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Waugh said one of Liberty Ridge ’ s goals is to keep residents comfortable and happy in a faith-based environment . The staff is instrumental in meeting this goal . Extensive training enables caregivers to perform their duties in a way that promotes maximum independence , dignity and individual preference for residents .
“ One of our qualifications for working here is you must have a servant ’ s heart ,” Waugh said . “ It ’ s hard to come in here day after day and deal with people with memory loss . That does take a special kind of person . But we have people who come in here every day no matter what and they have a big smile on their faces , and our residents really appreciate that . We just have some of the greatest people with the biggest hearts .”
In 2006 , Easy Living Garden Homes were added to the neighborhood . These homes are geared for independent senior adults .
“ Most of the people that live in the garden homes are older ,” Brinegar said . “ They ’ re more independent . They typically will age in place there , but we do see some people that graduate over to assisted living and memory care .” If someone lives in a garden home , they automatically get priority to move into assisted living or memory care when necessary , and they get a 5-percent discount for life .
The garden homes have 1,200 to 1,300 square feet with two bathrooms , two bedrooms , a washer and dryer hook-up and a sunroom out back . Garden home residents have full access to the Liberty Ridge amenities .
“ They can come use the dining room whenever they like , and all the activities that we do for the assisted community , the independent living folks also join in on those ,” Brinegar said .
Being strongly faith-based is another aspect of Liberty Ridge that appeals to seniors who are considering moving there .
“ Residents don ’ t have to be a member of Eastland Church and they don ’ t have to be a Christian , but we don ’ t shy away from that faith-based perspective ,” Brinegar said .
A long-term master plan for Liberty Ridge includes the possibility of expanding the garden homes and making an addition to the assisted living facility to include luxury apartments and a purpose-built memory care neighborhood , as well as a chapel . Currently , weekly worship services are held in the dining room .
“ We ’ re hoping eventually to provide nursing care and rehab on site , so if we did that we would certainly see the need to expand ,” Brinegar said .
Liberty Ridge is a non-profit entity that is open to people of all faiths . For more information , call Brinegar at ( 859 ) 543-9449 to arrange a tour or visit Liberty Ridge ’ s Web site at www . libertyridge . com .