By Chris Bavender
Even before residents began to move in last week, the staff at Meadow Brook Senior Living were rolling out the welcome mat for the community as they hosted a neighborhood barbecue June 7.
Construction on the Assisted Living and Memory Care Unit community – located at 11011 Village Square Lane in Fishers, began 14 months ago. It is the first Spectrum Retirement Community in Indiana. The company – headquartered in Denver – has 30 communities across the country with seven more under construction, including one in Carmel, which is set to open next year.
“Before we decide on community there is a lot of demographics research that goes into the community and is there a need and, if so, what is the need most great for,” said Kathleen MacDonald, Spectrum vice president of marketing. “In the Fishers area the need was more so for the assisted living and memory care.”
The 95-unit, $17.5 million retirement community features 10 Ambassador Suites – larger apartments with full kitchens. Residents still have the option to have their meals in the community dining area if they want, and have access to medical assistance if needed.
Meadow Brook also offers a Transitional Memory Care program which allows seniors with mild dementia to get the help they need while maintaining a lot of independence.
“They become more self-conscious and start to isolate themselves more. We saw it happening in some of our communities and thought that while they were not ready to move into the memory care unit they still needed some help,” MacDonald said. “We have a life-enrichment specialist who understands people with this condition – who are in the beginning stages – and works with them from the minute they are up to the end of the day. They live in their own apartments but are with this group during the day. And, when they do need to be in a secured environment then it is an easy transition for them.”
Forty percent of the two-story facility is dedicated to community living space – from a surround sound theatre to a salon to a wellness area – according to MacDonald. It also offers month-to-month rent on its studio and two bedroom apartments.
“There are no buy in fees. If you move in and your circumstances change or your family moves out of state, you don’t lose money.” MacDonald said. “If you move in and it’s not the right fit there is a 60-day money back guarantee.”
MacDonald said 40 of the 80 units have been reserved, with four residents scheduled to move in June 9. Meadow Brook – as do all Spectrum communities – also allows residents to bring their pets with them.
Meadow Brook is open for tours. For more information call 537-0157 or visit www.meadowbrookseniorliving.com.
