Take Five with Stephanie!

Stephanie understands that everyone has a story. As a resident at American House Jenison with dozens of neighbors and friends, she listens. And she knows.

Her own life story heavily featured education. Her mother, an educator who graduated from Cornell, was adamant about having encyclopedias in the household. She sold five sets and chose to waive the financial compensation in lieu of gaining a full set for her family. Stephanie went on to become an educator herself, crediting her mother as her primary influence.

When she moved out of her condo to look at senior living options four years ago, she borrowed from her learning. Taking out a notebook after visiting each community, she and her daughter sat in the car and wrote pros and cons. At the fifth Independent Living community, Stephanie took out her notebook and couldn’t think of one negative thing to write.

“So, we stopped looking,” said Stephanie. “I moved to American House Jenison in December 2020, and I’ve never regretted it!”

Stephanie’s story now is about balance. That, she says, is what American House gives her.

“There’s balance in my life. I get lots of community, and then also I have an apartment, and that’s private. So, I get it all: social availability – just come down to the first floor! – and privacy in your own place,” she said.

With full-size appliances, Stephanie has the option to cook, but chooses the dining room. This doesn’t mean her friends don’t love to cook. She appreciates the kindness of friends and neighbors who share. When someone brings her homemade soup, she has a thank you card out the next morning!

“Ken bakes blueberry muffins from scratch for people who don’t feel well. What an outreach,” she said. Stephanie was once the recipient, and when that knock on the door came, the muffins were still warm!

Along with fellow residents, the community team members share in providing care and kindness.

“There’s a very caring feel here,” she said. “This is much more than just a job, there is compassion that goes with it.”

Stephanie acknowledges American House is not a substitute for family, but rather an additional family. “I love it here. Like anything else, until you experience it, you don’t realize all the special benefits there are.”

As Stephanie experienced, people leave things behind in their lives to come here, big condos, gardens, etc. Stephanie is sensitive to that, saying, “They’ve given up something, and yet, this is something new. It’s your life, to do as you choose.”

Along with chair exercises and Bible study, Stephanie attends the resident council meetings once a month to hear what’s going on in the community, ask questions and voice concerns or praises. And of course, there is movie night. “Our movie theater is fantastic, they serve popcorn!” She enjoys gathering with friends for hot meals in the dining room. “I get beautiful, nutritious meals served by our chef, Eric, who is a blessing beyond words.”

“Do we need more? Absolutely not!”

Schedule a visit to American House Jenison today!

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.