The Highlands at Pittsford

The Highlands at Pittsford sits on 52 acres just north of Marsh Road, not far from shops, restaurants, the Erie Canal, Schoen Place, and the Pittsford Library, with tree-lined streets and landscaped grounds where people often walk or bike, because there's lots of sidewalks and trails, and everything feels calm and green in that part of Rochester, NY. This senior community has several types of living options, like one- or two-bedroom apartments at Hahnemann Square, or two-bedroom patio homes in The Cottages, which look like the rest of Pittsford, and there are nearly a dozen floor plans so most people can find what they need, and there's no outdoor maintenance to worry about. For those who need it, The Living Center has skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, assisted living at Laurelwood Assisted Living, and round-the-clock memory care at Laurel Way Memory Care, which offers private baths and kitchenettes, because people's needs change, and it's important they can stay in one community. The Highlands provides care for people recovering from surgery or illness, offers help with laundry, bathing, grooming, and medication management, and gives respite care for family members who might need a short break.

This place has an on-site doctor's office and is partnered with UR Medicine and the University of Rochester Medical Center, so there's physicians and nurses always around, and it offers regular medical services right on campus. There's a big wellness center with a full gym, a pool that has an underwater treadmill, a whirlpool, a fitness class area, a refreshment bar, plus a beauty salon, so residents, no matter the level of care, can keep up with exercise or treat themselves to a haircut. There's two on-site restaurants alongside several dining and gathering spaces, so meals are easy, and the dining program uses farm-fresh organic and Amish-sourced foods when possible. Social life stays busy, with outings, tech and computer classes every Monday and Friday, an annual Antique Car Show, happy hours at The Highland Pub, and worship services. The partnership with the University of Rochester brings weekly "UR Always Learning" lecture series and other talks from faculty, which many people appreciate, and there are lots of volunteer opportunities too.

People can choose independent living apartments or cottages if they want things simple but still close to help if needed, and they can change to assisted living or get memory care if necessary, or even short-term rehab if recovering from illness, since everything's connected right on the campus. There's a memory care unit with eight apartments, two registered nurses, and staff on site at all times, so families know someone's always watching out for them. The grounds are open, so people who enjoy being outside can walk or ride bikes, and there are trails meant for going out with friends or by themselves. Social activities, lifelong learning programs, and wellness programs all focus on the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, which the staff believes covers more than just health, and they try to make sure everyone has a chance to stay interested and engaged. The Highlands has a nonprofit mission and has served the area for over 25 years, aiming to give a safe, supportive place for people as they get older, with a focus on comfort, care, and community on every level.