BRANDYWINE LIVING: “I  enjoy helping families find the best place for their loved ones. I introduce them to Brandywine and help to make sure they will be comfortable.” Hilary Murray, Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton’s director of community relations, is shown with staff members, from left: Welcome Coordinator Casey Bonchi; Murray; Corporate Sales Specialist Christy Esandrio; Executive Director Shanna Garland; and Business Office Manager Christine Dandridge.

By Jean Stratton

Almost anything at any time will be available at Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton. Do you want the butler to arrange transportation or bring lunch to your apartment? Or do you prefer to eat in the dining room at any time of your choice? A late riser? You can have brunch at noon or lunch at 4, and wine with dinner!

It’s all about choice at Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton.

This upscale senior living residence, located at 775 Mount Lucas Road, is set to open in late spring or early summer. Brandywine Living acquired Acorn Glen, formerly at this location, and has totally transformed and renovated that facility.

“It has a whole new look,” says Hilary Murray, Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton director of community relations. “We have a large wooded area, landscaping with colorful gardens and plantings, and pleasant walking trails. The inside has handsome appointments and beautiful decor.”

Active and Engaged

Serenade at Princeton emphasizes luxury, privacy, and service, she adds. It will provide residents with opportunities to be as active and engaged as they wish, or if they prefer, to stay put, read a book, or take a stroll on their own. Many prospective residents are very happy that they can bring along their small dog or cat, something not available at all senior communities.

“We recognize that everyone is an individual, and we always emphasize that,” points out Murray. “There are wonderful opportunities here for socialization, but we also value people’s privacy. They can participate as they wish. It is important to understand that the residents can be independent and private with the support and service we offer to help them maintain their independence.”

Along with its exceptional service, that recognition is one of the aspects that sets Serenade at Princeton apart, she notes. “The Serenade brand is unique. It focuses on the individual, and offers a higher end of service, including our butler service, which is there to support each resident’s needs, whether they need help with transportation, technology, including Zoom service, or even online shopping.

Serenade at Princeton is one of 31 Brandywine Senior Living communities on the East Coast, and one of two in Princeton. Serenade offers independent living, assisted living, and also a Memory Care Center for those with dementia-related issues.

“We have 80 rental apartments, including 12 for Memory Care,” explains Murray. “These include studios, and one- and two-bedrooms available on three floors.”

The layout and the appointments of the apartments offer Brandywine’s signature style and comfort, she adds. “Valances are in all the bedrooms, emergency pull cords are in every apartment, and each bathroom has a fold-down seat for bathing. The kitchen appliances and decor are all state-of-the-art. Careful attention has been given to every detail.”

Serenade offers an outstanding range of activities and programs for residents to enjoy all day long and into the evening. There is indeed something for everyone’s personal interest, hobby, or ability.

Movie Theater

A number of signature programs are unique to Brandywine. For example, Escapades … For Life offers a special program of creative and fun activities, including Karaoke Knights for those who like to sing; Card Sharks for those handy with a game of bridge, poker, or gin; and Artists Palette for painters of all levels.

A brand new state-of-the-art movie theater seats 20, and offers a current film every day.

“We’ll also have a movie club, along with our book club,” reports Murray. “Our lecture series, led by retired professors, includes opportunities for lifelong learning, and we look forward to partnering with Princeton University and others. We also plan to have a Biography series, featuring talks about a wide range of individuals in different fields.”

The amenities abound! A library, stocked with best-sellers, game room, activity room with arts and crafts, music lounge with grand piano, beauty and barber salon, private dining room for residents’ guests and families. The list goes on.

Signature Service

Dining is very special at Serenade, with all-day dining its signature. Three meals are available all day in the formal dining room, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; there is casual fare at the bistro/cafe, and many opportunities for Happy Hour and appetizers at Jack’s Place Pub.

“Our food is a signature service of Serenade,” points out Murray. “We have outstanding chefs, and the residents really enjoy our flexible eating hours. This is a real plus.”

The monthly rental fee also includes personal laundry and linen service, weekly house cleaning, daily spot cleaning and bed-making, all utilities, basic cable TV, Wi-Fi, and daily trash removal.

Wellness services are also an important part of the Serenade plan. Exercise and fitness classes are available every day, and the wellness station includes the presence of nurses 24/7. There is also physical therapy and rehab on site, and doctors visit once a week.

Serenade offers assisted living services, and while many residents do not need extra help, and are simply glad to be free of the upkeep of a large house, shoveling snow, and cooking every meal, others may need more assistance with daily activities. These can include help with bathing, dressing, and overseeing medication, etc.

When such services are needed, Serenade offers certified home health aides (care managers) to provide this assistance. Help is available for every resident 24/7, and all residents are given a health and wellness assessment, along with a personal care plan, when they arrive. All residents and staff are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Memory Care Unit

The Reflections Memory Care Unit offers special assistance for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive challenges. Reflections provides a stimulating, supportive environment designed to be safe and secure, with patience, kindness, and compassion the hallmarks.

Reservations, with a deposit, are now available for Serenade, and for the first 20 new residents, a special Platinum Program offers the opportunity for free moving services, and other special considerations. The deposit is fully refundable if plans change.

“I enjoy showing people the apartments, and helping them find the right one for their needs,” says Murray. “It is helpful for them to have an opportunity to look at the different choices and layouts. I may also meet their adult children who are in this area, looking at Serenade for their parents.

“When they do move in, I will introduce them to the other residents, and help them get to know the people already here. Some people wait longer to make this move, and many often tell me they wish they had come sooner.

“People can make an appointment now to see the apartments. Some have already been reserved, and I look forward to welcoming people to enjoy the full range of our services here. It is a special place, and it is our goal to help residents live life to the fullest in a secure and vibrant setting.”

For further information, call (609) 430-4000. Website: brandycare.com.