Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch

Grand Living isnt just about First-Class Resort style living. To understand our unique differences, well share a heartwarming story about a server named Kaden Rathbun and our resident, Lou C. who lives at our Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch community in Sarasota, Florida.This story from Grand Livings Executive Director, Michelle Orlando, couldnt be a more perfect example of observing and adjusting to the pace of our resident, creating a unique and memorable experience.Kaden Rathbun is a football player. He has a very special connection with many of our residents but a special place in his heart for Lou C. who has Parkinsons which affects his mobility. Lou was always interested in Kadens football and school. When Kaden asked him to attend a game Lou cried and said it would mean the world to him, but he couldnt get there.Kaden is the son of our Maintenance Director, so when he went home and told his Dad that they had to get Lou to a game, they made it happen! The family picked him up, assisted him in his wheelchair to a VIP sideline spot (arranged by Eds wife), and helped him stand for pictures and the National Anthem! They even had Lous name announced on the PA system, and when some of the other Grand Living employees heard he was there, they found him for a big welcome. Lou was tearful telling everyone about his big adventure and how special he was made to feel at the Big Homecoming Game!There were tears running down his cheek as he proudly stood for the National Anthem. Lou will always remember how Kaden and his family and friends made him feel that very special evening.

For more information on Grand Living, CLICK HERE!Author: Brandy Middleton, Grand Living at Tamaya, Director of SalesMs. Patsy Longino has lived with Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch since October 1, 2021. She moved to our residence from a 55+ community with no organized fitness or activities. Patsy saw our sign when shopping at Sprouts grocery store in the early summer of 2021 and told her nieces about us. Shortly after, Patsy joined us for an event that discussed Senior Living options. Our Director of Fitness, Daniel Tirado, spoke about how he can help our residents. At the end of the presentation, he took her on a tour of our community. Then her nieces helped their parents move in, Patsy's brother and sister-in-law. Patsy moved in just a few months later because they loved the community and she saw how well they were treated. Before moving in, she only played games and walked on her own occasionally. Patsy enjoys having all the activities and fitness indoors now, so she does'nt have to worry about the weather.Patsy pulled some muscles in her back after moving into our community. The fitness classes she started going to when she first moved in noticeably helped her back feel better. Daniel also gave her excellent advice on how to help with her back pain. Now Patsy does every morning class with the stretches because it helps her immensely. She is stiff in the mornings and at the beginning of the first class she's not able to touch her toes. This changes by the end of class! Patsy is very proud of that! Daniels classes also help with her balance. She used to hold on to things while standing but now she does'nt have to hold on to them as much.She attends all possible fitness classes with Chair Yoga, Chair Aerobics, and Pedal the World being her favorites. Weight training and resistance band class are also important, so she makes sure to attend those as well. She says she enjoys the classes because every time she walks in, there are friendly faces and everyone says hello. There is also some laughter shared, which makes the class and day be more enjoyable. She enjoys attending classes with her brother and sister-in-law. While they don't go to all the classes she likes, the classes are helping her family and herself. Patsy had confessed that she had not used our fitness center yet so Daniel showed her some equipment she might like. She now makes her appointments around fitness, so she does'nt miss a class or her favorite activities like our musical events. Patsy is looking forward to water aerobics when it warms up in the summer!When creating his fitness classes, Daniel set goals of improving functionality, decreasing pain, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. He's excited that it is showing with Patsy and other residents. Some residents have mentioned they are able to avoid taking pain medications now because they attend Daniels classes. He focuses on the fact that exercise is medicine!