We are pioneering a unique community of homes for assisted living and whole-person memory care.

Part of the “small house” movement in long-term care that is growing across the country and elsewhere, Villas at Killearn Lakes is a gated residential neighborhood of nine homes located off of Deerlake Road South in Killearn Lakes Plantation. The design, as well as the philosophy of care and organizational structure of “small house” communities, are distinct. Each of the nine Villas is designed from the exterior and interior as a residence, not a facility. Each Villa is approximately 7,000 square feet and features a plantation-style front porch. The grounds are park-like, complete with walkways, a water feature, and a gazebo. Plans are underway to develop substantial perimeter security for residents who may need cognitive cuing, while not limiting accessibility to the outdoors.

One of the key elements of “small house” design is to ensure that as much natural light as possible enters the home. At Villas at Killearn Lakes, the front entry for each home will include as much glass as possible without sacrificing a residential feel, while allowing for ample sunlight to enter in. In addition, high foyer windows have been incorporated into the design, and skylights, as well as multiple solar tube lights, are being researched for possible inclusion into the final specifications.

A commitment to a person-directed environment also means a commitment by the Villas to be licensed by the State of the Florida at the highest level possible – as an “extended congregate care” provider. This will enable residents to age in place and not have to relocate at the end of their lives unless it is their desire. This integration of care and environment is a hallmark of the "small house" model, where these two components of service provision are inseparable. The small house environment enables person-directed care, and person-directed care is enhanced by the small house environment.

Each Villa’s care partner to resident ratio will be approximately double that of traditional, larger assisted living facilities. There will be a minimum of two certified care partners during the day and evening hours and one certified care partner per house at night, providing a 1:6 care partner to resident ratio for 16 to 18 hours a day, and a 1:12 ratio during residents’ sleeping hours. This allows care partners the time to give a significant amount of personal attention to each resident. This staffing model also provides for more relationship-building, where trust and a bond are built between care partner and resident. Care partners are enabled to learn many unique needs that a resident might have and to know their individual preferences and habits. In memory care homes, these ratios will be even higher as residents require additional personalized attention.