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Local Home Builder to Open Senior Living Community, Offer Alternative to Institutionalized Living
Since 1961 Kay Builders has designed and constructed thousands of homes for Lehigh Valley families. “We have built homes for young couples, growing families, and empty nesters,” says third generation owner and president of Kay Builders, Rick Koze. “We have always listened to our clients and built the homes that they wanted. We know what people like, and now we want to build a great home for aging seniors,” reveals Koze.
It is that experience of six decades of home construction that Kay is leveraging to offer a new senior living community, Heather Glen, located in the western suburbs of Allentown. Kay’s approach to senior living is a stark contrast from the large corporate entities that build and manage senior living facilities.
Heather Glen will be the new home for 102 residents who will select from a one bedroom, studio or semi-private suite. The building has a distinct residential look with craftsman styling including window shutters, decorative trim, a long front porch, gable roof and other exterior details that make Heather Glen a great new neighbor to the single family homes in Upper Macungie.
Inside the building, best practices in residential space planning and interior architecture were integrated throughout resident suites, common areas, activity rooms and dining rooms. One such feature is the value of natural light. Heather Glen has ample light from a multitude of windows as well as numerous skylights in the building. Heather Glen will feel like a large house, and every house has a family. Heather Glen is no different. Adding to the home-like feel is the fact that Heather Glen is locally owned and independent. This ensures that Heather Glen can address residents’ needs, customizing care and solutions to individuals instead of adhering to a rigid corporate policy.
Heather Glen will focus around a resident’s lifestyle. Daniel Frost, Heather Glen’s executive director explains, “We have designed a community that is comfortable and encourages activity, interaction and independence of our residents with structured care available when needed.” Residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible and can participate in dining, activities, entertainment, and outings, but assistance is also available for routine activities like bathing, dressing, and other personal care.
There is also a 40-resident memory care community inside Heather Glen that is divided into secure neighborhoods for those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Each neighborhood will consist of a common area kitchen, living room, and dining room at the center of several resident suites. In each neighborhood there is 24/7 specialized memory care staff available to assist residents.
Heather Glen Senior Living and Memory Care is anticipated to open this fall. For more information call 610-841-4478 or visit HGSeniorLiving.com.