As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded of the many reasons we’re grateful for community, connection, and the sense of belonging that fills each day at Presbyterian Senior Living. Residents often share how much they love life in their community, from the friendships they’ve formed to the opportunities to stay active, engaged, and inspired. This season of gratitude is the perfect time to reflect on what makes PSL so special. Here are seven heartfelt reasons residents love calling a PSL Life Plan Community home — in their own words.
Active Senior Living That Inspires Every Day
Life at PSL is anything but routine. Residents enjoy a wide range of opportunities to stay active, whether it’s joining a morning fitness class, taking a stroll through beautifully landscaped walking paths, or participating in a lifelong learning program.
Jeanne, a resident at Westminster Village, Dover, DE, noted “There are so many activities, my calendar is always full.” Betsy G., a resident at Ware Presbyterian Village, Oxford, PA, agreed, “There’s a lot to do and it’s a lot of fun.”
While residents are encouraged to participate in the myriad activities, their level of involvement is up to them. “You can be as active as you want to be, or as inactive,” says Sharon E., from Quincy Village, Waynesboro, PA. “No one every pressured us to be either, or … We still are the managers of our own life.”
A Deep Sense of Safety and Security
Peace of mind is one of the greatest gifts PSL offers its residents. Safety is woven into every part of community life, from secure, well-designed campuses to team members who are available to assist when needed.
Residents and families alike value knowing that security. “What peace of mind we have knowing that we don’t have to worry about our future,” shared Ruth, who lives with her husband, Jack, at Presbyterian Village, Hollidaysburg, PA.
Others point to the ease of knowing their home is safe if they want to travel or need to be out of town for an extended period of time. “
Comfort That Feels Like Home
Every PSL community is designed to feel welcoming, comfortable and personal. From cozy apartments to spacious villas, each residence is thoughtfully planned. to support the lifestyle of the people who live there.
But it is also the people who live there that bring a sense of comfort and home to the community.
“I feel totally immersed in this community,” shares Robert, a resident at Pine Run Village, Doylestown, PA. “I never expected to feel this comfortable at this stage of my life. I am grateful on a daily basis for my fortune at being here.”
Janet, a resident at Green Ridge Village, Newville, agrees, “Before [coming to a senior living community], you live in your own little home and there comes a point where your neighbor stops coming by or may be come by occasionally.
“Here at Green Ridge, we live together. We’re a big family, supporting each other.”
The Joy of Friendship and Connection
At PSL, community means connection. Residents often describe the friendships they’ve formed as one of the most meaningful parts of their experience. Shared meals, special events, volunteer projects, and clubs all create opportunities to meet people who share similar interests and values.
"I like to be part of a community," says Todd, Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA. "There are lots of ways to connect here. I continue with my local community things but now that I'm here, it's nice to hang out with other folks who share the same interests."
"Where we lived before, we had great neighbors," says Richard, at Quincy Village. "but the interaction with them, you'd just wave as you were going down the driveway. Here, my goodness, they're a part of your life!"
His wife, Joy, adds, "There isn't any person on this street - or in the whole community - who I don't feel is a friend."
Another resident added, “We sit and we laugh. We chat and we tell jokes but it’s the connection. It’s the human connection built into the community.”
This sense of camaraderie helps residents feel more than just part of a community — it helps them feel part of a family.
Exceptional Dining in each Senior Living Community
Meals at Presbyterian Senior Living communities are about so much more than food. They’re about fellowship, flavor and nourishment for body and soul. From a casual bistro meal to a full-course gourmet experience, dining at PSL offers meals to match everyone’s tastes.
For example, Kirkland Village has three outstanding senior areas to accommodate the desires of the residents:
- The Marketplace Bistro, the Daily Grind and The Corner Shoppe are open seven days a week and offer daily casual settings.
- The Cherrywood Dining Room serves meals in an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Residents may choose their favorites from our extensive a la carte menu.
- The Skylight Lounge offers pub and a light fare menu. The Skylight also features our full bar service.
Meals and dining are frequently a daily highlight for many residents. At Ware Presbyterian Village, residents praise the dining team: “The meal choices are many and the food is delicious,” according to Richard and Nancy F. “We can dine in either the bistro [for a casual meal] or the dining room served by a great waitstaff.”
Betsy concurs about dining at Ware Presbyterian Village, “It’s being able to go out of your apartment and go downstairs and eat in a 5-Star restaurant. It’s very nice.”
In addition to weekly menus, PSL’s culinary teams excel at special occasions from holiday meals and themed dinners to hands-on wellness kitchen chats and chef demonstrations.
Levels of Care That Grow With You
One key aspect of a Life Plan Community like PSL is the assurance that additional care is available if needed. Residents can move through different levels of care — from independent living to personal care, skilled nursing, or memory support — all within the same community.
Kristie E. shared her experience at Ware Presbyterian Village: “My husband was facing some health challenges, so we moved here, and it was an excellent decision. Now he lives in the Health Center, which is just up the street. He’s happy to have me visit, but the important point is, his dog can visit every day.”
Over at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, PA, Phyllis shared her experience moving between levels of care, “I moved to Kirkland just a few months ago and I truly love this community, especially the connections I’ve made within the building I live.
I was nervous about going to the health center after surgery, but I’m grateful I did. The nurses, aides and staff have shown such compassion and care, and I feel at peace knowing my care can continue in the same community surrounded by the same people who genuinely care.”
PSL’s continuum of care ensures that residents receive personalized support tailored to their needs while maintaining the highest possible level of independence and dignity.
A Caring and Compassionate Senior Living Team
The heart of PSL is its people. Residents frequently express deep appreciation for the team members who go above and beyond each day — from dining and maintenance to wellness and healthcare.
From Independent Living through higher levels of care, residents and family members agree. Nancy said, “The staff at St. Andrew’s Village [Indiana, PA] was extremely helpful, kind and professional throughout the transition process, making the entire experience a positive one. Everyone has made me feel welcome.”
Carey N., the daughter of a Kirkland Village resident, shared, "Our mother started in independent living for 10 years, then, due to health issues, moved to Skilled Care and has been in Personal Care for three years.
"There is cooperation, coordination and an esprit de corps across the board, with support in all departments and team members."
PSL’s mission is rooted in service and compassion, and that dedication shines through in every interaction. The caring team helps create an environment where residents feel seen, valued, and respected.
A Season of Gratitude
As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the incredible people who make up our PSL communities: residents, team members, families, and friends. Together, we create a place where gratitude isn’t limited to a single season but is woven into daily life.
At Presbyterian Senior Living, the spirit of thankfulness lives all year long.
