The Residence at Chadds Ford

By Natalie Smith

The desire to lead your best life certainly doesn’t wane as you get older. For many, moving to a senior community – whether it be to live independently or with some level of care – is a way to maintain that quality of living without the responsibilities that come with home ownership.

For those seniors and their loved ones looking for a welcoming and accessibly placed community, The Residence at Chadds Ford has a way of life that enables residents to enjoy and explore their days highlighted by “good times, good friends and great care.”

Established by Massachusetts-based LCB Senior Living, The Residence at Chadds Ford is the group’s first in Pennsylvania; the second is in Bala Cynwyd. The company owns or operates communities throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

This community, which features month-to-month rentals, offers Independent Living, Personal Care and Reflections Memory Care options in an attractive, 88-apartment structure on Wilmington Pike in Glen Mills, Delaware County. The location is ideal for many reasons, said Cindy Graul, the community’s business development director.

“I always describe our building as a little unique when the people are looking to source a community such as ours for senior living and month-to-month rentals,” Graul said. “We

All images by Double S Media

The Residence at Chadds Ford opened in early 2020.

are in a really unique spot. We’re sitting in Delaware County; our backyard faces Chester County and we’re just five miles from the border of the State of Delaware. Adult children who are trying to bring their parents back … maybe they started having more and more significant health issues. Or they live down south in Florida or North Carolina and are transitioning back to their children’s area.

“It’s a really neat sweet spot because we’re super close to the West Chester area. We often find that we are that convenient place for a lot of the family, so that’s what attracts a lot of people here.”

For residents, the appealing apartments are offered in studio, one- and two-bedroom designs, each with a kitchenette and full bath. Comfortable seating for residents and their guests, outside the front doors of some units, essentially extends the living area.

“The first three floors of the building have a little horseshoe of apartments.

At the end of the hallway, we have a laundry room. It dispenses the detergent for you and there is a folding table and washer-dryer. If you still love to do laundry, great. Otherwise we can do it for you for $25 a week. I’d be signing up for that,” Graul said with a laugh.

“It’s a very nicely appointed building where there is a modern element blended with traditional pieces that are timely looking. So it’s not over-the-top modern, but it also is very well-appointed in what I would describe as monochromatic.”

Services and amenities are plentiful, including three chefprepared meals daily. Menus boast such chef’s Seasonal in the monthly fee are weekly housekeeping and linen service; access to an emergency response system, activated in the apartments and via pendants given to residents; utilities; common-area Wi-Fi; and garage parking. For those who don’t drive, a transport service is offered, taking residents to their errands within a 10-mile radius of The Residence.

For residents needing Assisted Living or Personal Care, a host of services are offered for additional charges, such as help walking, bathing and aid with morning and evening routines.

Reflections Memory Care is a program “based on a philosophy of empathy, expression and mindfulness.” The planned programs are geared toward supporting and enriching residents’ experiences. Three gourmet-style meals are also included, with colors and sounds surrounding the dining experience adapted for those with dementia. For instance, Graul said the caregivers wear lime green because it is more easily seen by people affected by that condition.

For those in Independent Living, activities abound and are tailored to the residents’ interests and abilities. A recent day’s activities called “opportunities for engagement,” included: a strength and cardio class; tai chi class;

Specialties as Shrimp Scampi, Teriyaki Chicken and Butcher’s Choice, which is a “rotating chef-inspired steakhouse selection.” Breakfast and lunch menus carry items like Eggs Your Way and Build Your Own Burger. Meals are served from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and residents may dine at anytime they wish. And if you feel like having pancakes at 5 p.m.? No problem.

In addition to the restaurant-style gourmet meals, among the services included

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non-denominational Bible study; blackjack; and a Pizza & Pub Social with live music. Rounding out the evening was Friday Night Flix in the Theatre Room with a showing of “Les Misérables.”

Graul noted that the nondenominational Bible-study group was suggested and run by resident Dick Wirth, who has a longtime interest in religion, she

noted. And the food-preparation staff benefits from the green thumb of resident Joan Washburne, who maintains fresh herbs in a raised planter that the chefs incorporate in residents’ meals. Washburne also arranges flowers on the tables in the dining room every Thursday.

Graul praised Engagement Director Kristin Cartwright for her work with the residents and creating appealing programs for them.

“We like to focus on the ability first, rather than their disability because it’s person-centered. We need to see what they are capable of rather than what their deficits are,”

Graul said. “There are so many opportunities that we have here within our community where we can help elevate people and lift them up on their past occupations, their hobbies or interests to make their light shine from within and really grow their inner interest, because they have so much to bring to the table. Their past occupations, and their strengths … they can help self-guide our events by being the leader of an organization or club.”

Graul said that some residents who are enthusiastic about The Residence at Chadds Ford often want to share their passion.

“One of my favorite features when I’m [giving tours of The Residence] are our ‘ambassadors’ - they’re not wearing a name tag. They’re not assigned as an ambassador. These

are people that I know that are really proud to call this their home and it really is a gift being in their house. They’re happy to really share why they love living here.”

Contact Natalie Smith at natalie@DoubleSMedia.com