NewSeasons at Exton, which is slated to be purchased by Sunrise Senior Living in 2007, exudes a classic charm. A wraparound porch encases the attractive red brick building, the grounds of which are speckled with red and white impatiens. Rocking chairs serve as relaxing lookouts onto the landscaping of grass, trees and plantings. Evergreens shroud the outdoor patio, which accesses the porch and is secured by wrought-iron fencing.
At the time of our tour, residents occupied most of the small lobby. Visitors tend to wait in The Tavern; with its bar and comfortable seating, it offers a nice retreat. Linen-covered tables with silk flower arrangements augment the dark wood furniture in the spacious dining room, where the menu includes assorted sandwiches, gefilte fish, cottage cheese and seasonal fruit. That day’s meal was mushroom barley soup and Philly cheese steaks with French fries. An ice cream parlor, complete with a jukebox, offers a daily continental breakfast and sundaes every Saturday. Sugar-free treats and beverages like bottled water, coffee and tea are always at the ready. A small private dining room is perfect for special occasions with family. The men’s poker night has recently claimed the library, which houses varied reading material as well as a computer center. A large activity room on the first floor with a cozy fireplace and wall of windows opens to the outdoor patio, where two parakeets and a whistling cockatiel reside. As we toured, about twenty-five residents were receiving seated massages in the activity room, while attentive staff members looked on. Later that day we observed the same group—albeit much more relaxed—engaged in a word puzzle. Music buffs are at ease in the music room, where an organ makes its home. Black-and-white wedding photographs of residents lining the hallways keep peers guessing who’s who. Residents’ studio apartments range in size from moderate to large. All décor is off-white with maple beds and nightstands. Large windows blanket the apartments in natural light.
NewSeasons offers a rich activity program that includes arts and crafts, exercise, puzzles, religious services and trips to lunch or to various shopping destinations. Residents enjoy making caramel apples and visiting with small farm animals that are brought to the facility. Other favorites include intergenerational programming, and culinary activities like cooking and baking for the local firehouse and making tea sandwiches for a local adult day care center.
We met one resident who was walking the hallway with her physical therapist. Our tour guide offered encouraging words and praise for her hard work. We also met a pair of residents who are best friends—they traverse the facility together and help each other out. Such interaction seems common at this relaxed and friendly community.
