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Lisa Allen

Featured Article

Senior Living at its Best

Anthology of Midlothian opening soon and offering myriad options and amenities for aging loved ones

It happens in almost every family. Parents age and begin to need more care. Inevitably, the question is asked: What’s best for mom and dad?

Fortunately, these days there are many options. And one desirable new option is coming soon to our area: Anthology Senior Living of Midlothian.

Conveniently located at 11210 Robious Road, the 101,000-square-foot boutique-inspired senior living facility will boast 80 assisted-living apartments and 32 private memory care studios set on 6.8 acres of landscaped grounds. Anthology of Midlothian will open in Greater Richmond early this year, with sister communities in Henrico County (Tuckahoe) and Charlottesville expected to open in late 2021.

“People are delighted when they learn that a community that offers personal care can also offer an elegant and sophisticated lifestyle,” said Colin Stewart, Director of Sales & Marketing. “Just because you require some assistance or care doesn’t mean you should compromise on the level of services and amenities that many of us have become accustomed to. You need not give up the things you love or miss the opportunity to enjoy new experiences.”

Features and amenities include:

·       Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments ranging from 347 to 1,060 square feet in a variety of floor plans

·       Thoughtfully designed common areas, including a sunroom and four-seasons room

·       On-site salon

·       Arts and crafts center

·       Theater, community activity center and game room

·       Chapel and worship room

·       Several dining venues including a bistro and a private dining room, all with gourmet menu options and flexible dining from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

·       On-site theater and family lounges

·       Beautifully landscaped outdoor areas

“Anthology offers highly personalized care in a dynamic environment that gives you the freedom to live your life,” said Lisa Allen, Director of Health & Wellness. “Whatever your needs, you’ll have the security of knowing we’re always here for you.”

Anthology of Midlothian will offer a wide array of personalized health and wellness services, such as:

·       A licensed nurse on site 24/7

·       Wellness visits by licensed nurse

·       Built-in personal alert systems

·       Assistance with activities of daily living (such as dressing, bathing, grooming and dining) as needed

·       Assistance with medication coordination and management

·       Coordination with specialized health-care providers

·       Trained staff on site 24 hours a day

·       Exercise, fitness and wellness programs

·       Daily social, cultural and recreational activities

·       Escorts available to and from meals and events

·       Transportation available for appointments, shopping, and outings

“Anthology offers a holistic approach,” Lisa said, citing the emphasis on the six dimensions of wellness – physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental. “What Anthology does really well,” she continued, “is to add another level of tech and touch.”

On the technology side, all Anthology residents chose a wearable device – a lanyard or a watch-like wristband – to give them instant access to staff in case of any issue that requires immediate communication. These devices are programmed to call nurses, detect falls, and determine whereabouts through GPS software. Staff carry corresponding fobs to promote interactive communication.

The Sagely Family App is another high-tech amenity. Sagely tracks residents’ daily activities and sends photos and notifications to family members to keep them updated in real time on their loved ones’ Anthology lifestyle.

On the “touch” side, Lisa is enthusiastic about Open Minds Through Art, a means of engaging seniors, especially those in memory care, through artistic pursuits. “Therapy through art is amazing with this population,” she said.

Both Lisa and Colin stressed that Anthology focuses on person-centered care, actively listening to each resident talk about themselves. “I love working with older adults, hearing their stories,” said Colin. He recalled his close relationship with his grandparents and how he helped them to “age in place” by helping with home and lawn care, running errands, doing laundry, and driving them to medical appointments. This experience “helped me realize the importance of senior living communities and the services they provide,” Colin said.

“It’s a blessing when you get to help the folks who helped raise you,” he said.

Colin channels his experiences with his grandparents into his work at Anthology of Midlothian. He’s far more than a salesman – he interfaces with everyone from corporate colleagues to on-site staff to residents and families, serving as a greeter, talking and listening to residents, and responding to staff, resident and family needs.

“I am empowered to make a difference every day in the lives of our residents,” Colin said.

Colin said his work with Anthology is influenced by his previous experience as an on-site sales consultant in senior living, as well as previous work in residential and commercial real estate in the Greater Richmond area. “I’ve really come full circle,” he says. “Our goal here is to educate people and help them bridge the gap.”

“The trend in senior living is moving to a space where we are marrying real estate, health and wellness, and hospitality,” Lisa added. “As a society, we’re getting hit with aging Baby Boomers, and Anthology is pre-empting that, preparing for that wave.”

Like Colin, Lisa draws on her previous experience as well. A mother of five, “I understand caregiving,” she said. The native of Jamaica, who has been in the United States for 35 years and now lives in Midlothian, started in health care administration and then shifted to nursing. She’s currently working on a master’s degree in public health.

And Lisa, whose diverse experience includes work at other senior living facilities, is enthusiastic about Anthology’s focus on the “whys” of senior care and staff development. “Anthology is very focused on fostering seniors’ stories and taking a holistic approach,” she said. “I was so impressed with the attention to the ‘why.’ It really makes a difference.”

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Anthology of Midlothian
11210 Robious Road
North Chesterfield, Virginia 23235
804.215.8447
www.AnthologySeniorLiving.com

Renderings provided by Anthology Senior Living