Gourmet food, great entertainment, dancing—these are the elements that go into any posh party, and the grand opening of the new expansion at McKnight Place Assisted Living and Memory Care was no different. “It was an amazing event,” executive director Tracy Cecil says. “It was great to share the newly renovated space with everyone. It’s a very exciting time at McKnight Place.” The new expansion offers each resident a unique and engaging experience paired with quality care and professional expertise.

The expansion includes 27 newly renovated memory care units that continue McKnight Place’s tradition of creating a welcoming environment for residents. “One of my favorite components of the new space is the home-like design of the suites and apartments,” Cecil says. The care model is structured after McKnight Place’s sister community, Parc Provence, which uses person-centered care to enhance each individual’s quality of life. “We get to know our residents and their histories, so we can care for them in a way that honors who they are,” Cecil explains. “We design activity programs and personalized care plans for each resident, and we really try to connect with everyone. It’s about creating moments of joy and happiness and ensuring seniors get to live a full life.”

The individualized experience offered to memory care residents is an extension of McKnight Place’s unparalleled service, according to Cecil. “The motto of The Gatesworth is, ‘The answer is yes. What is the question?’” she says. “We cater to our residents’ and their families’ every need, and our staff takes the time to get to know them and make them feel at home right away.” Along with nurses and staff on site around the clock, the owners are on the campus every day. “We’re locally owned and operated, and that makes a difference,” Cecil adds. “The owners are actively involved. They not only know all of the staff, but the residents and their families as well.”

McKnight Place’s amenities and activities are also unique. Cecil says the fine dining is especially of note. “At the grand opening, the guests really enjoyed the desserts created by our pastry chef,” she says. “Chef Anthony Lyons is a vital part of our communities. He ensures residents consistently experience nutritious, award-winning recipes.” The community offers weekly entertainment and a variety of exercise classes, including tai chi, weightlifting and balance. McKnight Place also uses OmniVR to keep residents physically active. The virtual reality rehabilitation system includes skilled exercise programs to assist with fall prevention, arthritis, stroke recovery and more. “Our residents love our community outings as well,” Cecil says. “We attend events and visit various venues throughout St. Louis. We recently went to a Cardinals game.”

In the summer, many activities can be enjoyed outside. McKnight Place has three courtyards with walking paths. “The courtyards are gorgeous,” Cecil says. “Since the weather has been lovely, we’ve moved our evening entertainment and morning coffee outdoors. It’s neat to see our residents enjoying nature. It’s all about creating an active and engaging lifestyle.”

The new McKnight Place Assisted Living and Memory Care expansion offers luxury amenities and opportunities for active seniors with the same trusted care residents have expected from the Gatesworth Senior Living Community for the past 30 years. Pictured on the cover: Director of leasing Lesley Pedroli (standing) with residents Dick and Rosemary Rosenthal. For more information, call 314.993.3333 or visit mcknightplace.com.

Cover courtesy of McKnight Place Assisted Living
Pictured above: The McKnight Place grand opening celebration included tours of the new apartments.