Keep Your Independence While Doing More of What You Love at Covenant Living of the Great Lakes
What’s the secret to a long life? Ask the experts and they’ll tell you: Those who live well into their later years enjoy a life of purpose and community. For those of us with aging loved ones, it can feel startling or discouraging to realize our parents may not be managing as well on their own anymore. Lack of purpose and social connection are often early signs that life could be better lived in a worry-free environment that combines purpose with close-knit community and healthcare considerations.
At Covenant Living Communities and Services, this simple axiom is empowering seniors to embrace opportunities for gracious living and casual comfort in a compassion-focused assisted living setting. Built on the freedom to choose care that fits each individual’s needs, Covenant Living communities are a bastion of hope for seniors and their loved ones, a place to continue a life well-lived.
As one of the largest not-for-profit retirement living organizations in the nation—with 20 locations across 11 states including in nearby Grand Rapids—Covenant Living was founded on purpose and community, offering seniors the full continuum of care from independent living and assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care as well as respite and rehabilitation services. With a legacy spanning over 134 years, Covenant Living has been committed to providing loving, individualized care in a spirit of compassion.
“The culture on all our campuses centers around our Common Purpose, which is to create joy and peace of mind for residents, employees and their families by providing a better way of life,” says Alicia Story, Covenant Living Director of Healthcare Sales. “Our residents always say they make the move because of the people within our community. Although the amenities are a plus, the feeling of community and care ranks above.”
The transition from living alone to the stress-free lifestyle of assisted living brings with it several questions—for both seniors and their adult children—to which the experts at Covenant Living pride themselves on answering.
“We want to be of service or an advisor to individuals and their family members who might begin exploring their options or next steps,” Story explains. “Our goal is to guide the discussion of how we can help in providing support and care while individuals maintain their independence and get care when it is needed.”
Assisted Living Means More Independence, Not Less
One of the most common misconceptions about assisted living is that it means giving up one’s independence. Far from being a “nursing home,” the comfortable, stylish campuses of Covenant Living communities are designed to support independence—not take it away. These communities provide help with daily tasks while allowing residents to maintain control over their routines, make choices about how they spend their time, and stay active and engaged, instilling purpose in their day-to-today life. Tour our community, meet the residents, and you’ll see firsthand how vibrant and fulfilling life in assisted living can be.
“It’s not about losing freedom,” says Story, “it’s about gaining the right support to live more confidently and comfortably.”
With delightful living options, delicious dining, innovative programs and state-of-the-art supportive services, life at Covenant Living is about pursuing growth, health, vitality and fun.
What Makes Covenant Living of the Great Lakes Special
Assisted living communities vary in class, scope and comfort. Covenant Living of the Great Lakes stands apart as one of the top senior living communities in Grand Rapids providing a purpose-driven approach surrounded by the joys of nature and community.
Herein lies the enduring advantage of Covenant Living—the independence to pursue a life well-lived while receiving assistance for the life tasks and maintenance that can often detract from happiness, purpose and engagement. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Covenant Living of the Great Lakes offers a wellness center and a range of health care options so residents can enjoy a confident and secure future. Campus resources not often found in freestanding Assisted Living residences include:
- Studio and One-Bedroom Apartments
- Three meals a day with table service
- Comprehensive Wellness program
- Care associates available 24 hours
- On-site rehabilitation services
- Free in-depth assessment
- Completely customized levels of assistance
“Covenant Living is grounded in values and takes a holistic approach in providing care for our residents,” says Andy Schultz, Covenant Living associate vice president of healthcare sales. “We look at the unique needs of individuals and make sure those needs are met with a very specific care plan.”
This customized personal assistance and supportive environment is epitomized by Covenant Living’s LifeConnect Program. LifeConnect helps residents pursue their interests at their leisure, creating life-enriching opportunities to help residents make the most of every day.
Why Now Is the Right Time
The decision to move to a senior living community is a significant one. Whether independent living or assisted living, it can be marked with challenges and rewards. The first step is recognizing that if you’re having the conversation, it’s already the right time to consider assisted living for your parent or loved one.
“It’s often best to begin the discussion early—before a crisis occurs—so that your loved one can be part of the decision-making process and the transition can be made with care and confidence,” explains Story.
The signs that your loved one’s life will be improved in a Covenant Living community include struggling with daily tasks, increasingly complex medical issues or medication needs, and safety concerns (homes with stairs, large spaces or tons of upkeep). Equally as important are issues of social isolation, depression, or memory issues. Research consistently correlates these challenges. Living with purpose and community is the cure.
Covenant Living of the Great Lakes prides itself on being the absolute best choice for Assisted Living. Start the conversation and learn more about the Covenant Living difference at www.covlivinggreatlakes.org/RightTime