Seven Years Later: Why Betty and Lucy Love Life at Stoney Point Meadows

Wondering what life is really like at Stoney Point Meadows in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Residents Betty and Lucy share how friendships, activities, convenient amenities, and caring support have helped make the assisted living community feel like home for the past seven years.

For Betty, location played a large part in her decision to move to the senior living community when it opened in 2019. At the same time, Lucy was hesitant to leave her home, but her daughters encouraged her to give it a chance, and those in the community won her over quickly. Now, Betty, Lucy, and their neighbors enjoy community, convenience, and a sense of independence and peace of mind.

Finding the Right Place to Call Home

Betty had lived in the Cedar Rapids area for about 50 years, having raised her family there. Location and convenience were key for her. But, she found more than just a nice place to live.

“Everybody’s so friendly and anxious to help you any way they can,” Betty says. “I like the way the office is run. There are many, many things I like about this place.”

The fact that Stoney Point Meadows was brand new appealed to Lucy and her daughters Debbie and Tammy.

“She’s very shy and this was a new place, so everyone would be new and getting to know each other rather than her going into a place where everyone knew each other and she would be a new person trying to make friends,” Tammy says.

Location also played a role for Lucy because it was close to where she had been living and was convenient to move into.

Building Friendships that Feel Like Family

Lucy describes Stoney Point Meadows as “a happy place,” and she and others are happy to be there. One reason for that is that people can relate to each other.

“We’re all in a similar situation,” Lucy says.

Lucy especially bonded with a former original tenant named Marlene, who shared an interest in games like Rummikub. While she misses Marlene, she is grateful for the ongoing friendships she has made.

In addition to fellow tenants, Betty also likes to get to know those who visit the community, some of whom become neighbors.

“Kids come here from school and they have breakfast with us,” she says. “I like it when people come into this community and they think, ‘Gee, what’s going on down there?’ So, they check into it and, before you know it, they’re walking through the door. So, we enjoy it and we help them as much as we can to keep things going.”

Staying Active, Creative, and Engaged Every Day

Betty stays busy, and she likes it that way.

“I’m very busy,” she says. “… There’s just numerous things that we can do. And, if we want to go in and stay in our apartment and not do anything, that’s our choice. Some days you probably have to crash after being so busy. That’s what we do … You can keep busy all day or you can sit and read a book.”

Betty enjoys art projects, especially those she can display in her apartment or share with family.

“They mean a lot to me, the things I make I take to my apartment and give to my grandkids,” she says. “I have a good feeling about that.”

Betty has also worked on projects that have been displayed in the community. She says art classes are so popular that sometimes only standing room is available and tenants take turns working on projects.

Lucy takes part in morning exercise daily and enjoys social hours, entertainment, and a little bit of pampering, such as haircuts in the salon and pedicures.

Memorable Moments Over the Years

Lucy and Betty have many fond memories, especially a particularly memorable community prom.

The tenants planned everything, from the centerpieces and decorations to the playlist and the theme: “Where the Meadows Meet the Moon.”

“I’m not a dancer. I had fun watching,” Lucy says. “It was very nice.”

“The planning process was two months or better and they were a part of it,” says Jill, the sales director. “That played into the anticipation.”

Everyday moments matter, too.

Movie nights in the community’s theater, live entertainment, seasonal traditions, and holiday displays also have a special place in Betty’s heart.

“When we have a holiday and put all the flags out, it’s beautiful,” she says. “I know when people go by, they go ‘Ooh’ and ‘Aah.’”

Convenience and Independence in Assisted Living

Stoney Point Meadows offered more than a convenient location. Residents also appreciated having services, amenities, and activities close at hand. This includes an on-site salon and barber shop, therapy services through Bluestone Therapy, a library and outdoor paths around a pond.

These amenities allow residents to enjoy so many experiences without leaving the community.

“I don’t have to drive or worry about traffic,” Betty says. “It’s just nice to know you don’t have to get a coat on or anything like that to do your next thing.”

When they do need to travel elsewhere, there is transportation available for appointments and outings.

Peace of Mind for Loved Ones

Lucy’s daughters say she is doing much better than before she moved into Stoney Point Meadows.

“When she lived alone, she was depressed but didn’t know it,” Debbie says. “It took a toll on her physical health. She’s happier and healthier than I’ve seen her in ages.”

Debbie emphasizes how the care and support Lucy received reduced worry, even during difficult times.

“Especially during COVID and the derecho, it was peace of mind that she didn’t have to go out and fend for herself in stores,” she says. “She was taken care of, safe, and healthy. She’s treated like a princess. She’s taken care of us all these years. It’s time for someone to take care of her.”

What Makes Stoney Point Meadows Special

When asked what makes this senior living community special, Lucy just laughs and says, “Everything. It’s a real good place to be.”

Betty adds that she appreciates the convenient, beautiful location surrounded by nature.

“We have a big lawn, a lot of trees and we can go around the pond for exercise,” she says.

But the real difference makers are the people who call this community home and those who support them.

“Everybody’s friendly here,” Lucy says.

Debbie echoes that sentiment.

“Everybody is so personable here,” she says. “Every time I come here, I’m greeted. It’s a very positive experience.”

From personal experience at a different family member’s senior living community, she knows that is not always the case. She appreciates how welcome both residents and family members feel when they visit.

A Place to Belong

After seven years, Betty and Lucy continue to enjoy the friendships, activities, independence, and support that make Stoney Point Meadows feel like home—a firsthand answer to what life in this community is really like.

To experience the community that Betty, Lucy, Tammy, and Debbie rave about, contact us to schedule your visit. Betty often talks to visitors and would love to share her experience with you.