This is not my grandparents’ retirement home

Gourmet food, concierge services, espresso café, e-mail accounts and rooftop terraces. Not exactly the retirement homes my grandparents feared being “sent” to in their older years. Last week, I had a three-hour tour of Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre. My guide was Linda Asaif, their community relations director. Within minutes, I knew that this was some special place.

I toured the grounds. In addition to the espresso café (they also serve a great gelato), the amenities include a salon and barbershop, private dining if your family visits, secure parking (many of the residents still drive, and the average age is 81), a library, a number of common areas and a wellness center. I was ready to move in, I told Linda, except what about my dog? Not a problem, she said. Merrill Gardens even has a pet-walking service in the concierge package. I glanced at the activity-board postings – you would have no excuse to be bored here. Activities abound. Here’s a smattering of examples: happy hour and dancing, a trip to Mount St. Helens, shopping runs, exercise programs, men’s poker, farmer’s market trips, and Tillacum village. Safety is a priority at the community, and the staff keeps a close eye on the residents. Although the biggest complaint in the retirement-community industry is the food, that doesn’t appear to be a problem here. “Anytime dining” is their motto and in July you had your choice of stuffed salmon, pot roast, crab cakes and much more. And, if you do have a suggestion? “Food for Thought” is a monthly meeting with the chef. Linda treated me to lunch and I had the best potato soup ever, so I can assure you the food was great. But the best part of my visit was meeting the residents, who welcomed me into their apartments with open arms. I saw three apartments while I was there. A studio apartment (bigger than my first dorm room, I can tell you!) and a one- and two-bedroom. All three were extremely spacious, had large bathrooms and were well organized. All have kitchens or kitchenettes.

Lorrayne Wallays, one of the first residents to move in, had a two bedroom, which looked like a decorator’s showroom. I also met Louise, who shared a package she had just received from her son in Thailand. As I toured, I couldn’t help but wonder about each resident’s story. The long lives lived and the experiences they have had. And, then, I met Maury. And, this, my friends, is just the beginning of his story. To be continued next time.

Susan Bressler is an active member of a number of Renton organizations, including the Renton Chamber of Commerce. E-mail her at scbressler@comcast.net.

Contact Renton Reporter Columnist Susan Bressler at scbressler@comcast.net.

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