February 7, 2024 —Choosing Kendal at Lexington is an easy decision. At least we think so. After all, we are recognized as a preeminent lifecare community in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, since nearly half of our residents have moved from out of the area, as far away as California, Texas, Florida, and Vermont.
Of course, a major life decision such as this means having all your questions answered accurately and candidly which is why our Experience Us/Try It program is so helpful.
We are happy to provide potential residents with as much information as possible, such as:
- We are a CARF-accredited, not-for-profit Life Plan Retirement Community
- We are known for lifelong learning, engaged residents, and Quaker values
- We provide resident-driven Independent Living with excellent continuing care
- Our mission focuses on respect for the individual and aging with dignity
- We strive for excellent service to our residents
- We operate with fiscal integrity
- And cultivate a spirit of inclusion and a culture of diversity that enriches and strengthens our communities, people, and services.
However, it’s the input from our residents that prospective residents find helpful. Whether it’s the climate, location, housing options, or amenities, our residents tell it like it is.
For Barry and Carroll Guitar, the Experience Us/Try It program provided the details about living at Kendal that helped make it a smooth transition.
With a planned retirement date for Barry of 2018, they began researching retirement living options two years ahead of that. The Vermont residents had friends living in a similar style community in New Hampshire and liked the idea of a continuing care plan, but it was the lure of warmer winters that led them to expand their search.
Discovering Kendal at Lexington
Carroll’s brother lived in South Carolina, and during a visit there, learned about Kendal at Lexington from his business partner. They decided to make a visit, saw the beginning construction on the Sunrise Ridge cottages, and signed up for the waitlist.
“We never looked at any other place after that,” said Barry. “We started the application process, the financial and medical screenings, then came back for the in-person screenings and stayed for the Experience Us program.”
Both Barry and Carroll liked the opportunity to meet the other residents, enjoying dinner in the dining hall for some meals, and another dinner out in the nearby town of Lexington. “We constantly picked the brains of those we dined with. We were able to get a feel for the people here and get their impressions about what they liked,” added Barry.
While the location, facilities, and overall campus of Kendal appealed to the Guitars, the continuing care aspect was equally important. Having the security of future care arranged was also a big draw.
Barry and Carroll moved to Kendal at Lexington in late 2019. Both became active in resident activities and committees while forging strong friendships with fellow residents.
They both recommend learning all about Kendal in the decision-making process, and to especially connect with current residents. The Experience Us/Try It program was just another way to get their questions answered.
“When we were here for the Try It program, we met everybody, it was more than just a visit, we got the down-low,” Carrol added.
Planning Your Try It Visit
Your stay includes a room at the historic Sunnyside House the guest quarters located on the Kendal campus.
The typical schedule covers two days of activities to give prospective residents a thorough overview of both the campus and the nearby community.
You’ll meet with residents over lunch or dinner on the Kendal property as well as dinner out in the local Lexington scene.
Depending on your interests, activities can include a golf outing, hiking nearby nature trails, or checking out artist’s studios downtown.
“We pair prospective residents with current members of our vibrant community, providing an unparalleled firsthand experience of the warmth and camaraderie that defines life at KaLex,” said Erica Turman, Director of Marketing.
Visitors should expect about four hours of time meeting with Kendal staff to learn all they can about the facilities and programs. There will also be ample leisure time to explore the campus and the area.
Planning Visits Within Your Timeline
It’s not uncommon for a prospective resident to join the waitlist years in advance. If that’s the case, more than one Try-It visit can be arranged.
