This year Warwick Forest marks 30 years of providing upscale retirement living and residential services for the area’s aging adults. As a part of Riverside Health System, the continuing care retirement community, initially only an independent living community, opened its doors in 1988. Today, the community also provides assisted living, memory care, long-term care and rehabilitation.
While the basic formula has remained the same—first class amenities and expert health care—the details have undergone many transformations. “The greatest changes have been the expansion of our services by adding all levels of care,” shares Warwick Forest administrator Ginger Knight, who has a 16-year history of working with the community. “We’ve also added an incredible variety of amenities over the years, including a putting green, renovated movie theater, indoor pool and so many others.”
The community’s list of services reads more like those of a resort vacation or luxury cruise. “We feel it’s important to offer activities that will appeal to every possible taste,” Marketing Director Andrea Staskiel explains. “And if we’re going to provide a program, we are not going to do it halfway. Our residents deserve the best of the best.”
There is no shortage of those programs: a lifelong learning partnership with Christopher Newport University, lectures, live music, overnight trips to locations like Washington, D.C. and an adventure club leading excursions like whitewater rafting, just to name a few.
“The residents and staff - we’re truly a family,” Ms. Staskiel says. “It’s more than just a day job for all of our team members.
“While our residents love getting involved in those big, eye-catching events, it’s really the day to day details that enrich their lives the most,” adds Ms. Knight. “Some of my favorite memories are our special traditions, like the annual Christmas tree lighting and our anniversary celebrations. In fact, we just celebrated a team member who has worked here for 30 years!”
A unique relationship with Riverside Health System also allows Warwick Forest a way to enhance their medical services. Recent “Top Doc” and Warwick Forest Medical Director Dr. Emmeline Gasink sees patients at the onsite medical clinic, exclusively for residents. “Our residents really appreciate the attention and personalized care they receive at our clinic since it’s only available to residents. We provide everything from sick visits to full primary care services. Not many communities offer this level of medical care right on campus.”
Warwick Forest will celebrate this milestone anniversary March 22 with leaders from Riverside and the community.