Kingsley Manor

Kingsley Manor, a community that offers independent and assisted living as well as skilled nursing services, is quite appealing despite its undesirable surroundings. The neighboring homes appear run-down, and cracked sidewalks could use some attention. The sounds of traffic resonate from a nearby metropolitan area; the four-acre campus, however, is a breath of fresh air. Plants line the grounds, and ivy stretches up the brick exterior. Colorful flowers thrive out front. We saw residents relaxing and chatting outside at a striped patio set. With gothic elements and 1930s architecture, the on-site chapel is a veritable slice of history. In front of the main building, an atrium contains a gift shop and a library. The employee of the month beams in a framed photograph inside the lobby.

In the lobby, floral carpet brightens the décor. Warm brown tones saturate the space. At the time of our tour, we saw many residents relaxing here on comfortable, antique-looking furniture. Much like students on a college campus, assisted and independent living residents eat meals together in a dining hall within its own building. Automatic doors open into the building where a waitstaff serves three meals daily. Green carpet covers the floors. Cloth napkins and crisp tablecloths give the room an elegant charm. Although the facility does not employ a full-time dietician, a consultant visits periodically. Social hours and holiday parties take place in the spacious dining hall. When we visited, a wine-tasting event had drawn quite a crowd!

Assisted and independent living residents are housed among several buildings. Friends and family may rent rooms to stay in when visiting their loved ones. The facility does not provide care for people with advanced dementia. Regularly scheduled programming includes movies, gardening, social time, multiple fitness classes, lawn games and three weekly outings. In Holly Cottage, a separate activities unit, residents eat corn popped in an old-fashioned popcorn maker, take computer classes and play pool at the billiard table.