Las Ventanas sets summer move-ins

The first residents of Las Ventanas, a life care community in Summerlin, are expected to move in this summer.

"We've gone above and beyond to create a community where each and every resident can enhance their quality of their life," Suzanne Caldarello, marketing director, said. "Anyone who hasn't visited (us) lately will be amazed and impressed with the progress."

Henderson residents Bob and Jean Rush, and more than 200 other seniors, look forward to moving day. The Rushes signed on as charter residents in 2001.

"We're a very active couple," Jean Rush said. "My husband is just waiting for the day that he can leave our new apartment and take a short jog over to the Las Ventanas fitness center. I, myself, am looking forward to using the pool."

The decision for the couple to choose the life care lifestyle did not come easily.

"To be honest, it was a painful process," Rush said. "As retired military, we've moved more than 30 times and really didn't want to do it again, but we were looking ahead and knew that we needed to plan for the day that we might not be able to do all the things we do today.

"What really convinced us was a trip to my husband's class reunion. We visited with many friends from the East Coast that raved about life care and communities like Las Ventanas, that we finally decided it was for us. We also never want to be a burden to any of our children as we age."

Caldarello agreed the decision to change one's lifestyle can be difficult.

"Many seniors are very comfortable with their current living situation," she said. "Yet they recognize that life care is a practical solution to the many issues that they may face as they age. Seniors want a lifestyle that allows them to keep their independence, while providing for future health care needs and, at the same time, not deplete a lifetime of savings."

Caldarello said Las Ventanas offers seniors the means to preserve their estates for family.

"Ninety percent of a resident's entrance fee is refundable to the resident's estate," she said. "Seniors have a right to be concerned about the possibility of depleting their hard-earned money as they age. Las Ventanas offers a solution, both through the predictability of health care costs associated with the on-site skilled nursing and assisted living center, and through a form of estate preservation. Our residents and their families can be assured that their legacy is safe."

Las Vegas-based IDA Inc. coordinated the interior design elements. The theme is "European Tuscany."

The common areas include a lobby with a vaulted ceiling; dining room; wood-paneled library with a marble fireplace; hallways; game rooms; and several small sitting areas. They feature warm tones such as gold, cr¸me, rust and terra cotta. There is also a cyber café, a hair salon, barbershop and business center.

"The result of this blending of Tuscany and desert tones creates an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere where residents can socialize and partake in numerous planned and unplanned activities," Caldarello said.

An air-conditioned walkway links the common areas to the wellness center, which features exercise equipment, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a changing room and lap pool.

"Staying physically and mentally fit is a cornerstone of Las Ventanas," she said. "In addition to the exercise equipment, we'll be offering classes. ...

"Las Ventanas places its emphasis on residents maintaining their independence and vigorously encourages an active lifestyle. Yet at the same time, because we are a full-service life care community, Las Ventanas provides for residents needing extra assistance."

The apartments are designed in a zig-zag pattern.

"Our residents can go out on their patios or terraces and not be looking into their neighbors' apartments. Their daily living also is enhanced by housekeeping and linen service, all paid utilities (except telephone) and basic cable," Caldarello said.

The community, built on 17 acres, also features 60 assisted living apartments and suites plus a 60-bed skilled nursing center.

"Overall, Las Ventanas offers everything we need in a home and community at this stage of life," Rush said.

The community is at Town Center Drive and Charleston Boulevard. The information center is in Howard Hughes Plaza, 10000 W. Charleston Blvd. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment.

Las Ventanas is developed by Greystone Communities, Westport Senior Living and American Baptist Homes of the West.

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