Set atop a hill in Brentwood, Anthology Senior Living of Clayton View is a place where seniors can enjoy life, company and a plethora of activities. Care there is tailored to individual needs and ranges from assisted living to memory care.
“An anthology is a collection of stories,” Michele Murphy, executive director explains. “We preserve our residents’ life stories and encourage them to continue their story in a joyful and meaningful way. All our decisions are driven by five core values: smart compassion, aspirational living, uncompromised care, celebrating individuals and empowering connections."
Care at Anthology Senior Living centers around six dimensions of wellness -- physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social and environmental. All six dimensions are interconnected, strengthening individuals and the community as a whole. Socialization plays a large part in seniors’ lives, and Michele says the pandemic inhibited regular programming at Anthology Senior Living. “Although we're not able to do the same activities as we once were, our team worked diligently to innovate new programming to keep our residents active socially and physically.”
The Anthology Senior Living staff started offering programming to address the three aspects of engagement: mind, body and spirit. These activities were designed to be completed from the safety of their apartment. Residents were given an Amazon Echo Dot to access news, trivia and games on demand while unable to occupy the community common spaces.
“Two weeks ago, we were finally able to open our facility to the activities that the residents had been missing,” Michele shares. “It was great seeing our residents eating, drinking and talking together, and having a good time, even with social distancing."
Programming has resumed, with necessary precautions, which include free, on-site COVID-19 testing for team members and residents, as needed. “Some of our activities have been coming back, and we have strict guidelines with 10 people for an activity,” she says. “Everyone has to wear a mask and social distance. We try to find normalcy in the things we do. For example, during Assisted Living Week a couple of weeks ago, the residents made some amazing soaps and lip balm for our team members in appreciation for all they do.”
Residents start the morning with exercise geared for their abilities, including yoga and stretching. Some of the activities include cognitive stimulation therapy, trivia, entertainment in the courtyard, and Happy Hour before dinner. Residents are able to experience anytime dining between 7 a.m and 7 p.m.
“We exist to make life easier for our residents. We have a remarkable director of activities, and the team does a phenomenal job of getting to know our residents and finding activities that help them. We find something for everyone, and while that might be difficult, we have a variety to meet everyone’s interests,” Michele says.
Anthology works with the Animal Protective Association to bring puppies to the community to enhance resident emotional wellness and foster new bonds. This activity also socializes the puppies to prepare them for fostering or adoption in their forever homes. “Many of our residents and team members have adopted some of the dogs we’ve had here,” Michele says.
Memory care residents are supported by highly trained team members with honor and dignity to minimize feelings of frustration. On-site nurses educate families on the evolving cognitive abilities of their loved one, and the best ways to have meaningful interactions.
The Memory Care neighborhood features technology to help residents with dementia to “meet them where they are,” Michele says. “Our cognitive stimulation therapy program, Fit Minds, uses innovative activities to engage the brain and slow down the progression of dementia.”
“It’s hard when someone is losing their cognitive abilities in handling their day-to-day activities. We provide education on how to assist our residents and give them choices in what they do," says Michele.
Anthology employs a holistic approach to resident care and everyone benefits. “By targeting the connection between mind, body, and spirit, we’re able to exceed in every way we can," she adds.
Anthology of Clayton View is located at 8825 Eager Road. To schedule a tour, call 314.400.2504, or visit AnthologySeniorLiving.com/Clayton-View.
Anthology offers features such as:
· Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites in contemporary designs.
· Modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances.
· Concierge services.
· Spa and fitness center.
· Dining room open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with meals on request.
· Guided outdoor excursions to local attractions.
· Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists for target care.
· Full range of activities.
· Housekeeping and home maintenance.
The Memory Care Unit includes:
· Staff with specialized training certified in the Alzheimer’s Association CARES.
· Activities and programs focusing on cognitive stimulation therapy and improving overall brain health.
· Licensed nurse onsite 24/7.
· Assistance with daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming and dining.
· Assistance with medication coordination and management.
· Private accommodations.
· Coordination with specialized health care providers.
· Personal alert systems.
· Exercise, fitness and wellness programs.
· Transportation for appointments and outings.
· Escort to and from events.
· Concierge services
