Walk through the doors of Arbor Court Retirement Community, and it's obvious how the word community applies. Just outside the main doors, a woman enjoys a cup of coffee and a book while sitting on an outdoor bench. Inside, some residents are gathered in pairs working on puzzles, while others play cards or enjoy a chat. The tables in the restaurant-style dining area are set for the next meal, and the open great room is ready for a class, performance, or presentation.
Arbor Court is an independent-living community, which makes it more like an apartment building with gathering spaces and upscale amenities. There are studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments available. Residents come and go as they please. Many of them still drive, but there is a bus that will take you wherever you need to go. Most residents continue to participate in the activities they enjoyed before moving in, but they are also welcome to join the ones offered to everyone. Or, they can enjoy alone time if they wish.
"The whole concept of independent living is, for seniors especially, kind of misunderstood," says Jodi Fritts, the Arbor Court Business Development Coordinator. "They think that it's more like assisted living. Here, they still have that independent apartment, and each one has a full kitchen, but meals are also provided in the morning and at noon. There's no maintenance. The housekeeping is included. So, they still have that sense of independence here but also get some help."
Arbor Court is designed for people 55 and older. Residents enjoy living in comfort thanks to the 24-hour staffing and security, free laundry facilities, housekeeping services, exercise programs, indoor and outdoor family areas, and a beauty salon and barber shop.
Those extra amenities are the reason Dennis Ary moved in two years ago. The retired Washburn Rural High School biology and genetics teacher says, "My wife, Virginia, was starting to have health issues, and I didn't have time to rake the leaves, clear the gutters out, and so forth. I felt my time was needed for her while she was here."
Dennis enjoys filling his days reading books, researching his family's life during the Dust Bowl era, and visiting with his neighbors. He drives both around town and to Kansas City for events. He plays bingo occasionally, as well as balloon volleyball, and attends the Sunday night church service event, although he attends his own church in the morning.
He notes, "There are so many nice people, and the people who take care of us are absolutely wonderful. That's what makes it nice here. It's like I have a lot of cousins. And when I step in the door of my apartment, I think, 'Oh, I'm home again.' It's just a safe, wonderful place to be."
A few doors down from Dennis lives Carol Kelly, who moved into her one-bedroom apartment in 2019. She explains, "I came here temporarily and liked it. My husband passed away about seven years ago, so I was alone in a nine-room house. I was afraid to be there by myself, so I decided to move here."
Each day, Carol has breakfast in her room, and Dennis accompanies her to and from lunch. Her daughter, Andrea Graham, serves as the community's executive director, and she checks on her during the day while also respecting her independence. Carol also participates in bingo three afternoons a week. .
"I just love this place," Carol says. "I love the people and the food. It's just really nice."
To learn more about what life at Arbor Court has to offer, visit their website at arborcourt-topeka.com. For a tour, call Jodi Fritts at 785-273-6847.