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All the Comforts of Home—And Then Some

Ovation Sienna Hills brings four-diamond hospitality to senior living

Article by Marianne Hamilton

Photography by Courtesy of Ovation Sienna Hills

Originally published in St George City Lifestyle

When Avamere Health Services Founder, Rick Miller, first conceived of Ovation Sienna Hills, he had one goal in mind: To create the type of high-end senior living community in which his own grandmother would thrive.

Two years later, Washington City’s Ovation offers virtually every conceivable amenity to residents of its independent, assisted living and memory care communities. From upscale, white-linen dining, to on-site hair salons and concierge services, to a full complement of social activities—including overnight excursions to Las Vegas, theater outings, hikes, pickleball, concerts with name entertainers and much more—Ovation Sienna Hills has established an enviable new standard in senior living. 

Beyond the notable investment in brick-and-mortar assets, what truly sets Ovation apart is the staff, according to Director of Marketing, Emily Havens.

“We’ve really brought on quality team members,” Emily notes. “This industry is very emotional and personal; all of us have people in our lives whom we can see being here. When you have people who recognize that, they truly treat everyone as family.”

Campus General Manager, Chuck Donnelly, concurs. “When we’re making any decision here, we always choose the route that will enhance the lives of every person we serve. Not only just in the quality of our amenities, and our ‘luxury lifestyle living,’ but putting the type of thought and care that you’d see at the finest hotels into everything we do.”

Ovation’s four-diamond standard begins with a literal red-carpet welcome for new residents. Before move-in, Ovation staff query prospective community members about interests, favorite memories, and other details, and ascertain any physical or mental limitations that may require special support. When the resident arrives at Ovation, he or she is then invited to traverse a red carpet unfurled in their honor.

“Each resident isn’t just another ‘face,’” Emily says. “We get to know them, and we share their life story with our whole team. If we have someone who loved to sew, but now has painful arthritis in her hands, we’ll figure out what devices or apparatus we can bring in that will allow her to still connect with the thing she loves to do; with that piece of herself. It’s not about saying ‘this is the Ovation way, and here’s what you’ll be doing every day.’ We truly adapt to wherever someone is in their life.”

Those wishing to join an active, independent community can choose from either two-bedroom/two-bath patio villas or Ovation’s spacious apartments, where they’ll find a close-knit network of residents who frequently gather for social events and activities. Assisted living and memory care residents also have dedicated life enrichment directors who plan programs tailored to individual needs and abilities.

Says Chuck, “We encourage our directors to be as creative as possible in developing quality programs. We’re always working with residents at their comfort level and trying to meet their needs. And as much as possible, we try to be bold, be different, and always try to make a ‘no’ into a ‘yes.’”

While the thought of moving into senior living might be daunting, Chuck posits that such a prospect can indeed be an exciting one. Freed from the need to cook meals, do laundry, maintain a yard and the usual tedious tasks of life, Ovation residents can instead focus on other, more important priorities.

“We take care of all of that, so you don’t have to worry about it,” Chuck says. “We take the challenging stuff out of your life so you can travel, go to the theater, gather with friends for a barbecue, and all of the stuff that’s fun! When you move to Ovation, you’re not giving up your freedom. You’re just changing things around, so your life will be easier.”

For more information about Ovation Sienna Hills, call (435) 429-0000 or visit ovationsiennahills.com.