Residents of Sierra Pointe retirement community enjoy a lot of perks.
Arizona has been a prime retirement destination for seniors since the 1960s. Seniorliving.org lists more than 1,900 assisted and independent living facilities in the state. If you are thinking about moving to a senior community, having so many options can be overwhelming.
Peter Lesio, marketing director of Sierra Pointe, a community in North Scottsdale, explains what makes the 12-year-old facility different from other senior living options. “All our apartments are rentals; people don’t own their own living space,” he says. “In the independent living industry, there are two different types of communities: all rentals or a required buy-in. Most other facilities require people to buy their apartments or condos.”
For seniors older than 80, renting is a better option. As Lesio explains, “It doesn’t make sense to pay $250,000 for an apartment at that age.” Another benefit of renting is that residents enjoy all the lifestyle options the community offers: meals, social options, housekeeping, emergency response and transportation, without having to make a quarter of a million dollar investment. “It’s peace of mind,” says Lesio.
According to Lesio, Sierra Pointe is at 85 percent capacity year-round. The community has 185 independent living apartments, with a number of different sizes and floor plans to choose from. “Our independent living apartments range in size from 568 square feet, one bedroom, one bath to 1,444 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths and a den,” says Lesio. “All the apartments have granite countertops, appliances — including a washer,dryer — private patio, solid wood kitchen cabinetry and vaulted ceilings.” In addition to the plush furnishings, all apartments come equipped with an emergency response system and a motion sensor.
Sierra Pointe also offers 35 assisted living apartments. These living spaces, with three different sizes to choose from, range in size from 428 to 500 square feet. By law, assisted living facilities include three prepared meals per day, but residents also have their own kitchenettes to prepare small meals and snacks. Lesio says about 80 percent of the assisted living residents transitioned from the independent living apartments.
The common areas of Sierra Pointe’s buildings, which are oriented in a triangular shape to decrease distances between areas, are designed to be senior-friendly, with wide hallways, lowered countertops, sinks and handrails to accommodate wheelchairs. “The main building is physically beautiful,” Lesio proudly boasts. “We’ve been compared to a Ritz-Carlton or a cruise ship that never leaves port.”
Sierra Pointe’s residents are a diverse group, as the community draws people from all walks of life and religious backgrounds. Approximately 70 percent of residents are single, while 30 percent are couples, and residents are welcome to bring their pets.
Lesio estimates a significant percentage of Sierra Pointe’s residents are Jewish, and the community provides several Jewish-oriented activities. “We have two luxury buses to take residents to Temple Beth Israel,” says Lesio. “We also provide Jewish services on the campus on Thursdays once per month; they are led by volunteers from the larger Jewish community.” In addition, Chabad Rabbi Levi Levertov comes to Sierra Pointe every month to speak on various Jewish topics. Once per month, residents can also choose a “Shabbat dinner meal option” from the four or five menu choices available for dinner.
Another unique aspect of Sierra Pointe’s programs is its “snowbird” vacation package, starting at $99 per night for a minimum 60-day stay. According to Sierra Pointe’s Web site, the senior vacation package includes light housekeeping, use of all Sierra Pointe’s amenities, (including a big-screen movie theater, pool tables, beauty salon, game room, computer lab, library, heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and exercise facilities), as well as a continental breakfast served Monday through Friday, plus an additional 30 meals (either lunch or dinner), and weekend brunches. Vacationers can also take advantage of Sierra Pointe’s scheduled outings in one of two luxury buses, and chauffeured trips within a 15-mile radius for private appointments.
“Forty-five percent of people who vacation with us become full-time residents,” says Lesio. “The snowbird package is an easy way to sample our lifestyle without making a high-pressure commitment.” Sierra Pointe’s vacations, which began three years ago, have proved successful. Marketing Representative May Bell says, “We’ve had lots of compliments from families and a lot of adult child involvement. Most of our residents have an adult child living within five to 10 miles of Sierra Pointe.”
Andrea Freed-Krehbiel, whose father has lived at Sierra Pointe for the past 10 years, says, “My family and I are just thrilled that Dad has been living at Sierra Pointe. Not only is the community physically beautiful, but the atmosphere there is so positive! The many daily activities help keep him young and the staff is so caring and kind. It’s a real comfort for us to know that someone is always looking out for him and has his best interest at heart.”
“Our residents are warm and welcoming,” Bell says. “Nobody is ever left to flounder when they move in. Everyone reaches out a friendly hand, so new residents don’t feel like strangers.”
For more information about Sierra Pointe, please go to sierrapointe.com or call 480-525-8384
