“It’s the best thing I’ve done in my life,” said an elegantly coifed Mickie Anderson with a smile as she relaxed on the sofa of the tastefully decorated apartment at Mallard Landing’s Lakeside Assisted Living she’s called home for the past two years.
Like many residents, eighty-something, Anderson decided to move there before maintaining her home and her active lifestyle got out of hand. Though still residing in The Red House, the Bivalve home she and her late husband, Robert, built 60 years ago, she was concerned about keeping up her quality of life as time went by. A widow since 1992 with a son and daughter-in-law in Ellicott City, as well as California, Anderson had also recently had a serious surgery. So she decided to look into senior living complexes in the area.
Her mind was made up when she found Lakeside at Mallard Landing. As well as its elegant, village-style setting, she knew that, while keeping her close to the friends and activities she loved, it would provide her with just the right amount of ongoing support. She can drive herself or take the personal chauffeur service. She’s also free to enjoy the numerous on-site activities — including entertainment, games, exercise programs, crafts, baking projects, talks and discussion groups. There are bus trips to shopping centers and regional events, too. In other words, Anderson has the freedom to do exactly as she pleases — all within the safety net of caring that Lakeside Assisted Living supplies.
An avid gardener and bird watcher, Anderson has planted an herb garden and installed hanging baskets and a bird feeder in the complex’s grounds. With a group of fellow residents and employees, she helped to raise over $1,300 for Alzheimer’s research — and has contributed many hours to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at MAC, Inc.
Unlike Anderson, Claudia Bridges was an independent living resident of Mallard Landing when she decided to make the transition from her condominium to Lakeside Assisted Living last August. Her husband of 64 years, Jim, had passed away earlier in the year. “We knew she was lonely. But she still wanted to be independent,” said daughter-in-law, Virginia Bridges who, along with her husband Paul was stopping in to see her every day. A talk with Kim Richardson, director of residential services, plus familiarization visits to Lakeside allowed Claudia to reach her own decision.
“The move has just been wonderful for her,” said Virginia. “It enabled her to make friends she can chat with throughout the day and the medical staff has been awesome. Kim Richardson is very involved. I know I can always go directly to her.” As a result, Claudia is sure to get her meals and medications on time. Medical care is available 24/7, with PRMC and other fine medical facilities nearby. She has plenty of activities to keep herself occupied, and Virginia and Paul Bridges can relax, knowing she is contented, in safe hands and among familiar faces. As Virginia said, “She was already at home, anyway.”
“We offer a continuum of lifestyle in an environment centered on independence and wellness,” said Lynn Brocato, of Senior Realty, the on-site real estate broker for the complex. Even in today’s uncertain real estate market, there is still a sustaining demand for Mallard Landing residences.
Accommodations at Mallard Landing range from independent, stand-alone Cottages, spacious Condominiums, self-contained, elegant Lakeside apartments and private apartments in the fully secure Compass unit which has services for dementia-related illnesses. All residents have access to the 23,000-square-foot clubhouse, with its gourmet restaurant, pub/lounge, library and activities areas. A boon to animal lovers — the campus is also pet friendly!
The independent living offers residents on-site conveniences such as dining packages, home maintenance and grounds-keeping. In addition, Lakeside Assisted Living includes complimentary housekeeping, linen service, transportation, 24-hour licensed and registered nurses, and on-site, weekly physician visits with their basic fees. Numerous extra services are available — including physical, occupational and speech therapy — at additional cost. Temporary respite care provides a welcome break for both patients and caregivers. “Overall, living at Lakeside is surprisingly cost effective. Lakeside Assisted Living is typically more affordable when home health care exceeds eight hours a day,” said Director of Marketing Roxana Laguerre.
As part of the Vantage Point Retirement Living Inc., family, Mallard Landing, Lakeside Assisted Living, the secured Compass Program and Summersgate, the new, active-living community represent the gold standard in retirement living. Founded in 1997 by Greg and Rita Stevens, who have over 30 years experience in the senior living business, Mallard Landing has won Metropolitan Magazine’s “Best Retirement Community” award every year since!
Call Darlene Kwiatkowski for a tour of independent living at 410-912-1211 or visit www.mallardlanding.com, and for assisted living accommodations please call Kim Richardson at 410-749-4480 or visit www.lakesideassistedliving.com
Mallard Landing and Lakeside Assisted Living, 1107-9 S. Schumaker Dr., Salisbury, Md.
