For 171 years, Maple Knoll Communities has provided the setting for older adults to live longer, healthier, happier lives. Just recently, the community opted to go green in their new construction as they build 11 new villas in the Coventry Court expansion that will consist of 1,700 square feet of living space with two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a den, attached garage, patio, and open floor plan.
“We noticed recently that seniors were looking for larger and modern accommodations in order to host holiday get-togethers and grandchildren sleepovers,” says John Ammerman, the director of marketing at Maple Knoll Communities, Inc. The other thing residents craved was modern conveniences.
“Sometimes seniors get a bad rap that they don’t want to adapt to technology, but that’s not the case,” says Megan Gresham-Ulrich, the vice president of marketing and business development at Maple Knoll Communities, Inc. “They’ve been around for many different inventions and we don’t give them credit for being rather adaptable.”
Residents have shown interest in Alexa and SMART appliances. Therefore, in building these new accommodations — expected to be completed by August — Maple Knoll Communities is offering residents options for various SMART packages, including SMART dishwashers, ceiling fans, microwaves, stoves, washers, dryers and blinds.
“All of these things can help seniors stay independent for longer,” says Gresham-Ulrich. “For instance, if they’re becoming forgetful, they can be reminded that the stove is on, the refrigerator is open, or that a washer or dryer cycle is complete.”
SMART lighting helps residents navigate their path to the bathroom as the floor lights up when they step on it. This is key since 55 percent of falls occur during nighttime treks to the restroom.
The 11 Coventry villas meet LEED certification requirements because the buildings include low-maintenance landscape design, storm water capture and water-efficient irrigation systems, energy star roof shingles, energy star appliances, high efficiency gas furnaces, tankless gas water heaters, high performance low E windows, high performance doors, LED lighting fixtures, and roughed-in electric in each garage for optional car charger stations.
Maple Knoll has its own app so residents can ask Alexa what’s going on throughout the day in the community, as well as menu items and upcoming.
Staff members help residents navigate and set up modern technology, including Amazon Echo, apps, transportation, and grocery shopping click lists.
Maple Knoll Village is located at 11100 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246. For more information, call 513.725.9419 or visit www.mapleknoll.org/.