By Kimberly Hopson

L’Observateur

 

LULING – According to its owners, the recently opened Ashton Manor is a residential community like none other in St. Charles Parish.

“A lot of people think nursing home, old folks’ home,” said Jay Tipton, executive director of Ashton Manor. “This is more of a home-type feeling.”

The assisted living and memory care facility emphasizes a unique balance of independence and support to provide all residents with the best experience possible. The facility opened its doors to residents on Jan. 9 with a special open house and cocktail party.

“So far the community’s been really positive. I think assisted living is a relatively new concept to the St. Charles area. People don’t have anything to compare it to. They’re very positive and in awe when they realize that this isn’t an institutional-type facility,” said Tipton.

So far, the community has 20 residents. The facility has three wings called “neighborhoods” that are named based on the color scheme. The pink neighborhood houses residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory-related conditions. The green and blue neighborhoods are for assisted-living residents. Each neighborhood has spacious, apartment-style units with a private bathroom and large windows.

“(The apartment setting) is designed to keep an individual as independent as they possibly can be. But in the event that they’re not independent, we can cater to their needs. As their health declines with age, we’ll start accommodating them,” said Tipton.

Residents can enjoy many luxury amenities, such as a computer lab, solarium, a beauty shop and barbershop, a spa room and complimentary shuttle service. Each neighborhood has a large family-style dining area with wait staff. There are also a community garden and ice cream parlor. Residents can choose to join group activities, such as arts and crafts, bridge and card games or reading, and they also have the opportunity to go on educational outings to cultural events or local museums.

Tipton said residents who are able to get around may come and go as they please. Ashton Manor’s staff will go out of its way to make sure that each resident receives the best care possible, he said.

“It’s a community. It’s a home,” said Tipton.