A Family’s Journey with Stoney Point Meadows

Choosing senior living is one of the most emotional decisions a family can make. For Jeff, the journey with his parents Rich and Marge included moments of uncertainty, transition and ultimately relief. Their experience at Stoney Point Meadows offers insight into what compassionate, person-centered care can look like.

So, when asked if he would recommend Stoney Point Meadows to others considering senior living Cedar Rapids has to offer, Jeff doesn’t miss a beat.

“I have no qualms. I have nothing but good things to say,” Jeff says.

That confidence is rooted in a relationship that began in 2021, when his parents, Rich and Marge, made the decision to move into the community.

A Storied History in Cedar Rapids

Rich and Marge married in 1956 and moved to Cedar Rapids in 1968, where Rich taught math and became the first coach of the baseball and basketball programs at Kirkwood Community College. Marge also worked at Kirkwood as a librarian for many years.

Rich, never shy, stayed active outside the classroom too. He officiated high school sports and earned recognition in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame. Marge, quieter by nature, balanced him out.

They raised their family in a home they lived in for more than 40 years before downsizing to a condo. Though they spent a few winters as snowbirds, Cedar Rapids was always home.

Choosing Stoney Point Meadows

Rich and Marge hemmed and hawed over moving to assisted living for a while. Jeff remembers his parents considering it several times before finally feeling ready.

“Finally, one day, he came over and said, ‘OK, yeah, we’re going to do it. We’re going to move to Stoney Point Meadows,’” Jeff recalls.

Jeff felt supported by the Stoney Point Meadows team throughout the process.

“From the get-go, I thought the transparency and communication was really good,” Jeff says. “They worked with us every step of the way. That was really great.”

A Warm Welcome

The Stoney Point Meadows’ team allowed Rich and Marge to move into the community on their terms.

Just a few days after the big move, they celebrated Rich’s 86^th birthday in the common room.

“The chef came out and grilled,” Jeff says. “It was very service-oriented, and we felt well taken care of. That was the initial experience.”

It set the tone for everything that followed.

From Reluctant to Thriving

Although Marge initially hesitated to move to a retirement community, the change had an unexpected effect.

“When she moved into Stoney Point Meadows, she just blossomed,” Jeff says. “She was doing all the activities, always smiling, always joking with people. It gave her a new lease on life.”

Jeff credits the activities team for helping Marge feel engaged, connected and welcomed.

Times of Transition

Just six months after moving to Stoney Point Meadows, Rich’s family had to start searching for nursing home options for him, as he required more care.

“They were very supportive,” Jeff says of the Stoney Point Meadows team. “They helped us navigate where to go for skilled care.”

As Marge began living alone, Jeff says he had no concerns.

“The level of attention and care and belonging Stoney Point Meadows shows consistently made it so that I had no worries about her being there,” Jeff says. “I knew she was well taken care of and I still know that.”

As Marge’s needs shifted, she transitioned to a one-bedroom apartment, and eventually, it became clear memory care would be the best fit.

The Move to Memory Care

Jeff remembers a conversation with Brandi, the director of health services. They agreed that a move to memory care would be prudent. So, when a memory care apartment came open a few weeks later, they made the move.

“I never felt pressured and we felt we were making the decision together,” Jeff says.

He credits Brandi for having a plan to make a smooth transition and says the memory care team helped carry it out.

Staying Active in Memory Care

Even before moving to memory care, Marge spent time visiting and doing activities with memory care residents. That familiarity made her eventual move feel natural and comfortable.

Now, she enjoys a variety of activities, especially musical performances and both Catholic and nondenominational services.

And the sense of community remains one of her favorite parts of life at Stoney Point Meadows.

“If I take her for a walk, people are like, ‘Hey, Margie!’” Jeff says. “Stoney Point Meadows has given her things to do and people to see.”

A Place Where Families Can Feel at Ease

Jeff’s experience with Stoney Point Meadows is shaped by moments big and small. Through every transition, he says the team showed patience, compassion and a genuine commitment to his parents’ wellbeing.

For families navigating senior living decisions, Jeff hopes they know what he discovered firsthand: their loved one will be cared for by people who see them as individuals, who communicate openly, and who walk alongside them as needs change.

“Just that little sense of caring no matter what the situation is really shines through in my mind,” Jeff says.

And for Jeff, the peace of mind that comes from that approach has made all the difference.

If you’re exploring senior living options for someone you love, our team is here to answer questions, share resources, and help you navigate next steps.