The Glenridge Philosophy

Living for all life can be!

When putting operation plans to paper a decade ago, the visionaries planning The Glenridge wanted to create something different. The architectural design and amenities were world class; but resort type communities were plentiful – not unique. While buildings had changed as older adults gained in financial well-being, the operating cultures were still grounded in the paternalistic, medical-model of the nursing home industry.

What existed in all too many communities, and still exists today, were institutional settings where dependency had been unwittingly but flagrantly encouraged by management systems and processes. The professionals at PRAXEIS, the company developing the Glenridge, understood that even the well-meant protectiveness of caring people gradually undermines personal initiative and autonomy.

Rather than mindlessly accepting the model of retirement communities as places where “old people go in their declining years,” planners mindfully listened to why many older adults viewed the prospect of moving to a retirement community as threatening to their personal significance and represented a shrinking world – a smaller home with fewer personal possessions and fewer meaningful opportunities. The image of restricted dining hours, housekeeping schedules, reduced privacy, and rules and regulations threatens one’s autonomy. To move to a “retirement community” is to accept being classified as old (translation: frail and dependent). Even the amenities and programs of “resort type” communities are little compensation for perceived losses to personal autonomy and self-esteem.

Today’s older adults are increasingly interested in pursuing a future of successful aging rather than checking out and moving to the sidelines. This new generation of “seniors” has a positive attitude and commitment to lifelong personal growth and involvement. They prefer to follow a positive life plan that addresses all of the dimensions of well being: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, occupational, and environmental. These dimensions are the foundation upon which the operational philosophy and culture of The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch is being built.

The vision of those who planned The Glenridge was to create a place unlike anything society has come to know as a retirement community. While building this unique, life fulfilling community culture is a work in progress, the focus is on prevention of health care programs whenever possible is key. While offering the finest long-term health care, memory support and assisted living services right on campus, the operating team does everything possible to insure members will never need them; and if they do, will work hard to return those with a health crisis to optimum independence in the shortest time possible. At The Glenridge, members stay in their own home or neighborhood surrounded by a carefully crafted healing web of services even if extensive long term health care is needed…and will be provided at approximately half the rates charged by other skilled healthcare centers in all private rooms for those with a life care contract.

At The Glenridge, management and community members alike believe that by mindfully pursuing positive aging, later life will once again come to be perceived as the crown jewel of the human experience. PRAXEIS, the innovative company managing The Glenridge, created and trademarked a very special designation for its communities, which celebrate positive aging in empowered, community cultures. That designation is the Life Fulfilling Community®. At The Glenridge, the community celebrates the uniqueness and worth of each individual and encourages members to discover the joy that comes from giving, serving, and growing — using their time and talents to improve the lives of others and make a difference in the world around them…for all life can be.

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