Author: Amee McGough

With the landscape of senior living transforming, residents feel empowered to choose the lifestyle they desire while considering their health and safety. This transformation has opened the door to an exciting reality of seniors remaining in residential settings rather than dated and institutional environments. The idea of “aging in place” emphasizes a lifestyle promoting freedom, companionship and personalized care. Seniors, ages 65 and above, account for 17% of the American population making the need for distinct spectrum of care services evident.

This forward-thinking philosophy was showcased at a recent presentation on “The Future of Care” for The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) VIPs given by Joni Watson, Forefront Living’s Director of Business Development. Her presentation emphasized the importance of seniors living at the level they prefer, while having access to the resources necessary to live a life of vitality and health. Joni explained each level including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, personal assistant care and hospice.

One remarkable shift in senior care is the declining need for long-term care services. Seniors today are healthier, more vibrant and living longer than ever before, thanks to innovations in medicines, therapies and technology.

OAW understands that while the need for long-term care nursing services has decreased, a demand for short-term nursing services remains, particularly during recovery from health incidents. Should circumstances necessitate nursing care, OAW will assist residents in finding the most suitable long-care facility. OAW will continue to evaluate the necessity for nursing services, reflecting the community’s dedication to remaining responsive to the changing landscape of senior care for their future residents.

In the next six weeks, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) construction progress will include:

• Framing roof of Independent Living building
• Setting windows in the Commons, Assisted Living and Independent Living buildings
• Continue exterior and interior work on Cottages
• Framing roof of Assisted Living building

In the next six weeks, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) construction progress will include:

• Framing Independent Living building, floors 3-5
• Electrical boxing and plumbing top out in Independent Living building
• Complete trusses in commons area of Independent Living building
• Continue metal framing for Assisted Living/Memory Care building
• Finish roofing of Cottages
• Continue waterproofing Cottages

The most recent “Inside the Outlook” installment of the lifestyle series, held on July 12, in Historic Downtown Plano, was a huge success, hosted especially for The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) VIPs. The event focused on all things culinary and was attended by a crowd of 115 VIPs, showcasing the community’s peaked interest in their future home. Ke’o Velasquez, Forefront Living’s (FL) Corporate Director of Operations, delivered an insightful presentation entitled “A Taste of The Outlook,” featuring a delicious dive into the future OAW culinary program as well as a comprehensive overview of FL’s commitment to service of excellence in hospitality.

During the lunchtime event, Ke’o highlighted the importance of creating memorable resident experiences as opposed to merely providing good customer service. He illustrated the concept of these types of experiences by sharing some of the innovative culinary offerings currently available at Presbyterian Village North, OAW’s sister community. These include interactive kitchen tours, culinary educational demonstrations, monthly ladies and men’s specialty dinners, a kids menu featuring delicious and child-friendly fare, festive holiday celebrations and in-house catering offerings for special occasions. Throughout the presentation, Ke’o emphasized that VIPs could look forward to similar exciting resident offerings at OAW.

A mouth-watering small plates menu was crafted by the talented PVN Culinary team who also paired specialty cocktails and spirits for VIPs to experience an enhanced tasting representative of OAW’s future Bistro, Wine Bar and Main Dining Room. The gourmet and diverse menu included four sweet and savory stations featuring vegetarian, gluten-free and traditional bites, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy! Read below for the detailed menu itemization.

To view the service of excellence presentation on FL’s YouTube channel, please contact Rachel McGowan, OAW Marketing Assistant at rmcgowan@nullForefrontLiving.org or (972) 996‑3887.

To read more about the “Inside the Outlook” series, click here.

Station 1: Wine Bar Concept

Salmon Pops with Lemon Twists and Citrus Dill Mignonette Sauce GF

Roasted White Grape and Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini VEG

Pairing ~ Chenin Blanc Wine

Station 2: Café Concept

Mini Chicken Club Slider

BBQ Jackfruit Slider VEG

Pairing ~ Local Buzz Golden Ale

Station 3: Steakhouse Style IL Dining Concept

Beef Wellington Canape and Horseradish Crema

Dive-Free Scallops and Sunchoke Pea Puree VEG/GF

Pairing ~ Classic Mint Julep

Station 4: Dessert Station

Strawberry & Raspberry Tart

Rainbow Macaroons GF

White Chocolate Mousse and Lemon Curd Parfaits VEG/GF

Pairing ~ Lemon Drop Martini