Mount Angel Towers
Elevating Senior Living Quality and Value

Several studies indicate that up to one-fifth of the U.S. population will reach 65 years of age by 2050. As a result, the Senior Living industry is booming, with many well-funded national and regional corporations owning most facilities. This has pushed Senior Living to employ professional managers and implement technology-enabled systems.

The unintended side-effect is many communities have lost local decision-making because they are subject to corporate policies and cost-efficiency measures. There are, however, a few communities that have taken advantage of the advances in technology and professional management while maintaining local control. This combination has enabled certain organizations to better meet Residents’ needs and provide a truly excellent Senior Living experience.

Delivering just that is Mount Angel Towers, a family-owned property in Willamette Valley, Oregon, where Seniors enjoy the wide range of amenities and services offered by attentive local, professional managers. Mount Angel Towers has invested in technology systems to boost back-office efficiency, including a cloudbased accounting system, billing system, payroll system, medication management system, and service plan delivery system. However, it maintains high-touch operations to maximize residents’ independence and comfort.

Capturing the essence of a community that prioritizes the well-being of residents, Stefanie Fenton, the dedicated owner of Mount Angel Towers, emphasizes a philosophy that distinguishes it from the typical corporate approach. She states, “I know that many Senior Living entities call themselves facilities, but we are fostering a community that our Residents call home. So, we see our work differently. We work where they live, so all of our work is about making this a great place to live.”

Described as a ‘cruise ship-like experience on land,’ the community exemplifies the best of Senior Living. During a time when facilities are cutting back services to save money, Mount Angel Towers funds a broad program of amenities and services. In both their Independent Living and Assisted Living options, the community offers housekeeping, maintenance, a 24/7 front desk, on-site religious services, transportation, a full calendar of activities, a gym, fitness classes, entertainment, meals prepared from scratch, and 10 acres of landscaped grounds.

The culinary experience at Mount Angel Towers is outstanding. Residents enjoy a menu crafted by chefs who create brunch and dinner entrees based on their Residents’ tastes and seasonal favorites. Unlike other places with extremely limited dining hours and table service, Mount Angel Towers offers restaurant-style dining, including a fresh salad bar, daily specials, and homemade desserts.

Mount Angel Towers’ commitment to understanding and addressing the unspoken needs of residents lies at the heart of its success. Powered by a long-standing staff, the team is adept at handling a spectrum of tasks, from common chores to individualized activities. Mount Angel Towers provides on-the-job training programs to bolster the staff’s skills. The Management Team meets multiple times every week to coordinate work across departments to ensure Resident needs are addressed in both Independent and Assisted Living.

Mount Angel Towers’ fundamental belief is that attentiveness bridges the gap between the voiced and unvoiced Residents’ needs. Most facilities use a self-service model in Independent Living and only provide support once a Resident receives higher care in Assisted Living. Mount Angel Towers has implemented explicit systems for noticing subtle declines, even on the Independent Living side, and discussing those changes with Residents and their families. This has made a positive difference for many Residents.

In one instance, a resident living in the Independent Living area started to self-isolate. After talking with the Resident, the team noticed the change and learned that showering and dressing were becoming burdensome due to her mobility issues. So, she had stopped leaving her apartment, but she had not connected “the dots” about needing more care.

After some discussions, this Resident shifted to the Assisted Living area. The staff completed an assessment and a personalized care plan in which the Resident paid only for the care she needed. The Resident got the help she needed and soon was back out socializing with her friends in the community. This ultimately improved her cognition and quality of life.

With a simple yet powerful goal of offering great food and fostering friendships in a tranquil country setting, Mount Angel Towers seamlessly blends tech-driven and traditional management systems. This, coupled with a multi-generational team, creates a sustainable haven where Seniors feel safe, engaged, supported, and independent.