Yuma Welcomes New Assisted Living and Memory Care Community
March 12, 2018
YUMA, AZ–A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the completion of River Valley Estates, a 56,000-square-foot senior living and memory care community located at 7053 E. 31st Place in Yuma. River Valley Estates is one of six senior living and memory care communities operated by Mission Senior Living (MSL), a resident-centered organization dedicated to its mission of Caring People, Serving People, Improving Lives.
Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls and MSL President Darryl Fisher spoke at the ceremony and were joined by approximately 75 guests. In attendance were Yuma Deputy Mayor Gary Knight, Yuma Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Courtis, and River Valley Estates team members, including Administrator Daniel Garcia, and MSL Vice President of Operations Sarah Green. Local subcontractors, stakeholders, and future residents and family members also joined the celebration. Following the ceremony, guests toured the community and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared by the dining services team.
“The construction of River Valley Estates has been a heartfelt community effort from the beginning,” said Fisher. “We worked with local businesses and subcontractors, and many of our team members are Yuma residents, born and raised. We are here to provide a loving, nurturing, secure home where family members can live, learn and enjoy life regardless of their physical or cognitive challenges.”
River Valley Estates has 56 apartment homes in assisted living, with optional floor plans that include studio, studio deluxe, one- and two-bedroom with a single bath, and two-bedroom with a double bath. In memory care, there are 32 private studio and semi-private studio apartment homes.
Every aspect of the community’s design is focused on enhancing the experience for residents, according to Garcia. The interior spaces boast wide corridors, vaulted ceilings and beautiful, warm finishes throughout. The layout of the building makes it easy for residents to navigate. In memory care, each apartment home has a unique shadowbox hanging outside the door so residents can easily identify their apartments. The décor, color and lighting schemes create a soothing and quieting environment.
The spacious lobby area serves as the hub of community life. Soothing water features, a baby grand piano and comfortable seating create a homelike environment where residents and guests can gather. There’s a bistro and a coffee nook, a movie theater and concierge, a barber shop and beauty salon, a wellness center, and a private office for visiting physicians.
Residents can experience the healing benefits of nature in the secure, beautifully landscaped courtyards located in both assisted living and memory care. Each offers shaded sitting areas among lush foliage; raised garden beds allow residents to plant and tend to flowers, herbs, and plants. In assisted living, there are cooling misters situated throughout the outdoor area.
Activities, off-campus trips, and exercise programs are tailored to match residents’ interests and acuity levels. In memory care, customized memory care service plans for each resident help maintain independence and enhance quality of life.
Making life easier and more convenient for residents are supportive services and amenities, including an on-site medical team with a registered nurse; daily assistance with dressing, bathing, and medication management; housekeeping and laundry. Assisted living and memory care each has a private dining room where residents are served chef-prepared meals three times a day. Pets are welcome.
Project partners include Pinnacle Architects, PA, and MSL Construction LLC. Of the 25 subcontractors on the project, 90 percent of them are based locally. Construction began in March 2017.