DELIGHT IS ON THE MENU
BEING SOCIAL MATTERS
PAMPERING FOR HEALTH PLAN FOR TOMORROW
VOTED BEST IN SENIOR LIVING
the scene
So many pieces came together to make The Gatesworth what it is today. But it’s the people—the staff, residents and families— who make this a truly exceptional place.
The Gatesworth
PROUD TO BE LOCAL
More than 35 years ago, a small group of St. Louis entrepreneurs began thinking about the benefits of living independently—and living well—in the later years of life. They imagined the kind of place they themselves would like to live. Among other things, it would include a long list of amenities and a pleasant ambiance that would enhance life. And they believed such a place would be managed and staffed by people committed to helping older adults maintain their unique lifestyles and independence as long as possible.
David Smith, one of the entrepreneurs, recalls how he, Charlie Deutsch and Elana Spitzberg, members of this “big idea” group, took the dream and made it a reality: “Charlie Deutsch was a residential builder, and I was practicing law at that time. Once we decided to move on this idea, it took us a year to acquire the property and roughly another year to build the place.”
Smith notes that once construction was complete and it was time to start thinking about opening the doors at The Gatesworth, “we wanted to find a leader for the community who had strong management skills and a background in construction. That was when Bob Leonard entered the picture.”
“Our goal was to offer quality over quantity in the best community we could build.”
— Bob Leonard, co-owner
Initially, Leonard considered his position to be temporary, but his expertise in both people skills and construction made him a perfect fit. In 1994, he was offered a partnership role, a position he continues to hold.
Working together, Smith, Leonard and Deutsch have helped make The Gatesworth renowned within the senior housing industry. In fact, The Gatesworth has inspired development of similar, high-quality communities nationally and internationally.
“Our core values are based on choice and opportunity,” Smith notes. “We want each of our residents to feel respected for who they are; offering them a range of choices helps make that possible.” By way of example, Smith notes that the community offers residents three unique restaurants, all with à la carte menus, instead of restrictive meal plans. “Residents can choose to dine at any one of these restaurants. They can also decide to dine outside the community, have room service deliver a meal to their door or simply stay home and cook. The point is, each resident can choose what feels right on any given day,” Smith says.
The Gatesworth’s founders imagined a community that would adhere to a simple philosophy: “The answer is yes. What is the question?” That, Smith says, helps foster independence—and is what has made The Gatesworth a premier senior living community.
Leonard agrees. “We all had the same vision,” he says. “Our goal was to offer quality over quantity in the best community we could build.”
“We use the feedback we receive from residents to help us evolve, to become even better,” Smith says. “The experience, compassion and enthusiasm of our staff and the quality of the physical property have allowed us to offer a range of programs, services, ambiance and amenities that are unmatched. And we keep that going with continuous investment in the property and the community.”
The Gatesworth community feels like family to those who have chosen to make it their home. And it feels the same for the families who built it and continue to meet the needs of its residents.
From left to right: Owners Charlie Deutsch and Bob Leonard, 1988
First anniversary celebration, 1989
From left to right: Developers and owners David Smith, Elana Spitzberg and Charlie Deutsch, 1988
David Smith with Gerry Smith, his mother and a Gatesworth resident, 2018
DELIGHT is on the menu
The exceptional food at The Gatesworth, from casual to elegant, embraces a wide range of cuisines and is prepared by accomplished professionals.
With award-winning, globally recognized Executive Chef Brian Hardy in the kitchen, delight is always on the menu at The Gatesworth. With a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients, Chef Hardy not only sets the general menus for The Gatesworth’s three full-service, in-house restaurants, he works with individual residents to create personalized menus. For Hardy, creating custom menus is about more than meeting dietary requirements; he believes food should surprise and delight, engage the senses and stimulate the palate.
“A healthy, well-balanced, fully customized diet is something every resident of The Gatesworth has always enjoyed,” Hardy says. “In many establishments, you’ll find processed food; that’s not our way at The Gatesworth,” he adds. “We bring in fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality, local ingredients. We do all our baking, butchering and brining in-house. We peel, blanche and prepare vegetables by hand. Most everything is made from scratch. It’s not the easiest way, but it’s the best way to retain flavor and nutrients.”
According to Hardy, the quality of the food begins with the staff, the majority of whom have received a culinary degree or completed a rigorous apprenticeship program; some have participated in international culinary competitions. This team, like others at The Gatesworth, adheres to the highest standards—and residents benefit.
“My staff and I are essentially personal chefs for each and every resident,” Hardy explains. “And because each resident is unique, so every meal we create is, too. From the moment I meet a new resident, I become a student of their tastes, likes, dislikes, health needs, dietary goals and more. I want to offer them the best nutrition, variety and flavors possible.”
“Our residents keep me at my best, helping me generate new ideas so the menu remains fresh.”
— Brian Hardy, CEC, executive chef
These standards do not go unnoticed by the residents, many of whom have named The Gatesworth’s many dining options one of the first-class features of the community. “The food is always excellent here,” says resident Carol Max. “Chef Brian Hardy will cook to order for you if there is something special you would like, which he has done for me many times.”
“Our residents provide the inspiration and sometimes even the recipes,” Hardy adds. “Our kitchen can prepare pretty much anything, and we love the challenge of trying to recreate a resident’s beloved family recipe. It’s all about that personal touch.”
SOMETHING for everyone
All of us can recall a memorable meal; the food may be the star of the memory, but the setting helps complete the picture. Perhaps the memory is of wine and pasta in Venice, or a lobster roll on the beach. The point is, place matters, which is why The Gatesworth helps residents make memories by offering a variety of dining rooms and eateries onsite. From formal dining to outdoor tables to home delivery, plus special events, buffets and holiday celebrations, the choices are plentiful—and the food exceptional.
The Colonnade
Palm Court
Bistro
The Colonnade
Formal and elegant, The Colonnade is the place to go when you’re in the mood to “dress for dinner.”
The Colonnade’s attentive, knowledgeable staff pairs lavish food with the perfect wine or drink.
Palm Court Restaurant and Lounge
Bright and casual, and open from early morning to evening, Palm Court is great for an informal breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu includes daily specials, premium liquor and fine wine.
Bistro
Offering a setting between formal and casual, the Bistro’s menu includes Tuscan-inspired fare, including flatbread pizza and fresh pasta, as well choice cuts of meat, fresh salads, vegetables and fruit, and tasty desserts.
West Wing Bar and Outdoor Terrace
The Gatesworth’s newest dining venue offers casual fare and full bar service. The menu here ranges from chicken wings and toasted ravioli to burgers, including noteworthy sliders, and sandwiches. Grilled salmon and Cobb salad are among other options available.
FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS
When a resident of The Gatesworth wants to host an event, onsite staff are available to help coordinate the details, from choosing a location to planning a menu. Additional services include valet parking, room arrangement and decor, and the ability to handle additional, custom requests.
Residents who choose to dine offsite with family and friends can also take advantage of The Gatesworth’s From Our House to Yours service. This one-of-a-kind takeout service allows residents to pick up sides and full meals from The Gatesworth kitchen, including fresh-baked pies and
turkey dinners complete with all the trimmings.
When staying home feels like a welcome change of pace, residents can request room service from The Gatesworth menu or arrange to have a meal from a local restaurant delivered to their door.
West Wing Bar & Outdoor Terrace
HEALTHY BODY smart brain
TENDING TO PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL NEEDS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF AGING.
We all know about the benefits of exercise for physical and emotional health: improved mood and immune system, better balance and, of course, stronger bones and muscles. And these are just a few of the advantages of staying physically active.
We also know that keeping the mind challenged and engaged helps us stay sharp. Community connections are vital to our well-being, too, and can help keep depression and loneliness at bay.
Yet, despite what we know to be true, it’s not always easy to follow through and do the things that support our overall health.
Fatigue or apathy can lead to skipping a class at the gym or a lecture at a community center. Isolation at home interferes with our very human need to interact with others daily, allowing melancholy to sneak in and rob us of our interest in activities that make us feel connected to the world.
In addition to onsite exercise classes at all levels and a saltwater pool, The Gatesworth offers opportunities for creative, intellectual and spiritual engagement.
But what if motivation was right outside the door? What if every day it was easy to get exercise, socialize and engage your inner creative self?
Part of what makes The Gatesworth an exceptional community is its commitment to offering older adults a range of physical and intellectual activities that are woven into the fabric of daily life. As most of us know, it’s easier to stay active in the right environment.
Researchers looking at the lives of older adults have found that staying active, physically and mentally, offers a wealth of pluses. Older adults living an active life report that they:
— Are happy with their daily lives
— Spend more time interacting with people
— Spend less time in passive activities, including TV-watching
— Feel healthier than they did before boosting their activity levels
Relevant and vital
Advancing age doesn’t have to lead to less activity. Instead, activity can help us stay healthier and feel younger while we age. That truth has empowered countless older adults to remain relevant and vital.
“We want our community to inspire a vibrant, healthy lifestyle,” says Carrie Montrey, executive director of The Gatesworth. “If you walk our grounds and buildings, that is exactly what you’ll see.”
People who live at The Gatesworth can walk the mile-long garden path or tend flowers in the greenhouse. They can practice their golf putt, play billiards, paint a landscape, roll out a yoga mat or hit the weight room. And all of that is available within a short walk from their doorstep.
“There is always something going on here,” Montrey says. “The people who live here are engaged and involved. We are happy to offer the kinds of classes and events that help them enjoy life.”
The fitness center at The Gatesworth helps meet that goal, as does the heated, indoor saltwater pool. Fitness classes, including tai chi and water exercise, are led by instructors; personal trainers can create individual fitness plans.
An onsite lecture-and-discussion series features experts from a wide range of fields, including history, politics, literature, foreign language and the arts. And members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and other musical organizations appear for community performances.
The Gatesworth’s spa offers a full complement of essentials and extras to assist with health, beauty, fitness and relaxation.
“It is all part of the exceptional service we’re known for,” Montrey says.
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” Scientists say our relationships with others can have powerful effects on our health.
BEING SOCIAL Matters
As we age, many of us tend to think about physical health in ways we hadn’t before. We monitor and tend to heart health, mental acuity, vision, hearing, knees and hips— all so we can get the most out of each day. We think about what we eat and how much we exercise so we can keep our bodies running optimally. It simply makes good sense to take care of what we have, from head to toe, because we want to enjoy life to its fullest.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we need to pay attention to—and regulate—our social lives, as well. In fact, the NIH notes that the social connections we have with others “help protect health and lengthen life.”
On its Social Wellness Checklist, the NIH notes: “Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health.” And those connections needn’t be romantic in nature, or exclusive to family members.
Your interactions with friends and acquaintances, neighbors and colleagues affect your biology and your well-being.
If you’re looking for ways to improve that part of your life, the NIH offers some suggestions for finding and making connections:
Join a group that focuses on a hobby you find interesting.
Take a class on a favorite subject—or sign up for one that explores new ideas.
Make new friends—and keep your body moving—in a yoga or tai chi class.
Offer your skill as a singer, musician or actor by joining a choir, community orchestra or theater group.
Volunteer; try the library, neighborhood school or hospital.
Say “yes” to neighborhood events.
Travel somewhere new, whether a new county or country.
You don’t have to fill your social calendar—unless you want to. Each of us has different needs when it comes to social interaction; some are energized by it, others find it fulfilling but need a good deal of quiet time, too. The point is to ensure you are connecting with people in ways you find uplifting. If you aren’t, it’s important to look for ways to improve your social health.
Pampering for Health
Whether you frequent the spa or are considering your first visit, here are several reasons you may want to schedule your next appointment now.
Relieve stress. Finding a moment of peace and quiet does wonders for mood and well-being. The soft acoustics, aromas and soothing ambiance found in many spas give you space to unwind from everyday life. Paired with a gentle touch, such as with a massage or facial, time at the spa can help reduce stress and your ability to handle difficult changes in life.
Boost health and immunity. Manicures, facials and hair treatments all attend to the health of your skin, nails and hair. Massage takes this one step further by relaxing tight muscles, along with improving flexibility and circulation. Therapeutic services like this help restore your body’s natural rhythm and can even lead to a better night’s sleep and a strengthened immune system.
Increase blood flow, balance and gait. Fear of falling is consistently listed as one of the top concerns for older adults as bones tend to become vulnerable with age. Because massage can increase blood flow to the limbs, it helps to improve the sense of the relative position of body parts, thus improving balance and reducing the chances of a fall.
Improve confidence. There is more to freshly styled hair and manicured nails than meets the eye.
Professional salon stylists have the special touch for helping us feel our best and feel better prepared for whatever life brings next.
The Gatesworth’s licensed massage therapists provide full-body massages, muscle stretching and reflexology treatments. Estheticians offer premium European facials and body treatments.
Spa One at The Gatesworth
What are you waiting for?
Making a plan for TOMORROW
Looking for the right senior living community can be a daunting process. And with so many options available, it can be difficult to tell which one best fits your unique wants and needs.
It is best to begin the process of evaluating communities well before the need becomes real. Waiting too long to start your search is the most common mistake active seniors make when considering this kind of change. Following are some tips to help make the decision and undertake the move.
1 Assess your current home. What do you love about it? What do you dislike? If you were to downsize, what would that process entail? When do you think you might like to simplify your living situation?
2 Do you find it difficult to keep up with household routines, including gardening and general repairs, or are you managing the responsibilities of homeownership? Can you imagine a time when you may not be able to do these things or simply may not want to? When do you think you might be ready to relieve yourself of some of these responsibilities?
3 Consider your health. Do you have the energy and ability to tend to your home with enough left
over for social activities? Do you anticipate changes in your health that might affect your lifestyle? When might you be ready to put greater focus on your health and well-being?
4 What would you like to be doing five years from now—or ten? Are you interested in building a new life in an independent living community with services, support and amenities to help you continue to live an active and engaged life?
Once you’ve answered these questions—and it might take some time to do so as they require personal and honest reflection—you may imagine your future more clearly. Even if you feel you’re not ready now and may not be for many years, it’s not too soon to evaluate independent senior living communities, matching their amenities to your interests and lifestyle. When you find a place that feels like a good fit, you can make a plan that allows you to enjoy life now and prepare for the future.
Once you’ve identified a few communities you’d like to visit, schedule enough time to tour the grounds and representative apartments. The following questions will help you get acquainted with the community and its benefits.
1 What can you tell me about your amenities, services and support? Be sure to ask about transportation, parking, health and wellness services, mail and package delivery, dining options, laundry and dry cleaning, educational and cultural opportunities, and any other services available.
2 What floor plans are available? Can an apartment be customized for me? Is there space for me to have friends over for lunch or host overnight guests? Having the space to do what you want is essential.
3 What relocation services are available when I’m ready to move? Premier communities will offer specialized support to reduce the stress associated
with moving and help make your new apartment feel like home.
4 Do you currently have a waitlist for future residents? How long is it—and when might you have available space that would suit my needs?
5 What financial information can you give me about living costs and additional expenses?
Is this a rental or investment community? Make sure you understand the complete financial picture.
6 How long has this community existed?
A long history of excellence and stability is one of the greatest testaments to a community’s commitment to its residents.
7 Can you introduce me to some of your current residents? Chatting with those who currently live in the community will give you unfiltered testimonials and immeasurable insight.
A CUSTOMIZED LIFE
Rental apartment homes at The Gatesworth come with one or two bedrooms and in a range of styles and floor plans. All are customizable and move-in ready.
TO VIEW ADDITIONAL FLOOR PLANS, VISIT: THEGATESWORTH.COM/PLANS-AND-PRICING
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FLOOR PLAN
ONE-BEDROOM RESIDENCE, PLAN A
717 sq. ft, plus patio or balcony
AMENITIES
TWO BEDROOM
Full, gourmet kitchens, including designer cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops
Private balcony or patio, with triple French doors opening to landscaped grounds
Comfortable bathrooms, including adult-height vanity, comfort-height toilet, ceramic floors
24-hour security, including emergency response system, daily call program
Exceptional service from a staff of compassionate professionals
ALL APARTMENTS INCLUDE:
Housekeeping
Continental breakfast
Satellite TV
Basic utilities (except phone, electricity, wifi)
Access to all amenities
The Gatesworth: The Best Senior Independent Living
2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Independent Living Community 2024 STL Headliner Winner Independent Living
U.S. News & World Report—an organization known for ranking the best colleges, hospitals and other vital services—has once again placed The Gatesworth on its list of 2024 Best Independent Living Communities. To be included in the U.S. News “Best” list, a community must demonstrate remarkable success in key areas that resonate with its mission, vision and goals, including reputation, community, activity, food and dining, management and staff.
The Gatesworth was also honored as the winner of the 2024 STL Headliner Awards. This recognition, awarded by the readers of STLtoday and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reflects the exceptional service we provide to our residents and their families.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by U.S. News and the readers of STLtoday and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch,” says Bob Leonard, co-owner of The Gatesworth Communities. “These accolades underscore our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional senior living to the St. Louis area for over 35 years. We’re proud of the recognition, and we focus on continuously enhancing The Gatesworth community.”
Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for us—your support drives our continued mission to provide exceptional service. We are proud to celebrate this achievement and will continue to uphold the high standards that make us a St. Louis community favorite!
