By Ellen Devine
Resort-Style Retirement Community Offers Seniors Friendship, Support, Peace of Mind
Seniors living at Sagewood have not only chosen an amenity-rich community, but a lifestyle that exudes activity, friendship and support. The residents at the retirement community have grown into a family—sharing dumbbells in the aerobics room, enjoying meals at the restaurants and relaxing on rafts, catching up in the resort-style pool.
Located next to Desert Ridge in the beautiful Sonoran desert landscape where Phoenix meets Scottsdale, seniors are drawn to Sagewood’s open and inviting terrace that displays an orange and pink sunset daily. Not only are visitors enticed by the distinctive Southwestern architectural and landscaped beauty—the resort-like amenities, progressive approach to senior living, long-term health care options and freedom of dining and lifestyle, are what entice seniors to begin their next adventure at Sagewood.
“We moved to reduce the responsibility for everything—multiple bills, maintenance. We have more time because we don’t have to worry about those things anymore,” said Earl Vender, Sagewood resident. “Now, we almost need more time to accomplish all there is to do here.”
After seniors visit with Sagewood residents and staff, many choose to move into the community because of the HealthyLife Services program that is enveloped into its culture. It is a comprehensive program designed to enhance and enrich healthy and active lifestyles of residents through four essential areas—fitness, nutrition, active life and well-being.
Families cannot put a price on the value that a home at Sagewood brings. Residents and their guests have more time to enjoy life rather than worry about the maintenance of their home or complicated health care concerns. A unique and attractive financial plan is offered that provides a minimum 80 percent refund of the Sagewood entrance fee no matter the length of residency. The community also offers a four-month 100 percent satisfaction guarantee with a full refund of the entrance payment.
“We love being able to provide seniors with a community that they can feel comfortable in and can build lasting friendships with their neighbors,” said Stewart Ingram, executive director at Sagewood. “Our community is like no other in the aspects of choices, amenities and health care.”
It’s Not A Lifestyle It’s Your Life
Sagewood knows the importance of staying active. The modern fitness center has adopted the Exercise Prescription Program managed by the National Institute for Fitness and Sport. Fitness instructors focus on health education, orientations and fitness assessments. They also work with residents to set personal goals. Diverse fitness classes are offered throughout the week including tai chi and yoga, swimming, strength and cardio, weight training, aquacise, posture, and core and balance.
“Exercise is a major part of my life. The access to physical fitness is one of the things I like most here,” said Terry Tabback, Sagewood resident for four years. “My calendar is so filled I had to buy a bigger calendar—every day has something going on.”
Residents enjoy participating in fitness classes to engage with their neighbors and improve their overall well-being.
Cuisine To Make The Mouth Water
Residents have ample options when it comes to cuisine.
The Preferred Choice Dining program allows residents to eat at flexible times at a variety of locations, including an on-campus formal restaurant, bistro café, cocktail lounge or carry-out.
Culinary Institute of America-certified Executive Chef Michael Raibley, leads the culinary team in creating superb cuisine options in diverse flavors for daily menu selections, banquets and private gatherings. A honey roasted pork loin is not the only option residents can select from the menu; Chef Raibley focuses on healthy nutrition for all of the community’s residents.
Mesquite Grill & Lounge is the newest dining option. The 100-seat modern restaurant with lounge and patio features intercontinental cuisine in a contemporary, casual design with a display kitchen. Guests are offered three distinct dining experiences—a relaxed casual dining area with an open-air design with exhibition kitchen and grill, a sophisticated lounge and an outdoor patio with misters and heaters for year-round comfort.
To resemble Sagewood’s Southwestern architecture, the restaurant’s color scheme echoes the desert in bloom with a palette of warm yellow, purple, orange, poppy red and tan. In addition to handcrafted design components, Eco Resin curved wall panels, cork flooring, light cherry wood canopies and suspended ceiling clouds are featured to create an inviting atmosphere.
Mesquite Grill & Lounge is the third restaurant located at Sagewood.
Never A Dull Day At Sagewood
Moving into a new home and meeting new people is difficult at any age. The Sagewood Welcome Committee is a group of residents that help newcomers get acclimated to the stimulating lifestyle, as well as introduce them to other residents with similar interests.
Residents often make friends with those who share similar hobbies. Classes and workshops are offered throughout the week ranging from painting and drawing to discussion groups for those who like to chat about current events.
“At Sagewood, we found ample opportunities for interaction through instructor-led physical health programs, as well as resident-created cultural programs in lectures, film and book clubs, music events and numerous other special events,” said Susan and Lee Berk, a couple living at Sagewood since 2012. “Through these interactions, new Sagewood neighbors have become close supportive friends.”
On-site amenities and classes include the Sagewood Institute of Life Long Learning educational seminars, cards and games, salon and spa services, arts and crafts, shopping and cocktails, dance instruction, book discussion groups, wood carving classes, current event discussions, volunteerism, various groups and committees, putting green, musical and cultural events and even an on-site movie theater.
The community has built a relationship with the world-famous Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), which is next door to Sagewood. Oftentimes, Sagewood and the MIM team up to host film or music events for residents and the general public.
Transportation is also offered to nearby activities such as golf, shopping, entertainment, cultural events, travel excursions, like trips to the Red Rocks in Sedona and on-site amenities.
A True Continuum of Care
Sagewood is a Type A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), meaning residents who move into an independent living unit have a continuum of long-term care services as their health and social needs change over time.
Residents moving into Sagewood have a variety of independent living options to choose from including detached casitas and villas, lofts and apartment homes in a range of styles with one to two bedroom plus den floor plans for custom lifestyles. The on-site Acacia Health Center provides a refreshing personal approach and progressive philosophy to health care.
“Our residents direct their own care. The experienced and compassionate caregivers and nursing professionals help residents in the Health Center with their specific needs and aspirations,” said Tyler Gudex, director of Acacia Health Center. “Whether in assisted living suites or recovery from extensive surgery, the staff has created a gentle and supportive environment for residents and family members.”
The private suites at Acacia Health Center offer assistance for residents seeking assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation therapy at a significant savings compared to similar options in other settings. There is a separate on-site out-patient nurse practitioner clinic for other residents. The center is Medicare certified and works with seniors to optimize their Medicare and long-term insurance coverage. The continuing care program is designed to protect residents against the increasing costs of long-term care providing a secure future with controlled and predictable costs.
Due to a recovering housing market and strong community sales, Sagewood developed 14 additional casitas, currently under construction. The community will continue to grow in the coming years with homes, amenities and programs for residents.
Sagewood often hosts events for the public to learn about living in the community, the benefits of living at a Continuing Care Retirement Community and the financial benefits of a CCRC. For more information about Sagewood’s living options and programs, visit www.SagewoodLCS.com or call 480-948-1398.
