It’s the question everyone faces as they get older: How long will I be able to live in my home? Perhaps the stunning staircase, beautiful soaking tub, and stylish fixtures considered so desirable when you first moved are no long an accessible fit. Not to mention the cost of upgrading those features to fit your current needs. Maybe driving has become an issue, or life has become boring and a bit lonely.
Welcome to Aldersgate Village. The 168-acre campus is more like a neighborhood than a senior-living complex, with green space, beautiful views and plenty of amenities at the ready. The almost 400 residents reside in a wide variety of accommodations. Those seeking independent living can choose from 2,000 square-foot villas and 1,700 square-foot cottages to modern duplexes and apartments, each one designed for easy accessibility. There are also assisted living, rehab, and long-term care facilities to fit every need.
“Not only are the social aspects of living so very important, but so is the peace of mind to know that every level of care is on our campus to provide the services that you need at any stage of living,” says Renessa Lolley, who is Aldersgate’s director of sales and marketing. “Through actively engaging mind, body, and spirit, we make certain our residents receive love, care, respect and dignity in their most vulnerable years.”
A day in the life of an Aldersgate Village resident can be as busy or quiet as desired. There are housekeeping and laundry services available, which free up a resident’s time for more enjoyable activities. The community also offers transportation, a beauty salon and barber shop, nursing services, and 24-hour security. Clinics are available for dental, audiology, podiatry, psychiatric and medical care.
The Manchester Lodge, where the independent living apartments are located, has plenty of comfortable seating areas for chatting, reading, or enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. There are also tables available for playing cards or board games.
Lolley adds, “On a typical day, residents have many opportunities to engage in various activities on campus as well as trips and activities off campus. They enjoy meals in our restaurant, exercise classes, book clubs, musical entertainment, and worship services. Our residents are some of the biggest sports fans around, so they love to cheer on their favorite sports team. You can find them in front of the big screen watching the games weekly. They also enjoy day trips, and the annual Mystery trip is always a favorite. The Programs Director has a fun filled day planned but no one knows where they are headed except her and the driver! It’s always booked up well in advance.”
Along with the independent living villas, cottages, and apartments, and the assisted living units, Aldersgate also has a 196-bed skilled nursing facility. This building specializes in dementia care, rehabilitation, and sub-acute nursing services. There is also Nancy’s Place, a Home Plus assisted living building which features 12 individual suites situated around shared spaces such as a kitchen, great room, dining room, and outdoor courtyard. The idea is to give residents the feel of living at home along with individual assistance customizable to their level of care.
Aldersgate Village has been a part of Topeka since 1904. The current location opened in 1979 and is owned by the nonprofit United Methodist Homes, Inc. Open to people of all denominations and backgrounds, the organization’s goal is to make sure seniors receive compassionate health care in a warm, welcoming setting.
“For more than a century, our mission of service remains,” Lolley says. “To ensure that individuals not only live, but thrive, as we faithfully enhance the lives of elders in the greater community.”
