Being truly 'at home in a senior center' to many people means leading an independent, active lifestyle. That's exactly what the staff at Traditions at Mill Creek say they strive to deliver at the Brentwood-based community they've created at 6922 Nolensville Road for more than 150 older adults.
"Choosing the right senior living community can be confusing, but we're here to help with all the considerations related to this important decision. We're here to meet you where you are in your journey, whether you are looking for retirement living or assisted living," says Chris Guay, founder/CEO of Vitality Living in 2016 and owner/partner of Traditions at Mill Creek.
Chris, who also lives in Brentwood within 5 miles of Traditions, says they even have a 4-6 minute survey to help families discover the perfect residential fit for loved ones.
Positioned between Burkitt and Pettus Drives, Traditions is located on Nolensville Road, near the Publix Super Center on the corner of 41A and Concord Road. Traditions' residents experience and enjoy Tennessee’s local culture, such as trips to popular restaurants, baseball games, nature's beauty in parks, local musical entertainment, yoga studios or plays at the theatre. "We create vibrant living for residents to live purposefully and experience a deep sense of belonging," says Chris.
After working for some of the largest American providers of senior care, Chris says he wanted to shift perceptions of senior living to ensure it can be vibrant at any age, embraces individuality, and inspires people to be challenged by leaning out of the status quo.
"I was blessed to have personally known all of my grandparents and three of my great-grandmothers, so I've always had affection toward older adults. From a firsthand perspective, I appreciate how important it is to older adults to continue experiencing life in creative ways and how essential it is to focus on the right things," he says. "From my personal life, I realized my calling was working in this part of the senior industry."
From opening in 2019, the facility's floor plans include studio, room and balcony options, including one or two bedrooms, with amenities coordinated for independent living, memory care or assisted living. Additional gathering spaces include entertainment common area, kitchen area and meeting spots, both indoor and outdoor.
Traditions' staffers welcome small pets to those residing in independent living.
Realizing that no one wakes up one day and declares that they can't wait to live in assisted living, Chris says he often fields questions about how to approach family transitions for senior members and how to start the process. "When people start to forget things is typically time to start conversations. I encourage others to not wait until it's too late to gather information, so they can help their relatives to know what their considerations are and what all options are out there for them," he adds.
"It's hard to give up independence, but making decisions before those decisions are needed leads to much better outcomes," he says.
He says taking small steps, such as dealing with power of attorney arrangements, preparing finances, and knowing what is intended with household items, helps temper "the emotion of change."
"Our team is made of seasoned retirement living professionals who are passionate about creating vibrant communities for older adults, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges," Chris says. "Our goals are to eliminate labels that reinforce stereotypes of aging, to empower choice, and to create environments where all residents succeed."
Samples of online events (and on-site when COVID-19 parameters allow) hosted for Traditions' residents range from chef cooking demonstrations, social security workshops and costume parades to Zumba and seasonal festivals. Ongoing activities include painting, ornament making, games, Elvis performances, cookie decorating and exchanging favorite memories.
In total, Vitality Living operates 30 facilities in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. Vitality employs about 1,500 people across its 30 communities.
"We're a good care provider for the people we serve, and also a good steward of our geographic communities," assures Chris. "What we do matters so much, and we saw due to the pandemic how our employees make sacrifices in their own lives to take care of others."
Tours of Traditions at Mill Creek can be scheduled.
615.471.7440
VitalitySeniorLiving.com