Older adults in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the surrounding areas will soon have a new option for senior living. In summer 2021, Highgate at Flagstaff will officially open its doors, becoming the newest assisted living and memory care community in the Flagstaff area.
Highgate Senior Living has been providing innovation and leadership in senior living for 25 years. Highgate at Flagstaff will be the second Highgate community in Arizona, following the successful opening of Highgate at Prescott in 2011.
“We at Highgate spend a lot of time working through the process of where to build the next new senior living community,” says CEO Marjorie Todd. “We have invested time, energy, and resources in getting to know Flagstaff, what’s important to its people, and how we can best be of service to them. We have established a clear need and not a lot of options for high-quality, holistic care for seniors delivered in an environment that feels like home.”
In a city where 1 in 10 residents are over the age of 65 — and where it’s common to see a waiting list for the senior care communities already in town — Flagstaff was eager to welcome Highgate to the family, too. “The people in Flag make you feel welcome and are interested in the betterment of individuals,” Todd says. “Just like us, Flagstaff embraces a commitment to holistic living. This really resonates with us.”
With the addition of Flagstaff, Highgate now consists of 10 residential communities scattered throughout Washington, Montana, California, and Arizona in Bellingham, Vancouver, Yakima, Wenatchee, Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Temecula, and Prescott.
“Although we don’t develop new communities rapidly, we develop them with thought and intended purpose,” Todd says. “We will be so pleased to see this community open and thrive as we celebrate our 25th year of serving seniors.”
Located at 1831 N. Jasper Drive, less than a mile from the Flagstaff Medical Center as the crow flies, Highgate at Flagstaff will offer 60 apartments in the assisted living side of the community, called the Manor, and 20 apartments in a specialized memory care environment, called the Cottage. Residents can choose from a variety of living options, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and companion suites.
Unlike many other senior living communities in the area, Highgate provides options for senior couples to continue their life together. Couples Care at Highgate allows couples to either live together in the same suite or be just a short walk away from each other, regardless of care needs.
“It’s a tough situation when you have two parents who both need care but they need different types of care or different levels of care,” Todd says. “It’s super important that, wherever you’re looking, the couple can be there together but still have their individual needs met.”
Highgate at Flagstaff will also not only welcome pets into its community, it will also have staff who help residents care for their pets. Pets are part of the senior living community’s holistic approach to health and wellness.
Highgate’s holistic philosophy is all about taking care of the mind, body, and spirit. Nutritious and delicious meals as well as physical activity programs such as tai chi, yoga, and walking clubs help residents care for their bodies. Community programs, resident clubs, and Purposeful Living activities help residents learn, expand their horizons, and build relationships with others. Religious services, Bible studies and hymn singalongs, meditation classes, and support groups help residents stay spiritually connected and emotionally healthy.
Highgate takes a holistic approach to senior care, too. Care partners not only make sure the medications residents take are right and necessary, but they also offer alternative ways to enhance residents’ well-being, quality of life, and sense of purpose. For example, aromatherapy is used to reduce anxiety and pain, boost mood and appetite, and promote sleep. Massage therapy offers pain relief, helps soothe anxiety, and can reduce stress.
“What we believe sets us apart, above all else, is our commitment to our holistic approach to care and how we devote ourselves to help our residents continue to live their life of purpose,” Todd says.
Highgate isn’t just a great place for seniors to live. It also offers care partners and team members a warm and supportive work environment where everyone is treated like family.
“We’re over 25 years strong,” says Shelley Phoenix, Director of Sales at Highgate. “We only have 10 communities. We don’t want to be a powerhouse. We don’t want 100 communities. We want to do it right. We hire with heart.”
Adds Highgate at Flagstaff Executive Director Leslie Blum: “I have been with Highgate for a little over 18 years now. When I first walked into Highgate to fill out an application, it just felt like home. We are there to support one another in everything that we do — for both our team members and our residents. I wholeheartedly believe in what Highgate offers each of the residents, from our holistic approach to care to our purposeful living philosophy, and I am excited to offer that to the community of Flagstaff.”
The Highgate at Flagstaff building is still being constructed — check out the progress on the community’s Facebook page! — but it will be hosting in-person tours when it is ready, implementing safety protocols for all visitors. There will also be a virtual tour experience available prior to the completion of the community.
In the meantime, if you want more information about Highgate at Flagstaff, its holistic and purposeful living philosophies, and the really important stuff like what the food tastes like and how much it really costs, sign up to join our mailing list today!