The following has been excerpted with updated information from "Renewing the Legacy - A Publication of the Peabody Retirement Community" originally published in June 2002. If you would like to receive a courtesy copy, please give us a call.

"Renewing the Legacy"

After nearly five years of planning by staff and consultants, Phase-1 of the Peabody expansion project began in 2002. Although an aggressive schedule was set, still more than two years were required to complete the project. In early 2004, residents began moving into the four all-new buildings.

A Philosophy of Health and Wellness

As part of our planning process, the Peabody staff studied some of the most respected and successful retirement communities in the country. Visits to twelve of the communities in ten different states produced volumes of information about how environmental design can either hinder or support personal growth and independence for older adults. These findings served as a springboard for the development of an operational philosophy based on health and wellness, setting clear priorities for the design of the new buildings and living programs.

Peabody's Board of Trustees, the Peabody Home Foundation and the entire staff are determined to continue this commitment by creating a model campus providing cost-effective individualized care that reaches far beyond the minimal custodial standards. As a result, the new buildings have been designed to empower older persons to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible, thus, leading to an enhanced quality of life.

Thirty Three Acres with a New Look

In order to accommodate the new buildings, dramatic changes needed to be made to the existing Peabody landscape. The new health care center and memory enhancement centers were constructed on newly acquired land to the west of the existing campus, bordered by Ninth and Beckely Streets. The North House, first occupied in 1937, was razed in the beginning of the project to make way for the construction of the new assisted living building. The original health care center was removed in early 2004 after residents had been relocated to the new buildings. (click the image for a large view)

General Design Features of all New Construction

Fully carpeted residential and commons areas creating a quiet more homelike environment.
Shorter distances to most community activities , encouraging residents to be more independent in participating in events and activities.
Indirect lighting and high color contrast decor in all residential and commons areas minimizing the visual difficulties experienced by some older adults.
Easy access to outdoors evoking a sense of freedom.
Therapeutic spas located in each neighborhood to provide a soothing environment for relief from musculoskeletal discomforts via whirlpool bathing, massage and aroma therapy.
A wireless resident call system located on a pendant or bracelet which enables residents to summons assistance from staff at the push of a button.
Personal communicators worn by caregivers which enable them to receive a call for assistance from a resident, as well as communicate directly with other caregivers anywhere in the building. The ultimate goal is to harness the efficiencies of technology and to allow more time for personal interaction between residents and their caregivers.
Large walk-in showers supporting resident independence and dignity versus increased dependence on staff.
High-end heating and cooling systems to reduce the level of background noise and improve resident control over the living environment.

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