Although only a block from Arkansas Highway 94 and close to downtown Pea Ridge, Autumn Place independent and assisted living is a quiet place that feels like the country.
"We capitalize on that," Administrator Sandra Warmack said. While other residential programs look and feel modern, Autumn Place remains home-like.
"It's kind of a nostalgia thing," she said, looking over a dining area filled with oval, farmhouse style tables, each ringed with chairs that don't necessarily match.
Most residents gain weight when they arrive, she said, because the food is very good.
Residents feel comfortable there, she said, because the staff keeps things simple. It's family atmosphere, she said.
Autumn Place can accept Medicaid, but some residents self pay.
The facility is licensed for Level 2 assisted living which means residents who need it can get help with bathing, dressing and medications. They get rides to the doctor and meals are prepared for them. There is a hair saloon on site and five denominations share church services.
The other building is independent living, Warmack explained. Residents there can still eat three meals a day in their own dining room, but they have the option of preparing some food in their apartments. Most independent living residents drive themselves to doctor appointments.
Everyone gets to bring their own furniture and decorate their space themselves, Warmack said. It's one of few facilities that is pet friendly, Warmack said. As long as the resident can care for their pet themselves, the animal is welcome. Right now, four cats live at Autumn Place.
Sometimes residents from independent living take part in the activities in the assisted living building, but both groups have their own activities scheduled. They range from chair exercise to bingo to arts and crafts, she said. Therapy dogs visit .
Pea Ridge Schools visit often, she said. Sometimes the kids do a craft project with her residents; sometimes they perform.
"We all know each other," Warmack said. Some residents come from Pea Ridge and the other small towns close by, but some residents come from further away, looking for the family atmosphere.
General News on 04/30/2016