Cottages fills niche for seniors

Concerned about local senior citizens, Donna and Cadry Genena created the Cottages of Green Valley, an assisted-living and memory-care residential development at 2620 Robindale Road in Henderson.

The community, built by Crescent Development Co., consists of four assisted-living cottages and three memory-care cottages with private courtyards, all set around a main courtyard. The Genenas, who manage the three dozen staff members of the facility, say it is a new concept in the valley.

"This concept has been so well received that we are in the process of completing our final phase of two additional memory-care cottages," Cadry Genena said.

Administrator Sue Weibel said the community serves people with mobility, sight and hearing impairment issues. The cottage design, she added, helps residents interact and keeps their spirits up.

"By being in a home-like atmosphere, the residents interact with each other like a family as they have done throughout their life," she said. "They eat as a family in their own cottage, rather than in a large dining room that might seat 100 or more people. They also gather for coffee with friends on their covered front porches and walk through the courtyards together."

The design of the premises includes no long corridors or elevators, and the cottage design allows staff to take care of fewer residents and be more familiar with them.

Donna Genena pointed out the importance of the activity department, which is headed by two full-time recreational therapists.

"When you reach your senior years, it's very important to remain active mentally, emotionally and physically," she said. "The activity directors are actually a motivational force. Residents really look forward to the various activities."

Residents are provided three meals a day, along with snacks. Because they live in their own cottage, they can keep their favorite items in the kitchen refrigerator, if they wish.

"It's just like home, but with 24-hour professional assistance." Cadry Genena said. "In fact, one resident said this was like home, only better."

For more information, visit the facility from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or schedule an appointment.

Real Estate home