One of the things resident Gloria Pasley loves most about The Gatesworth is how easy it is for her to live there and keep working full time. The St. Louis native teaches music in the Ferguson-Florissant School District and says the beautiful senior living community serves as a relaxing oasis at the end of each day. “Staff members understand that I am still working, and they respect that,” she says. “They do everything they can to make things easy for me.”
She says their supportive attitude helps her home life run as smoothly as possible. “Our executive director, Carrie Montrey, and her staff are very knowledgeable and work as a cohesive team,” she says. “They are always on the same page when it comes to serving residents. If there is something you need that they don’t currently have, they will find a way to get it for you.”
Pasley says she selected The Gatesworth for a number of reasons, not least of which was the ability to make her own choices and customize her residential experience. “When I was looking for a place to live, I thought back to when my mother was ill,” she notes. “She had a lot of people weighing in on her care, but I realized I would rather make those decisions for myself when the time came. The Gatesworth fits my needs perfectly in that regard. I have some chronic health issues, so it made sense to pick a community where I can stay even when my care needs change.”
She says that while the pandemic put a hold on many of the usual group activities and entertainments, there are still plenty of opportunities for social stimulation. “The Gatesworth offers a variety of cultural outings, like visiting St. Louis landmarks and restaurants and enjoying holiday lights,” she says. “Art experiences, musical performances, films, exercise classes and other programs keep you as busy as you want to be. If there is an activity you want to do, you are encouraged to do it, and if not, there’s no pressure.” She says just walking around the beautiful grounds is rejuvenating in itself, and the dining choices are wonderful, but she also loves to stay in and cook for herself. “Comfort food is my specialty,” she notes.
Pasley says Gatesworth staff members understand how important individuality is to residents, who are free to express and enrich themselves in whatever ways they wish. “There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all living experience at The Gatesworth,” she says. “I would tell any prospective resident, don’t expect to be fit into a mold when you come here. You are welcome to be yourself, whether that means socializing with others or relaxing at home.”
She adds that the community offers camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere. “I could have moved to an apartment complex, but I knew I wouldn’t make as many personal connections there,” she says. “Living in a regular apartment often means you become kind of an island. But at The Gatesworth, you’re an important part of a community, and there are always caring people nearby to help.”
Located at One McKnight Place, The Gatesworth provides exceptional retirement living options to encourage an active lifestyle. Picture on the cover: Resident Gloria Pasley. For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit the gatesworth.com.
Pictured at top: Resident Gloria Pasley with dining staff member Rochelle Little
Photo courtesy of The Gatesworth
