The veranda lined with stately white columns contrasts attractively with the brown brick exterior of Colonial Lodge of Plano, evoking a Southern mansion. Ivy thrives alongside the emerald lawn, while oak trees spread their branches over the parking lot. Sunny common rooms are located at the ends of the H-shaped building. Residents enjoy the facility’s collection of comfortable furniture so much that it has become somewhat worn. Abundant sunlight has faded the pictures that adorn the walls. Handrails border the wide hallways. Residents paint and decorate their cozy rooms according to taste. The fluorescent lighting throughout the facility tends to be rather harsh in certain areas. Old favorites such as meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and carrot cake are staples on the menu.
The director informed us that the outdoor areas had been recently replanted and we observed several residents there using the walkways and resting on wooden benches. Laughter rang throughout the facility on our visit. Residents chatted with one another and with staff members, who addressed each resident by name. The director praised the staff for their dedication to residents’ comfort. Scheduled activities include exercise, bingo, movies, card games and religious services. Outings to retailers such as Wal-Mart encourage residents to get out and about.
Two residents who live across the hall from one another are in fierce competition to see whose bird feeder attracts the most birds. They are known to spend the better part of the day counting birds through their windows in an attempt to emerge victorious.
