Story and Photo by
Richard Stephens, Jr.
The Autumn House at 500 Adair Blvd, Midwest City, is a pleasant, affordable, independent living apartment community for people age 62 and older, offering lots of activities, amenities and assistance to enhance seniors’ well-being. Shari Lopp, the Executive Director, said, “Our goal is to provide affordable, clean, well-managed housing for seniors.”
The 175 apartments and studios contain about 500 square feet, 18 being handicap equipped, in two, high-rise apartments. Several residents told Lopp, “I feel so safe here because I know they (burglars) can’t get in the building.” A security system locks doors to non-residents who must telephone residents or the office to be allowed in.
Apartments
Apartments consist of a bedroom, bathroom, refrigerator, stove and two entry closets and windows. Free wi-fi provides internet service for one’s computer. No dishwasher is provided and residents bring their own microwave.
Bedrooms are equipped with a pull string to notify an on-site day and night monitor of urgent needs. It’s a highly useful benefit – and lifeline. The monitor also lets visitors in and out and watches security cameras.
Extras
There’s lots of amenities: a central laundromat and recreation room in each of the two apartment buildings, on-site beauty salon/barber shop, two dog parks and a library. One can walk to Rose State College, Dollar General and the large Town Center Plaza to shop.
General information
Autumn House doesn’t allow tobacco or medicinal cannabis use. Visitors can stay with residents for a week at a time with extensions possible. Small pets under 25 pounds are allowed.
Rent and utilities
Living at Autumn House is very affordable because rent is subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a federal agency. “It’s income based which makes it different for each resident,” Lopp said. “We pay all utilities except electric. They pay their own electric bill and that’s it. But that we do give them a utility allowance for that, which amounts right now to about $40 (a month).” In an email she further explained, “For us to calculate rent we will need to verify all income including social security, any retirement income such as a pension etc…The rent is roughly 30% of the resident’s gross monthly income.”
Activities
“We have a full-time Activities Coordinator,” Lopp stated, who is Sara Parker. “She leads Brain Games, which is a memory retention program, she does all that kind of educational experience…all kinds of crafts. And we have a sewing group. We have a book club.”
During my visit, seven residents watched a video about the Philippines in the craft room. It’s called Armchair Travel. Celsa Jones, a Pilipino resident, baked lumpia and Parker bought Pilipino food samples from a restaurant. Everyone enjoyed the snack and video and afterwards, discussed places they’d visited.
January’s calendar also listed Brain and Wii Games, movies, bingo, church services, dice and card games, a rhythm exercise class and crafts. Parker said she leads activities because it “encourages participation and helps the residents feel more comfortable.” There’s a lot to bring people together, who are predominately single, to stimulate mind, body and build friendships.
Feedback
Bobby Carr, a four-month resident, likes living there. “It’s great! It’s a good deal for the price. The people are friendly and easy to talk to.” Alma Rindle, age 85, also values Autumn House. “I enjoy being here because I love to color (coloring books), and doing word search puzzles. On Fridays, I look at movies. I do like lots of crafts…and bingo with Sarah.” Rindle fell and fractured her ankle about Jan 14. She made a telephone call directly to Autumn House’s 24/7 on-site monitor, who quickly called for an ambulance to come and take her to the hospital.
Service Coordinator
Lopp appreciates her full-time Service Coordinator, Connie Melton. “Her main purpose here is to connect people with needs to community resources. So, she spends her days signing people up for food stamps…on the Meals on Wheels program….if you need transportation to the doctor…She spent the last months…making sure they understand Medicare, Medicaid, and the enrollment period. …”
I asked Shari Lopp if she could provide her Top 3 reasons to live at Autumn House. She replied quickly, “It’s affordable, we offer so many services to enhance life” and third, “We are a secure facility that offers peace of mind to the residents and their families.” Those and many others keep the vacancy rate low and satisfaction high.
For more information, visit www.autumnhousemwc.com. For leasing information, contact Joyce George or Sherry Lopp at 405-732-0644.
