Looking for a place that offers fine dining prepared by a professional chef, happy hour in a pub, and a hair and nail salon? Or, how about enjoying an interesting lecture or a movie in your own theater? No, it’s not an all-inclusive resort on a tropical island, but right here in the beautiful town of Summit.
Brandywine Living at Summit opened in January in the former Spring Meadows facility. It’s been totally renovated with many new offerings to create a luxurious, caring, active and safe place for seniors to call home.
“I've worked in assisted living since 2010,” says Rhett Scircle, the executive director of Summit. “Before that I was a nursing home administrator, so I've seen many things throughout the years. I was extremely impressed with the aesthetics when I came in to see this community for the very first time. There’s also the delicious food and engaging programming.”
Its Escapades…for Life! programming includes fun events such as happy hour with live music in the tap room, a feature film in the movie theater, and a horticulture class in its Life Long Learning series. “I am so blown away by the programs available,” says Holly Guber, its executive chef. “They're really diverse, so there's something for everybody.”
These activities include cooking classes with Holly, who has an impressive background in the restaurant industry. “Most recently, I was the executive chef and general manager at the Paper Mill Playhouse for about nine years prior to COVID. Afterwards, I decided it was time to turn my focus outward rather than building my own career and reputation; I really wanted to give back. A friend of mine's mom was in assisted living and loved everything about it except the food.”
When she heard about the new Summit community and Brandywine’s mission to have restaurant-quality dining and food in all its communities, she said it was a perfect fit. “We offer all day dining and have a menu that has breakfast items, salads and sandwiches. For dinner, we may have shrimp scampi or rack of lamb with a beautiful salad with oranges, fennel and olives.” All baking is done in-house and has included Italian donuts filled with a chocolate hazelnut pastry cream.
Of course, the building itself and décor is quite lovely and warm. Everything in it was handpicked to provide a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere. “One of the things that actually impressed me most are the spacious private suites with kitchenettes,” says Rhett.
To enhance residents’ living situations even further, Brandywine also offers its Serenade product. This includes upgraded luxurious suites with newly appointed furnishings and refined décor, a private butler, private dining room, comfortable and intimate lounges, 24-hour refreshment services, and more. Its Serenade Memory Care Program includes beautiful communal areas and new suites, and a neuropsychologist.
Brandywine also offers a short-term stay option. “There may be a situation where someone has been in the hospital and they need a little bit of time to recover,” says Rhett. “It also gives them and their families a taste of assisted living to see if this is something they may want long term.”
Of course, one of the most important aspects of any senior living community is the team members and the care they provide, and this is why there are licensed nurses on site all day and all night. They administer medications, develop care plans, and focus on preventative, not reactive, medicine. “Building a strong care team is very important,” says Rhett. “We want to bring the right people on board to be a part of our residents’ journey. Our team members become members of our resident's family.”
In addition to being invested in its building and residents, Brandywine is a part of the local community and engages with the area businesses as well as the residents and the families that live here. “It’s important that we are active participants in many programs in town such as the community center events, the Chamber of Commerce and a variety of networking groups,” says Rhett. “We love opportunities to partner with local organizations and support programs that benefit all older adults and the community at large.”
Brandywine has already sponsored Summit Community Center’s Thanksgiving meal, and was a sponsor of the Screen on the Green movie series last year and they’re excited to be a part of it this year as well.
To find out more or schedule a visit, call 908-522-8852 or go to BrandyCare.com.