Active senior community promotes ‘The Art of Living Well’
A decorative wall piece that reads “Just Another Day in Paradise” greets residents and guests each time they enter the main lobby of The Fountains. While on the surface this expression is fitting to anyone who has visited this property’s plush, tropical environment, for those who have had the pleasure of experiencing everything this senior living community offers first-hand, these words mean much more.
The Fountains, located off Stack Blvd. in Melbourne, lends itself to a relaxing, yet fun, senior lifestyle. The community is set on 26 acres of manicured landscaping with an abundance of palms surrounding fountains and lakes. Inside, the décor is airy and inviting with floral motifs and framed personal photographs of residents. Featuring 12 floor plans, apartments range from 400 to 2,492 square-feet, and nearly all of the property’s 264 units offer waterfront views.
Since opening in 1988, The Fountains, which became part of the Kisco Senior Living family in 1996, has never been stagnant or limited in amenities and services. “We operate on a continuous improvement process,” says executive director Jamie Lemon, who has been with the company for 17 years. “We’re never satisfied with staying with where we’re at today.”
To determine what works best for the community, Lemon and his team go straight to the source for ideas. “What matters is what our residents want,” he says. “We are continually changing our amenities and services based on their needs.”
While the ability to listen and execute is a distinguishing attribute of The Fountains, holistic wellness – encompassing mind, body and spirit — is conceivably the most significant driving force behind the community. Led by wellness directors Libbi Hash and Jan Joiner, the community has implemented an “Art of Living Well” philosophy that resonates around the property.
The Posit Science Brain Gym, for example, offers residents the latest advancements in mental fitness to improve thinking, memory, focus and overall sharpness. The community also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with Keiser air-compressed equipment and over 25 fitness classes to assist with personal fitness needs and goals.
On any given day resident’s spirits can be lifted through on-site activities ranging from knitting classes to drama club productions to ice-cream socials. Off-site transportation also is available, and social outings include trips to local theater productions, baseball games and dinners on the town.
Lemon is particularly proud of the community’s resident volunteers. “We have over 100 residents who are involved in virtually every department, from operating our country store and library, to being an integral part of our welcoming committee,” he says.
Although customized needs-based assisted living is offered for those requiring special care, for older adults who simply need assistance and/or wish to improve their overall wellness, The Fountains is the ideal community to live a “rules-free” active lifestyle.