The Birches of Lehigh Valley News

Caring for someone with dementia is not easy. The mainstream outlook consists of negative messaging compounded by stigma due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition.

The construction of our new community has been completed! As we await a visit from the state inspectors who will issue our license, we’re keeping busy helping our depositors select their new apartments, hosting events, and planning our grand opening celebration.

Our team began moving into their new offices inside the community during the past two weeks. While there are still some small details being worked on – like hanging pictures, touching up paint, and testing light fixtures – the construction phase is finally over! Once the state comes to inspect, they’ll issue our license and new residents can begin to move in.

Construction of The Birches is in the home stretch. New flooring has been placed in the large common spaces inside the main entrance, and finishes to the trim and lighting are almost completed in these areas.

Ho! Ho! Ho! We had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday with Santa and 200 guests from the local community during our Hard-Hat Tour and Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 16. Our new friends got a firsthand look at construction progress in our new community.

— Jillian Berry, marketing director

Shorter days. Less sunlight. Colder weather. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons and is often referred to as the ‘winter blues.’

Shorter days. Less sunlight. Colder weather. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons and is often referred to as the “winter blues.” For most people, symptoms start in the fall and continue through the winter months.

Our team has been busy getting to know people in the local community. In September, we held an informational brunch at The Palace Restaurant so people could ask questions about The Birches.

Our team has been busy getting to know people in the local community. In September, we held an informational brunch at The Palace Restaurant so people could ask questions about The Birches. We also hosted a mixer at Blue Grillhouseto network with other local professionals in the senior industry.

Since breaking ground before Thanksgiving last year, the building footprint is now in place. Memory Care is enclosed — under a roof — while work continues on the interior.

Since breaking ground before Thanksgiving last year, the building footprint is now in place. Memory Care is enclosed – under a roof – while work continues on the interior. The establishment of the first floor of Personal Care is complete, and the second-floor addition is underway.

July 22, 2023 — Gretchen Vakiener, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Determining the ‘right’ time to discuss senior living with a loved one is almost as difficult as the discussion itself.

Determining the “right” time to discuss senior living with a loved one is almost as difficult as the discussion itself. And, if you are a senior that is considering making a lifestyle choice, understanding the value of community life may help overcome the emotional resistance to making a change or leaving your home.

Plans to build a new personal care and memory care community at 5030 Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County were announced.

The Birches of Lehigh Valley will provide 93 units, 52 designated for personal care and 41 for memory care, and 90 employment opportunities once complete.

Groundbreaking on the proposed 57,654-square-foot community will occur on Thursday, Nov. 3, with the opening slated in fall 2023.

The location is approximately 8 miles from The Birches’ sister community, the award-winning independent living community, Traditions of Hanover, and roughly a mile from St Luke’s Anderson Campus.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring personal care and memory care to the Lehigh Valley, where we have an established reputation for a caring culture thanks to Traditions of Hanover. The Birches will provide a wonderful extension of services to support seniors across the Lehigh Valley who need assistance or have memory loss,” Kevin McCollum, the president of Heritage Senior Living LLC, said.

The Birches of Lehigh Valley will not require a buy-in fee. Seniors can choose from a variety of spacious apartment styles, including studios and deluxe studios, one-bedroom, or companion suites.

The monthly rent includes 24-hour personal care assistance, three meals a day, life enrichment program, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation to medical appointments and group outings, maintenance, utilities and other community amenities.

A gracious dining room allows residents to enjoy three sit-down meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with their neighbors and friends each day. The menu will include freshly prepared foods with alternatives to support varying diet restrictions.

McCollum noted the availability of in-house services for added convenience and peace of mind, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Prime amenities include relaxing outdoor spaces with a garden area, a bistro for happy hour celebrations, private dining to accommodate intimate family gatherings, a theater room, and a large activity center for crafting and cooking demonstrations.

In Daybreak, the secured memory care neighborhood, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia will have access to the same life-enhancing services of those in personal care, with added wellness benefits.

“We are excited to begin construction, but you can’t have a home without the people in it. Heritage Senior Living is looking forward to next year when we can welcome residents into their new home. As always, we remain dedicated to providing seniors with dignified care and exceptional services and amenities that will continue to support their independence, individuality, happiness, and health,” McCollum said.

Heritage Senior Living LLC manages 19 senior living communities, in total, throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. Constructing the project is a southeastern Pennsylvania-based general contracting company, Berks Ridge.