...Romance Author...

Edgewood Assisted Living Center

Edgewood Assisted Living Center, located at 4850 Gratiot Rd., in Saginaw, is dedicated to treating their residents with respect and compassion. They believe it’s important to enhance their quality of life, to encourage independence, and to support them through the changes that are inevitable as people age.

“It’s like a 4-star hotel where you can bring all your favorite stuff,” said Andrew Forester, administrator of Edgewood.

That philosophy soon becomes apparent, as immediately upon entering the front doors you get a sense of the warm and inviting atmosphere. The waiting area offers pleasantly arranged, comfortable seating in a home-like setting. At the front desk, you’re greeted promptly and with courtesy.

Walking through, both residents and employees are openly friendly, and appear extremely happy to be there. Employees have a ready smile, and are willing to take the time to chat, or offer assistance. Residents are enthusiastic when telling of their positive experiences at the facility.

One resident, Charlie Ross, declared he was a “happy camper.” “I’ve never been waited on like this in my life,” he commented. “I’m always meeting new people, and it’s especially nice to talk with the younger ones.”

Each room is equipped with a pull cord to call for assistance, and there are nursing assistants available to assist with bathing. Each resident is provided with laundry service and a private housekeeper who will vacuum, dust, make the bed, clean the bathroom, and bring fresh linens.

A beautician comes in each week to do hair, nails, perms, color – and gossip, and there’s also a spa room with a personal Jacuzzi tub that is monitored. All the resident has to do is make an appointment.

Chef Ken Tajak is there to see to each resident’s personalized menu, and special dietary needs. “Since some of the residents are diabetic, I like to keep food as natural and less processed as possible, using natural sugars like apple and pineapple juice,” said Chef Ken. “I want to present good, wholesome, unprocessed food, more like what people of that generation are used to eating.”

Residents can order anything they like for breakfast, and make selections from the set lunch and dinner menus.

It is obvious Chef Ken enjoys his work, and takes a personal interest in the food he prepares, placing the utmost importance on giving the residents what they want. He likes to say, “I’m in the happiness business.”

Kitty Kocks, another resident, was more than happy to take a moment during her bingo game to say, “I love it here. I’m happy with everything.” She especially enjoys Chef Ken’s cinnamon crumb cake.

Edgewood Assisted Living Center should not be confused with other care facilities, such as Senior Apartments that are for people who want to downsize from their homes and don’t really need assistance, Independent Living, which offers just the basics, and is for people who only need a little help, or Nursing Homes, which are more for the long-term care of people with serious medical needs.

And not all Assisted Living facilities are set up the same. Not all are licensed by the state. Some are licensed as adult foster care. Some are licensed as a home for the aged. Edgewood is licensed as a home for the aged, and the state comes in to inspect regularly. Edgewood is one of the few in the state of Michigan to receive zero citations (a perfect score), and even though it is required to have a nurse on staff 40 hours a week, and access to a nurse 24/7, Edgewood goes above and beyond that by offering 320 hrs of nursing care, meaning there’s a nurse there at all times, at no extra charge.

“The staff here is great,” said Courtney Parasiliti, LPN. “It’s like being with family.”

Kelly Meier, Life Enrichment Coordinator, stated, “It’s like being with all my grandmas and grandpas. The best part about coming to work is talking with the residents about their experiences.” Kelly’s job is to coordinate all the fun things for the residents to do.

Edgewood regularly schedules special entertainments, music, exercise sessions, worship services, cards, and bingo. The facility is also within walking distance to coffee shops like Crumbs Cafe, shopping, and card and gift shops.

Edgewood has a total of 60 rooms. 40 rooms are for general Assisted Living, and 20 are for Memory Care. Memory Care is for people who have a tendency to wander off and get confused. The area is secured in order to keep the residents from wandering and becoming lost.

Edgewood Assisted Living Center is just one of the facilities owned by Heritage Property Management, Inc. Its senior communities are proud members of the following organizations: Michigan Assisted Living Association, Indiana Health Care Association, Assisted Living Federation of America, National Centers for Assisted Living.

If you would like more information, call 497-9970, email edgewood@heritageseniorcommunities.com, or go to www.heritageseniorcommunities.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (evenings and weekends by appointment).

Edgewood Assisted Living

 

 

Website designed by ThimbleCity.com