Mount Vernon of Elizabeth sat on top of a hill at 145 Broadlawn Drive in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, where you'd look out across nine acres of landscaped grounds and rolling hills, and when the sun was setting, the view stretched for miles, or at least that's how it used to look, since the community's now permanently closed, but folks remember how the single-story building didn't have any stairs or elevators, which really made things easier for anyone who had trouble getting around, and the staff, many with over 15 years at the community, kept things friendly, with a home-like atmosphere and rooms, both private and companion, each one with a powder room and emergency call system in case you needed help. There were five levels of care from independent living to complete assistance with daily life, like bathing, dressing, and taking medicine, and the aides and nurses were always around-nurses on staff, doctor on call, visiting therapists, and home care if needed, even for folks with memory problems since there was a secure memory care area meant to help those who might wander or get confused, complete with special alarms and technology to keep them safe. The facility also supported residents who needed mechanical lifts or had trouble with mobility, took care of folks with diabetes and those managing incontinence, and offered all meals without added salt or concentrated sweets, plus the dining room was a gathering spot for three meals a day with options for guest dining.
The senior living community focused on engaging residents with all sorts of daily activities, outings, and events, whether it was stretching classes, gardening, cooking, trivia, art, or Wii bowling, and there was always something happening both inside and out in the gardens and outdoor spaces, which were all wheelchair accessible, offering full tubs or showers. People also found comfort in the quiet rooms for reading or using high-speed internet, and there was a library, plus spaces for arts and crafts or games like Bingo, while some rooms came with phone hookups. Housekeeping, laundry, and linen services were included, and there was a beautician onsite, guest and resident parking, and even transportation for trips at an extra cost. Respite care, hospice services, and support for aging in place were available, as well as home care options and support for those at risk of eloping or who might act out due to memory issues, and whether you needed a little or a lot of help, the staff there could assist, with care for light, medium, and heavy needs, always there 24 hours a day. The memory care building was designed to protect folks who wandered, often using bracelets and computerized alerts to keep everyone safe, and there were different social, religious, physical, and mental activities to help everyone feel included, with planned trips, music, magic shows, and devotional services.
Meals focused on good nutrition, and there was always a meal plan balancing vitamins and minerals, plus anytime dining and guest meal options. The facility handled medication reminders, managed diabetic therapies, and had a secure environment both inside and out, with both indoor and outdoor communal areas. With multilingual support, mainly in English, the community made it easy for all residents to get involved no matter their needs, balancing independence and assistance, and while the facility's now closed, its reputation for kindness, stability in staff, and a caring approach to seniors needing assisted and memory care left a strong impression in the community.
