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Yardley Commons: Welcome Home

by Glori Gayster

Yardley Commons gives seniors freestyle living, in a community setting.

When it comes to selecting the right retirement living environment, there are so many questions. Doing one’s homework is more than important; it is critical. Prospective residents and families should visit a variety of locations, meet with community management, and speak with residents to find just the right location for their individual needs. Yardley Commons, conveniently located in Voorhees and minutes from shopping, dining, recreation and some of the best medical facilities, is an independent living community giving new meaning to the word “home.”

Led by live-in community managers, Rachel and Will Straight, Yardley Commons’ residents and their families take great comfort in knowing their neighbors. Says Rachel Straight, “We do more than make sure our community is safe and efficient. We dine with residents and participate in the various coordinated activities. It’s a true sense of family with a ready-made group of grandparents whom I love.”

At the heart of it
There are three primary concerns that residents and families ask about when looking into independent living communities. The first is safety - something that is important at any age and in any home. At Yardley Commons, there is someone at the front entrance virtually all day and night. After hours, the doors are locked and key codes are required.

A second key factor involves dining and ensuring residents maintain proper diets. Each of the three meals a day is menu-based, offering proper balanced nutrition with various choices. “Our chefs use only the best ingredients – real, wholesome and great tasting. We regularly have residents’ family and friends join us and rave about each bite,” Straight says.

Socialization is another important factor that comes into play when selecting between communities. This is where Yardley Commons stands out from the rest. “We have a robust group of resident ambassadors, who along with our live-in managers embrace each new resident,” Straight says. “Those new to our community are integrated at their own pace and ambassadors join them for dining, activities and day trips, making introductions every step of the way.”

Nothing to fear
For many, it is the fear of giving up freedom, their home and all they’ve gathered through life that makes the transition difficult. Unlike an assisted living facility, residents can come and go as they please at Yardley Commons. They can have a car and visitors are welcome at any time. “Our residents compare Yardley Commons to Club Med or a cruise ship,” says Straight. “Everything they can want and need is available. Yet, unlike a cruise liner, we welcome residents’ well-loved cats and dogs.”

Each of the community’s 100+ apartments is a private suite, ranging in size from 360 square feet for a studio to 900 square feet for a two bedroom. The multiple floor plans are furnished by the resident themselves. Utilities, cable and laundry are all included in the monthly rent as is a weekly housekeeping service. Life Alert systems are installed to ensure the best possible care.

Home health aids are available on-site, yet residents can coordinate any need on their own. “Our community is 100% independent living and we make it a point to create a home-like atmosphere without the sterility of a medically-based facility.”

In addition to the personal suites and three meals a day, the all-inclusive community offers a full calendar of activities, ranging from stitching and high tea to exercise classes and educational lectures. “We also coordinate 5-6 day trips each month to some of the area’s popular attractions, including Atlantic City, Philadelphia and the Amish Market,” Straight explains. “Shuttle service is also available to assist residents with errands and other appointments.”

Differences matter
Many of Yardley Commons residents also thrive on giving back, Straight says, and the community’s exclusive “Seniors Serving Seniors” and “Seniors Serving Society” volunteer programs allow them to engage in causes they feel passionate about such as reading, helping the homeless, and food drive efforts.

Unique to Yardley Commons is the “Holiday Touch” Travel Program. Whether to visit family in Phoenix, a wine tour in Napa or the country music fair in Nashville, residents find traveling has never been easier.

Straight says, “What a great way to travel! At nearly 300 Holiday Retirement partner communities, our residents can have a comfortable guest room, three meals a day, shuttle service and participation in all programs and activities, at no additional expense.”

“It’s just like being at home,” she says.

Yardley Commons
209 Laurel Road, Voorhees
(856) 528-4039
YardleyCommons.com

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 12 (February, 2012).
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