By Matt Wiley
Most people don’t even want to hear the words “assisted living facility” when it comes to caring for an elderly loved one. But, The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve is out to change all of that.
During the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC)’s Economic Development Committee meeting on January 22, attendees were treated to a “hard hat tour” of the $14-million, 60,000-sq.-ft. building that still is under construction on the west side of Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, in between New Tampa Blvd. and Brinegar Cir.
The Legacy project is a joint effort between Houston, TX-based PinPoint Commercial, LP, and Thrive Senior Living, LLC (which is based in Atlanta, GA), and will offer care for both the elderly and those in need of memory care for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, with a focus on resident comfort and technology.
Legacy community relations director Aarene Alessi served as the hard hat tour director and took groups of ten Chamber ambassadors through a concept that she says will “break the mold” of assisted living facilities.
“We’re bringing hospitality and technology into everything we do,” Alessi said. Because The Legacy has an identical sister property in Eatonton, GA, Alessi was able to show ambassadors photos of what almost every room inside the facility would look like (while they were standing in them) when the project is finished.
Once complete, The Legacy will become home to 60 residents and 22 memory care patients. Room sizes range in price between $4,000-$6,000 and those prices are all-inclusive. So, residents will have access to all of the facility’s amenities, including its putting green (yes, you read that right), market, theater, game room, exercise room, spa and five dining rooms, all included in the price of their room, which also will each include a smart TV and tablet computers.
“Our main customer is the adult child who is looking to find a quality place for their loved one,” Alessi said. “But, we’re going to help people stay connected with Skype and social media.”
Alessi said that staff members will help residents set up and use technology to help stay connected with their families if they do not live in the New Tampa area or close by.
Technology also will be used for safety. Alessi said that residents will be given a wristband or pendant that emits a radio frequency that works as a key for doors throughout the facility. It also will allow for The Legacy’s staff to monitor the locations of residents, especially those in the memory care unit.
“The Legacy is going to be a beautiful place,” says WCCC executive director Hope Allen. “It’s very resort-like. This is a huge asset to the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities, especially for those of us with aging parents.”
For more info, please visit LegacyAtHighwoodsPreserve.com. — MW
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