apartments . They are all studio apartments and are smaller in size than the assisted living apartments .
“ The idea is we want someone to come out of their apartment in memory care and feel like they are at home ,” he said . “ So , when you come out of your apartment you come out to living space and a dining space whereas in assisted living you walk out of your apartment into a hallway to get to those other areas .”
Frontier Management will offer residents its award-winning SPARK program , which was inspired by the teachings and research of Maria Montessori and Dr . Cameron Camp and is designed to provide experiences and programs that optimize cognitive skills , increase interaction and promote self -purpose among residents .
“ It is important that our activities over the course of maybe a week or so hit all of the different spectrum ’ s of the life , like the emotional spectrum , the intellectual spectrum , the physical exercise spectrum , the spiritual spectrum ,” Ledbetter said . “ It is a pretty comprehensive activities program and it is designed on the Montessori school of learning as taking care of the whole person .”
For example , a resident ’ s spiritual needs can be addressed through song , a church service , a Bible study or meditation . Exercise classes or yoga classes can meet the wellness spectrum .
Residents also will enjoy an array of social gatherings and planned activities such as classes to trips to the mall to holiday parties to a shrimp bowl and viewing of college football games . “ The idea is to create anticipation and to give residents something to look forward to getting out of their room or getting dressed for the day ,” Ledbetter said . “ The difference between just existing and living is anticipation and planning your day and that is what we want to do here , give them things to do to plan their day .”
Dining is one of the best features of The Preserve with a dedicated , local chef who will provide a variety of meals including residents ’ favorites and holiday meals , he said .
Rather than set meal times , The Preserve offers anytime dining just like a restaurant . Residents can pop into the dining area any time between 7 a . m . and 5:30 p . m . and order off of the menu .
“ As part of our dining experience , we are doing anytime dining instead of dining times , and we are doing all-day breakfast ,” Ledbetter said .
“ There is a menu , just like if you went to a restaurant , and you choose from the menu . There is one specialty entrée for breakfast and two specialty entrées for lunch and dinner along with your regular menu ,” he said . “ They can order breakfast all day .”
Ledbetter said The Preserve ’ s food budget is “ probably twice what I am used to for a community this size .”
“ So the food is going to be really good ,” he added . “ I think our food is going to set us apart from other senior living communities .”
We consider ourselves resort-style living . For the folks who live here , it is pretty carefree and upscale . If you look at our community compared to others , it is kind of open and beachy and resort-style .
Randy Ledbetter , executive director of The Preserve
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