It’s a milestone year for the Gatesworth at One McKnight Place in Ladue. The beautiful senior community has been providing residents with luxury living for 30 years now, and it’s continually evolving to serve their needs and preferences.
Geraldine Smith, mother of co-owner David Smith, has been enjoying life at The Gatesworth for two decades. She says what she loves best is that residents can feel free to be themselves and structure their time as they wish. “It’s wonderful that you can have your personal space here,” she notes. “There are plenty of activities if you’re feeling social, but if you’re not, that’s fine, too. I love to play bridge twice a week, and I go to almost all of the social events, but it’s also nice to be free when you want to.”
Smith says there is no such thing as a typical day at The Gatesworth. She attends Friday happy hours and enjoys daily diversions like live music. “There’s something going on every evening,” she notes. “I used to be an actress, so I love the entertainment. I also enjoy getting off campus to attend Jewish services and visit family. I never thought I’d get to meet people from so many different backgrounds at this time in my life, but living here is really amazing.”
Vita von der Lancken says the community’s advantages are immediately apparent to new residents. She moved to The Gatesworth from Argentina several months ago and says she already is impressed by the high quality of life at her new home. “I’ve traveled quite a bit and stayed in many places, so I have a lot to compare it to, and it couldn’t be better, in my opinion,” she says. “It’s easy to make new friends, you can have anything you like in terms of dining, and I love the movies, music and lecture programs. You can do whatever activities make you happy, and it’s easy to find people who share your interests.”
Von der Lancken says she visits The Gatesworth’s Spa One twice a week and enjoys water exercise programs at the pool. “There often is live jazz music, which I love,” she notes. “And I enjoy the diversity of residents; I recently made friends with a lady from Germany. It’s wonderful to learn about new people and meet them for tea or coffee.” David Smith says residents have many opportunities to gain fulfillment by enriching other people’s lives. “Vita formed our first Spanish-speaking lunch table here, and she has developed a workout routine with a personal trainer,” he notes.
Smith says he and co-owners Charlie Deutsch and Bob Leonard are personally involved in making life enjoyable for residents. The owners’ offices are on-site, and they pride themselves on daily interaction with seniors and families. The Gatesworth has been named one of the top 10 senior living communities in the nation by Forbes magazine, and Smith says other providers often visit to learn from its success. There are a number of apartment configurations to choose from, and the many dining, social and entertainment options mean high levels of resident satisfaction. “Our executive director, Martha Kessel, has built a very strong, person-centered culture here,” Smith says.
Von der Lancken says ‘happy, content and grateful’ are the words she uses to describe her feelings about The Gatesworth. “If I were to speak to others who were considering living here, I would be very concise,” she says. “I’d simply tell them it’s the best decision they will ever make.”
The Gatesworth provides exceptional senior living options at One McKnight Place in Ladue. Pictured on the cover: Residents Geraldine Smith and Vita von der Lancken. For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com.
Cover design courtesy of the Gatesworth
Cover photo by Geoff Story, Toky Advertising
Pictured above: Co-owner David Smith with residents Geraldine Smith and Vita von der Lancken
