As we grow older, we face the possibility of moving into an assisted living facility. For a lot of seniors, that move signals the beginning of the end. Sarah Winnefeld, executive director of Cappella Assisted Living & Memory Care, wants to dispel that myth once and for all.

“Assisted living isn’t like going into a nursing home. We care for seniors who need a little help, such as those whose sight has deteriorated, who have Parkinson’s, or who need help keeping track of daily medication,” Winnefeld said. “We help them live a meaningful and purposeful lifestyle and become part of our community while providing care without taking away too much independence.”

She wants residents to focus on the next five years, not the end. The staff of Cappella, 628 26 ½ Road, is dedicated to that goal. All rooms are equipped with a keyless entry system that tracks whenever someone, such as a housekeeper or maintenance person, enters the apartment. Each room includes a locked drawer to store medication, as well as a bathroom, full-sized refrigerator and microwave. There are 26 studio apartments in the memory care unit and 40 apartments upstairs ranging from studios to two-bedrooms. Rents range from $4,190 per month to $6,500 a month. All meals are included for residents, and a snack bar at the front of the dining room allows residents and family to help themselves to coffee, fruit-infused water, chips and other snacks at no charge.

Meals are served in the dining room from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. under the supervision of chef Jason Conforti, and residents can order any time from the “always available” menu.

Cappella expects to get its secured license in February, allowing those with memory problems to live safely on the first floor. An inside hallway encircles the courtyard, so residents can get plenty of exercise without going outside.

Other amenities include weekly laundry service, a spa, a gym and a beauty salon. Residents can also wash their own clothes in the laundry rooms on each floor. Social areas on both floors provide activities for residents, ranging from bingo to karaoke.

Daily engagement in familiar routines keeps residents involved, and they also give input to staff on what they would like to do. Residents are also transported to and from church and even the golf course.

“We don’t want residents to just sit around,” Winnefeld said. “We want them to get back into life.”

It’s apparent that a lot of planning has gone into creating a beautiful space that’s welcoming and safe.

But as Winnefeld stated, “It’s a beautiful building but what’s inside the building is the most important thing.”

For more information and to schedule a private tour, call 847-5444.