McDowell Village in Scottsdale is like a favorite robe or a warm blanket on a cold day – it makes you feel loved and cared for no matter where you are in your golden years. Allen Honig and his wife Virginia have a unique way of describing their choice to move into this 7-year-old senior-living community five months ago: “We looked off and on for about two years all over East Scottsdale where we were living, but we felt this was the best fit – we’re so happy here, it really is a good marriage.”
The complex has 207 apartments, 62 of which are in the assisted-living section. Unlike other senior-living communities, where you may have the option to either lease or purchase, McDowell Village units are rentals with several floor plans and sizes available. Unit sizes start with a 648-square-foot 1 bedroom and range to a 2 bedroom with a den at almost 1,300 square feet. Rental prices range from $3,250 to $4,725 per month.
The rent includes a complete meal plan, housekeeping, all utilities (except for phone service), basic cable, daily status checks, private health and wellness records, 24/7 caregiver oversight, licensed nurse on staff for those in the assisted- living program, a full activities calendar (art, exercise, movies, entertainment, trips, special events and much more), transportation to shopping and doctor/ pharmacy appointments and the option to have a pet. Residents’ pets are enjoyed by both residents and staff.
At the time of this visit, there were exactly 200 residents – which included 15 couples; approximately 15% of those are said to be Jewish. Every year McDowell hosts a resident- officiated seder where family members are invited. Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah are also observed. “We also have a Shabbat service once a month,” says Activities Director Teri Azlin. “We’d be happy to do it more often – if the residents felt that it would be something that they’d like.”
Jan Harris, who has lived at McDowell for a year and a half, didn’t even look at any other complexes. “My prime motivation was that my cousin lived here. I love the senior center and my current events course. I’m so thrilled to be here. I don’t have to dress up for the dining room like I’ve seen at other senior communities. I can be comfortable here – which means to me that I feel safe, at home and I sleep great!” Arlene Okin, who has lived at the community for 21 months, is in total agreement. “My daughter actually looked around at quite a few places, but her best friend’s mother lives here and several of my neighbors from Leisure World in Mesa moved here as well. The staff is fantastic – from my first breakfast in the dining room all the kids knew who I was and greeted me! I swear they even know whose walker belongs to whom. I love the card and game room – just love to play poker! And Jay and Teri – they are phenomenal. Can’t say enough about them.”
Jay Beaird, marketing director for five years, adds that the residents love the dining room and café. For those who would like to have a family dinner, Beaird says “we love when relatives come! We have a private dining room for the residents, or we are very happy to create the needed table setup in the restaurant.”
Beaird loves to say that McDowell Village sets itself apart from other similar communities by welcoming people to a wonderful resort-like lobby, but by including a very homey feel by having several “living rooms” as you continue entering the building. “We want everyone to feel right away that they can come in and chat with both family and friends – and even enjoy our entertainment right away.” Besides the usual perks of a state-of-the-art gym with a staff trainer, there’s also an Internet café, a full-service salon, library, heated pool and spa (which is also host to water exercise classes), theater and chapel (which hosts services for all faiths). For those who are dog lovers, there’s a pet park and walking area. Azlin, who has been in her position for five years, says she’s willing to try almost anything to make everyone feel involved and happy. “When I arrived, the gym and exercise classes were pretty well situated. We had a tai chi class that was somewhat popular, but when it started to wane and one of the residents asked about yoga – well it has become quite the full class. Same with Jazzercise.”
Azlin has set up Mondays as her “day trip” time. “I try not to repeat things. Last week we went to Sedona for the day and had a picnic. We go to ball games, museums, all kinds of things – we just had a great time at the Musical Instrument Museum.”Beaird and Azlin agree that the big events they put on are among the most popular offerings. “We love to think out of the box, and it turns out that the residents love to watch us work! Things like watching us have silly competitions amongst the staff – who can move and stack the most chairs in a certain amount of time, setting up the dining room – things like that,” comments Beaird.
Azlin adds that everyone loves when they host theme parties and open houses. “Our biggest and most attended events are our Mardi Gras and Halloween parties! Everyone dresses up and has a blast. We make quite a day of our chili cook-off. Recently, we had an open house where we turned our largest room into a diner and malt shoppe!”
Etta Rikus, who has been at McDowell for three years, appreciates that she has so much to do. “I love to exercise, take the yoga and water classes. I love to do the beading activity. The food is great, and if there’s something I’d like to see on the menu and I ask, they put it on the next week!”
Beaird is proud to say that most of the residents are so happy that even those who have been in the hospital or even a hospice situation want to come back home to McDowell.
“I love to say that when we first opened, we were called the best-kept secret in Scottsdale for senior living. Since then many other complexes have opened up and what they’re doing is emulating us. All of our residents have come to us by word of mouth – right there says so much about how we feel about our community – we’re family.”
Jan Harris seems to speak for the group when she describes her arrival and happiness at McDowell: “If you want to know what happened to me, well, I feel that I’ve died and gone to heaven. This is not our parents ‘Old Folks Home’ – this is 1% retirement and 99% fun.”
