50+ Lifestyles

Ridgecrest Village, My Home

By Gary Heath

I moved into Ridgecrest Village for seniors in Davenport in late summer, 2020. I chose an apartment overlooking the driveway that circles under a porte-cochere that shelters the main entrance to residences for seniors, denoted as Eastridge, Northridge, and Terrace. (Some prefer one of several cottages a short walk from the main campus.) I enjoy from my kitchen a continuous view of activities, as staff come and go at all hours in their 24 hour service to me and the other residents. Always on duty is a staff member at the front door, ready to welcome visitors and build friendships with residents. The staff at the front door are likely where you will experience your first Ridgecrest smile, or at least one of the first, as those who show prospective residents around are very genuinely friendly. I have written several poems inspired by my view of our campus, published in the Ridgecrest weekly newsletter. More of my poetry appears monthly in 50 + LIFESTYLES, a magazine I serve as poet-in-residence. Pick up a copy today; free in participating area stores in Iowa and Illinois.

Ridgecrest residents enjoying the Gazebo in the Village Green

I wish to emphasize that Ridgecrest is an affordable choice. I am getting great value for what I pay here to live the good life in this CCRC, initialism for Continuous Care Retirement Community, the only one in the QCA. I like the activities and cuisine on offer and the many opportunities to socialize with other residents as well as staff. Everyone here is ready and willing to enhance your life, most particularly our Life Enrichment Director.

A great time watching a spirited competition of egg toss

I am an aficionado of our Fitness Center; I work out regularly and am in much better shape for it. I will happily finish my days here. Our on-campus nursing staff assists in this regard as does our most engaging and popular chaplain, as well as everyone else, resident and staff. In every hall here, one is swacked by a great big smile, a vibrant, lively environment I really appreciate. Age is highly prized and venerated on this campus; the Ridgecrest culture is a special package of ideals practiced daily by a great staff who go the extra mile for us. Two examples: Ridgecrest employs drivers to take you free to any health-related appointments; and, housekeeping makes your apartment sparkle. As gravity works its way on me, I love these services. I have much more praise for Ridgecrest, but I have a word limit. Come visit our campus. You will be happy you did. We are the best retirement community, I think, in the QCA. And read my poems in 50+ LIFESTYLES. They might inspire you to join us!