generation of Long Islanders planning for retirement,” according to Jefferson’s Ferry CEO Bob Caulfield.

The expansion will add 60 new independent living one- and two-bedroom, plus den apartment homes with open floor plans to ​Jefferson’s Ferry’s existing 220 apartments and 28 cottages​. A new marketplace café, bistro-bar, destination dining room with alternating types of cuisines, and other enhanced services and amenities will cater to both current and future residents.

The new Healthy Living Center will incorporate a modern and fully-equipped gym and fitness room with access to professional trainers, plus a state of the art wellness & rehabilitation center. Residents can continue to access preventive care from a team of wellness experts in audiology, internal medicine, cardiology, dentistry, podiatry, psychiatry and ear, nose and throat specialists. Lab services and assistance with making medical appointments and filling prescriptions are also available.

“Our community is designed for aging better for longer, whether you live in independent living, assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing,” explained Caulfield.

The construction project includes an addition to the existing Vincent Bove Health Center, including a new state of the art Assisted Living building specifically designed for residents living with Alzheimer’s dementia and other memory impairing diseases. Existing dining, activities and community spaces in the assisted living and the skilled nursing center will be renovated to allow for more space and create a fresh, open-air feel.

Called “The Journey Toward Renewal,” the project is part of the award-winning community’s larger strategic initiative launched in 2018. “We’re building on a promise made by our founders in 2001,” said Caulfield. “We were the first to offer Long Islanders the all-inclusive services of a life plan community — also called a continuing care retirement community — and we’ve been delivering on our promise to help seniors thrive and age successfully ever since.”

Jefferson’s Ferry is a​n active lifestyle community that promotes dignity, privacy, individuality and independence. The physical design of Jefferson’s Ferry and the diverse programming and luxury amenities make staying active easy for residents as they age. The onsite care continuum offers security and peace of mind.

Supporting Long Island’s Economy
In August 2020, Jefferson’s Ferry was awarded low-cost energy by the ReCharge NY energy program to support a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation project. The state-run program supports businesses and nonprofits that commit to add jobs, expand operations, or otherwise invest in their local communities.

Jefferson’s Ferry currently employs 350 people and is expected to add 41 jobs in exchange for 435 kilowatts of power for a seven-year period. “The cost savings are significant to Jefferson’s Ferry, and, in turn, to residents living on fixed incomes,” said Caulfield. “Reducing our energy costs through this program goes a long way in helping us control the amount of fees we charge our members, giving them peace of mind about their future.”

Interest in Jefferson’s Ferry’s new apartments is high. Caulfield said total reservation deposits from prospective residents required by the New York State Department of Health to obtain approval to start construction exceed requirements prior to securing tax-exempt bonds issued through the Town of Brookhaven Local Development Corporation (LDC).

“The Brookhaven ​Local Development Corporation is pleased to play a small part in the expansion of this outstanding residence and health care facility,” said ​Frederick C. Braun III, chairman of the Brookhaven LDC.

Elissa Gargone, vice president of sales and marketing at Jefferson’s Ferry, said the benefits of living in a life plan community became more obvious during the pandemic, especially to Long Islanders and out-of-state seniors who are used to traveling and living active, social lives.

“Our depositors miss their pre-pandemic social life,” said Gargone. “They miss their friends and they miss having access to activities and routines that give them purpose and joy. Jefferson’s Ferry provides safe access to the active lifestyle they’re accustomed to living.”

According to Gargone, Jefferson’s Ferry wastes no time making depositors feel at home. There are virtual wine pairing events, Zoom get-togethers to meet current residents, and webinars to help them prepare for the move. During the lockdown, Gargone and the marketing team packed and delivered bags of food and essential supplies to their doorsteps. “Depositors may not live in our community yet, but they’re part of the Jefferson’s Ferry family,” she said.
Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were Jefferson’s Ferry’s CEO Bob Caulfield, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Elissa Gargone and Project Manager Matthew Moroney; Jefferson’s Ferry Board Chair Vivian Viloria-Fisher and board member and Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Valerie Cartright; Director of Economic Development and CEO Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and CEO Brookhaven Local Development Corporation (LDC) Town of Brookhaven Lisa M.G. Mulligan; and KBE Building Corp. Project Manager James Glaser. Additional Jefferson’s Ferry project partners include ​KDA Architects​, ​Tritec Building Company​, ​HJ Sims​ ​and ​Merlino Design​.

About Jefferson’s Ferry​ ​- Located along Long Island’s north shore at One Jefferson Ferry Drive, South Setauket, New York, Jefferson’s Ferry is a nonprofit life plan community for active adults ages 62 and above. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services on-site, along with programs, services, and amenities designed to enhance resident life through health/wellness activities, lifelong learning, the arts and music, spiritual development and social opportunities. Jefferson’s Ferry has been consistently named “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Assisted Living” on Long Island by the “Bethpage Best of Long Island. For more information, visit ​https://www.jeffersonsferry.org​ or call ​(631) 650-2600.