Story by : Glenda Sanders , contributing writer
Photos by : Terrell Clark
Meridian ’ s newest senior living community opens
said .
The Preserve boasts 14 independent living cottages for couples and singles who are capable of living on their own but still enjoy being in a community with their peers .
“ There are two offerings of cottages . They are all two-bedroom , two-bath . There are two different floor plans ,” he said . “ They range , I am guessing , from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet . One is bigger than the other . There is a little bit more square footage but it has a two-car garage instead of a one-car garage .”
The independent living cottages all have garages and are equipped with washer and dryer and stainless steel appliances . They are furnished with WiFi and cable . They have an open-plan design with a breakfast island in the kitchen area . Most have carpet in the bedrooms with a really nice hardwood-type flooring in the common areas . All have a wrap-around porch on the backside of the cottage .
There will be 38 assisted living apartments for senior adults who need extra care but still want to maintain a semi-independent and social lifestyle .
The assisted living apartments probably range from
450 square feet to 900 square feet and include four different open-floor plan designs that include a studio apartment to one- and two-bedroom apartments , Ledbetter said .
For residents living in assisted living , The Preserve provides 24-hour nursing response , medication monitoring , activities , meals , emergency response , housekeeping and laundry services , he noted .
The Preserve also specializes in memory care for residents diagnosed with Alzheimer ’ s disease and dementia-related illnesses . When fully operational , 38 memory care apartments will be available .
“ You have to have a memory care diagnosis and related issue to qualify for memory care services because it is a secured environment ,” Ledbetter said .
Memory care residents will receive much of the services offered to assisted living residents but in a more controlled environment . All of the entrances and exits are alarmed and there is a delayed response to them . Ledbetter said the memory care apartments are structured somewhat differently than the assisted living
Continued on page 8 www . meridianstar . com
• 7