Parkside Retirement Community offers seniors several choices for living, whether someone needs independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing, rehabilitation, home care, or just senior apartments, so there's a lot of flexibility depending on what folks need, and the apartments are all on one level with no stairs, which makes it easier for everybody to get around, and there's a 24-hour emergency call system and security for safety, and professional nurses do regular health checks and help as needed. If someone needs help with things like bathing, dressing, taking medicine, or getting around, Parkside has assisted living and skilled nursing care right on site with nurses and aides nearby, and they've got home care services through Bethesda Help at Home, so seniors can get some help without moving away from where they're comfortable. The memory care section is set up for people with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, with safe spaces and care that aims to keep everyone secure and low on confusion, and caregivers keep an eye out and help with walking, eating, and activities to try and reduce worry and wandering.
For folks who are still pretty independent but want a social spot with meals and help around the house, Parkside offers senior apartments with options for one or two bedrooms, and some come with garages for an extra fee, plus the basic stuff like cable, internet, water, and maintenance is already included, which is nice for keeping things simple. Meals get cooked on-site by chefs who pay attention to nutrition and special diets, and the dining rooms are big enough for group meals or family visits, and when you're not eating there's coffee time every day if people want to chat and relax. There's a big focus on activities-games, crafts, music, fitness, movies, and plenty of chances to get outside in the gardens or walks, and there's a sunroom, exercise room, library with a fireplace, and even a chapel for anyone wanting quiet or spiritual time. Folks can take part in outings and group trips with scheduled transportation, which makes it easier to get to appointments or events, and the building is all single-story so people don't have to climb stairs.
Besides that, Parkside works with programs such as Medicare, VA benefits, Medicaid waivers, property tax support, fresh produce vouchers, and the Older Americans Act, which helps a lot of seniors out with costs and services and means things like care, meals, and even energy bills can get some help if you qualify, and there's always staff around who are trained to keep a friendly and kind atmosphere so the place feels welcoming and supportive. Seniors who need short-term help or rehab after a hospital stay can stay in the skilled nursing area with physical therapy and health checks, and there are adult day services and respite help if a family caregiver needs a break or some extra support. Younger children go to the Bethesda Learning Academy, a daycare and preschool on the campus, though that piece isn't for seniors but can be handy for visiting family, and it shows that there's a multi-generational aspect on site.
The main thing at Parkside is how everything tries to make life easier and safer, with services like housekeeping, laundry, and transportation, plus amenities such as a beauty salon, barbershop, TV and game rooms, fitness center, gardens, and communal areas with comfortable places for folks to gather, relax, or play games. People have their own private bathrooms, most rooms have kitchens or kitchenettes, cable TV, phone, and Wi-Fi, and help is only a button away around the clock, so residents can focus on enjoying the day, making friends, and joining in as much-or as little-as they want, which tends to help people feel at home without feeling like anyone's rushing or pushing them.
