Seniors enjoy apartments

With independent living, there are no restrictions on the residents. They may come and go as they place. Many have their own vehicles.

Autumn Place independent living in Pea Ridge has 20 apartments with four different sizes offered. Three of the apartment sizes are studio apartments -- one room with kitchen facilities. The largest apartment is a one-bedroom with a wall separating the bedroom from the rest of the apartment. There are a couple of vacancies now.

Sometimes, a senior citizen realizes they can no longer keep up with the demands of home ownership and selecte to move into the apartments themselves. Others rely on advice of a relative.

Betty May, 87, said her granddaughter found the independent living facility for her.

"The people are real nice here," May said. "I'd tell anyone asking that it would be wonderful to live here."

Lucille Morris, 88, is from Branson. She said her daughters found Autumn Place for her.

Mildred Morgan, 82, said she enjoys the flexibility of living in an apartment and having her meals prepared.

Three meals a day are provided with breakfast and lunch being the largest meals and a light supper served in the evening, manager Rozella McKinney said. In addition to the meals in the dining room, residents may provide meals and snacks in their own apartments. Each apartment has at least a mini-kitchen area, some have more than others.

McKinney said the smaller apartments allow for a toaster, coffee pot and microwave. The larger ones have a stove and refrigerator. Prices range from $1,100 to $1,900 for a one-bedroom apartment with that cost including utilities, basic television service, three meals a day and a once a week room cleaning. For an additional charge, a resident may have their laundry washed and dried. For those who prefer to do their own laundry, there are washers and dryers.

McKinney, who has been involved in health care for more than 45 years, said she often receives positive feedback about the facility.

"I was so impressed the other day when someone from way down south said they had heard that this was the best independent living facility in Northwest Arkansas," she said.

There is no staff at night, but there are pull cords for emergency assistance. Home health is also available.

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Editor's note: This is the final in a three-part series on Autumn Place, independent living.