story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer
Simply stunning.
No other words quite describe the feeling of walking into HarborChase of South Oklahoma City.
Visually remarkable, the brand new assisted living and memory care residence located at 10801 S May Ave is a treat for all five senses.
Depending on the hour or day, you might hear the smooth gospel stylings of pianist Gatha Graham or the laughter from the main dining room.
In the afternoon, the smell of freshly popped popcorn wafts through the air.
Wood-fired pizza directly out of the oven, crab cakes or a prime rib dinner cooked to order await to be enjoyed downstairs or in the privacy of your residence with room service.
Amenities abound at Oklahoma City’s newest senior residence offering.
“It’s amazing,” says Executive Director Willena Ferguson while walking through the finely-appointed property, which is also licensed as a hotel by the state.
After spending the past 15 years in senior living, Ferguson has spent the last 14 months bringing HarborChase to life in the metro.
Residents began moving in February 29 prior to the recent quarantine.
Vero Beach, Fla. – based Harbor Retirement Associates brings the luxury living option to Oklahoma.
HRA operates more than 35 communities in eight states and is partnering on the construction of even more communities in seven additional states. HRA manages over $150 million in revenue and approximately $1 billion in assets while employing 2,000 associates.
HarborChase of South Oklahoma City is now accepting new residents and is proud that through June, the residence remained entirely Coved-free with no residents or employees testing positive.
That’s thanks to a stringent entry criteria as well an extensive daily sanitization regimen.
Temperature checks are completed three times daily. No one can enter the facility without having their temperature scanned.
The building is disinfected twice daily.
The Oklahoma Room is a crowning jewel at the residence. The nearly 1,900-square foot safe room is rated by FEMA to withstand 500-mile-per-hour winds. An enclosed generator ensures power and a full-stocked pantry provides food and water for residents for up to three days in the case of disaster.
Some $400,000 worth of concrete – nearly two-feet thick – protects residents as does the bulletproof glass and rolling steel hurricane shutters.
“It’s really kind of cool some of the amenities they put into the building,” said Ferguson, who also noted the space serves as a movie theatre room, and a chapel.
HarborChase offers both one and two-bedroom assisted living options.
From the very first day a resident moves into HarborChase, they are a familiar name and face, treated as a respected and cherished member of the family. Ferguson and her staff are dedicated to providing an ongoing feeling of connection, communication, comfort and caring. Upon arrival, a unique “Silhouette of My Life” profile for each individual resident is created to ensure that their wants, needs and desires are being met.
This customized profile allows care partners to create fun activities and programs based around residents’ favorite pastimes, foods and memories.
Each day, care partners offer respectful assistance with walking, dressing, grooming and more. You’ll rest easy knowing that your loved one’s medical needs are provided for by a caring and compassionate team of licensed nurses and medication assistants.
In order to help nurture their independence, your loved one will receive the personalized level of care and support they need with friendly supportive services that truly make life easier and more enjoyable. An active and purposeful lifestyle awaits your loved one at HarborChase.
A dedicated memory care unit is also built in.
Harbor Chase’s acclaimed Memory Care neighborhood is a safe, serene and loving harbor for residents and their families.
A putting green sits in the interior courtyard next to the cabana. A family of ducks seems to enjoy the fountains and raised, self-watering flower beds that are being installed next to their float pool.
An art studio and fitness gym are also on site.
Business Office Manager, Tia Crittenden, has worked with Ferguson for 10 years now, following her along her journey.
“I have a really huge loyalty to Willie. She’s an amazing director,” Crittenden said. “Her standards are very high.”
Ferguson smiles and explains it all comes down to setting the bar high and building lasting relationships.
“I love this population,” Ferguson said.
And there’s no doubt this population will love HarborChase.
HarborChase is located at 10801 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170. Call (405) 429-8386 for more information or visit: www.harborchase.com
