Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

The Meadows offers award-winning services and care

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The Meadows, a Level II, familyowne­d and operated Assisted Living Community, offers premier retirement living in beautiful Bentonvill­e. With handicap accessibil­ity throughout the 64 comfortabl­e apartments, The Meadows is an award-winning 3 story community available to anyone 55 years and older.

Not all communitie­s are the right fit for everyone. Going to a new place is always a bit unsettling, says Meadows administra­tor Ann Standley. But she stresses that it is important to find a place where the resident feels at home, where they feel cozy, warm and accepted.

Ann suggests finding out what the community provides that is of interest to the resident.

“Some residents like lots of activity, some like trips out (when COVID 19 is not an issue). To some, food is most important,” she notes. “So, be sure to find out about what the community offers and have a meal in their dining room when visiting and trying to decide.”

It is also important to talk to the residents to see how they feel about where they live, according to Ann. Observe the interactio­n of the staff with the residents. How do they treat the residents, like family or like a number?

What sets The Meadows apart from other independen­t and assisted living communitie­s? “We are a family owned and operated community. We are not part of a large chain so we don’t have ‘corporate headquarte­rs’ telling us what to do ,” Ann points out. “We ARE of course licensed by the state so we adhere to state regulation­s, however, there are a lot of topics which regulation­s don’t address, such as types of activities, menus (beyond the basic nutrition requiremen­ts), apartment space, etc. We love our residents as family and care for them as such.”

The staff at The Meadows takes pride in the fact that they go above and beyond to positively influence the lives of their residents. “Our staff is loving and kind and caring. I believe we have the best staff of ANY community,” Ann proudly states. “They care for our residents in a kind and loving way.”

What is provided at the Meadows?

-A variety of apartment sizes to fit the needs of the resident.

-A nurse on duty 24/7 which is not required by the state, but adds an extra level of protection for residents.

- One and two bedroom apartments have full kitchens, however, they also provide 3 full meals a day with a variety of options.

-There are washers and dryers on each floor for residents’ use for personal laundry, however, they do launder sheets and towels each week as part of their base fee, as well as clean the apartments once a week.

-They provide an emergency call system: a pendant that residents can wear around their neck to summon help if/when needed. There are pull cords in the bathrooms when they may not be wearing their pendant.

-All utilities are included, including a satellite package and wifi, excluding a land line phone (extra).

-They can take residents to appointmen­ts within a 15 mile radius on certain days of the week.

-They provide services such as help with bathing or dressing, all tailored to the needs of the resident.

At The Meadows, services are “ala carte.” Residents only have to pay for the services they want and need. There is not paying for a “tier” where they may only use one or two of the services offered. They offer: daily medication administra­tion, daily upkeep and bed making, assistance with shower/ whirlpools, help with personal laundry, assistance with personal hygiene and dressing, manageable incontinen­ce assistance, health maintenanc­e support and more.

Ann points out that one should definitely consider an independen­t or assisted living situation when it is becoming more risky to stay at home. For instance, when seniors become a fall risk, or are not eating properly. Moving in BEFORE winter when they may slip on snow or ice going out to get the mail and end up breaking bones, is also a great idea, she says.

“Having someone around in case there is a need, but still having the privacy of your own apartment is very valuable and great peace of mind for the resident AND their families who worry about them,” she continues. “Choosing a community that has activities and other people around for the social aspect is a great idea. Many of our seniors are depressed being alone at home (even though they choose to be there) and seem to blossom and open up, making friends and enjoying life again when they move into a community.”

With the exceptiona­l services and amenities offered, it’s no surprise that The Meadows has either won or been a finalist in the Best of Northwest Arkansas for the last 7 years. The Meadows delivers on their mission of “Our family caring for your family with Honor, Dignity, and Respect!”

The Meadows is located at 2300 SE 28th St., in Bentonvill­e.

For more informatio­n visit www.themeadows­inbentonvi­lle.com, or call 479-273-9969.

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