For people moving into a senior living community, an important consideration—maybe the most important—is that their new address truly feels like home. Newcomers to Mari de Villa, a lush 20-acre retirement community in Town & Country, can rest easy, says owner Fred Wiesehan.
Ever since opening in 1960, Mari de Villa has focused on seamless transitions. From independent seniors seeking a close-knit community to those who need more help, including skilled nursing and memory care, Mari de Villa offers luxurious housing, amenities and a strong sense of community. “This means that as care needs change, people can stay on our campus,” Wiesehan says. “We’re staffed 24 hours a day with health care professionals. When you’re dealing with clientele who are 70 to 100 years old, needs can change frequently, and we have the ability to adapt to those changes.”
Essential to keeping pace with resident needs is a commitment to constantly improving the campus, Wiesehan says. “We have long-range plans to build assisted living apartments on campus, and we’re continuing to remodel and refurbish as needs change. As people desire different amenities, we try to meet those requests.”
Every detail has been carefully chosen, Wiesehan says. Just a few years ago saw the opening of The Terraces, a memory care unit with 10 private rooms. To design the ideal space for those with Alzheimer’s, Mari de Villa worked closely with the St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association to get recommendations on the best colors, textures and finishes to use. The association also facilitated a staff training program on how to best interact with Alzheimer’s residents. “We wanted to create an environment that is both beautiful and calming to those with Alzheimer’s,” Wiesehan says. But the focus on aesthetics extends to all areas of the campus, he adds. “We feel it’s important that all guests, regardless of care level, can have a beautiful environment.”
The most independent residents gravitate toward The Villa Estates, elegant, multi-bedroom homes that feature granite countertops, full-size appliances, hardwood floors and walk-in closets. The 1,000- to 3,000-square-feet spaces offer plenty of room and privacy, yet their occupants also can take advantage of Mari de Villa’s services and amenities. As far as rooms and suites in the assisted living buildings, Wiesehan says, “We always have encouraged our families and guests to bring furniture and decorate their room with whatever will make it feel like home. The suites are big enough for guests to bring in their own dining room tables or living room sets. We’ve even brought in chandeliers from people’s prior homes!”
But beautiful rooms don’t tell the whole story. Just as they did before moving into the Mari de Villa campus, residents can participate in a wide variety of activities, including exercise classes, guest lectures and Sunday brunches. Additionally, a motorcoach is available to escort them to restaurants, live shows and attractions around town, which can include everything from winery days in Augusta to strolls around the Missouri Botanical Garden. It’s a matter of living comfortably and enjoying life to its fullest, Wiesehan concludes.
Pictured: Mary Kay and Fred Wiesehan
Photo courtesy of Mari de Villa
[Mari de Villa, located at 13900 Clayton Road, is a luxury retirement community that offers independent living in the Villa Estates, an assisted living environment and skilled nursing on its more than 20-acre campus. For more information, call 636.227.5347 or visit maridevilla.com.]
