Barbara Norris, a Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community resident, has always known Cincinnati as home. Even during her time away—for work and travel—she planned to return. But as time passed, Barbara reached a point where she needed additional support with memory care. Finding the right community—one that could provide both the dignity of independence and the security of specialized care—became essential. When the time came, Marjorie P. Lee was the natural choice.
A Place That Feels Like Home
"I always knew I was going to come back here when I retired," Barbara recalls. Her deep connection to Cincinnati, its familiar surroundings, and her family played a huge role in her decision to move to Marjorie P. Lee. However, more than nostalgia drew her here; it was the sense of security, community, and comprehensive care that set it apart.
Her cousin Kathy Gibbons, who lives nearby, echoes this sentiment. "It just seems so much more efficient to be in a community where you have your own independent living situation, but also have what you need already here." Knowing that Barbara was in a place where memory care support was available whenever she needed it provided immeasurable peace of mind to her family.
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Living Life to the Fullest
Soon after she moved to Marjorie P. Lee in 2023, Barbara quickly found her favorite spot—the heated, indoor pool and spa. "I really like the pool," she says enthusiastically. "Sometimes I swim laps, sometimes I just float. It’s peaceful."
Her love for swimming isn’t new. It actually stems from her high school days as a lifeguard. Now, at Marjorie P. Lee, she continues to find joy in the water, keeping active in a way that suits her best.
But beyond swimming, Barbara has rediscovered the simple joys of companionship. Whether joining the community choir, attending an educational talk, or simply enjoying an afternoon outside on the patio by the gardens, she’s found plenty of opportunities to stay engaged.
A Community That Cares
Barbara’s brother Chuck Norris and cousin Kathy have witnessed firsthand the difference Marjorie P. Lee has made in her life. Their family had previously tried another senior living community, but the experience was disappointing. "It did not meet our expectations in any way," Chuck recalls. "Now we're here, and it's like day and night. This is a wonderful community. The people and the care have been great."
One of the biggest concerns for families with aging loved ones is ensuring they have access to the right care as their needs evolve. At Marjorie P. Lee, that concern is put to rest. "It makes us feel more secure knowing Barbara is living somewhere that, as her needs change, she has that support," Kathy explains. "The staff here, nurses, and other experts are all trained to help. That makes a huge difference."
The Right Balance of Independence and Support
For Barbara, one of the best aspects of her home is the balance it provides between independence and assistance. "I have my own apartment. I make my own choices. But if I need anything, help is right here," she says.
Chuck agrees. "This place gives her privacy. She’s not herded around. She has a home where she can live the way she wants to. That’s so important."
That independence extends beyond her apartment walls. Marjorie P. Lee encourages residents to engage at their own pace. Barbara chooses which activities she wants to participate in: an afternoon walk, a learning workshop, or a choir rehearsal. "If there’s an activity I’m not interested in, I just bring my knitting and sit in," she says with a smile.
Memory Care with Dignity
As Barbara and her family have learned, not all memory care communities are created equal. Their prior experience with another facility revealed the stark contrast between Marjorie P. Lee and other options. "At the other location, there was no privacy, no sense of home," Chuck says. "Barbara was reclassified for memory care, and the difference between Marjorie P. Lee and the other community was incredible. Here, she has her own room, her own space. She isn’t just placed in a room with a TV turned on for her. She has a life."
Her cousin, Kathy, who has experience in senior housing development, points out that not all communities provide the same level of quality throughout their continuum of care. "In some places, the level of care can differ dramatically between independent living, assisted living, and memory care. But here, the quality remains consistent across all levels of care. That really matters."
A Place for Family, A Place for Life
One of the most rewarding aspects of Barbara’s transition to Marjorie P. Lee is the impact it has had on her relationships with her family. With day-to-day concerns about caregiving lifted, their visits are now about enjoying time together. "We go out for lunch, we watch movies, she’s teaching me to knit," Kathy shares. "We get to be family again, without the stress of managing everything alone."
Related Blog: Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community Meets the Needs of Families, Too!
It’s a relief for Chuck to know that Barbara is cared for and thriving. "It’s difficult not to say too much about this place because it’s really that good," he says. "She’s happy here, and that means everything."
Barbara sums it up best: "Everything’s easier here. There’s so much to do. I’m not just sitting in my room. I have a life."
Experience the Difference at Marjorie P. Lee
At Marjorie P. Lee, memory care is more than just a service—it’s a commitment to providing residents with dignity, respect, and a vibrant community where they can truly thrive. Barbara and her family have found peace of mind knowing she has a secure, engaging home where all of her needs, now and in the future, are met.
If you or a loved one are exploring memory care options, we invite you to experience the warmth and exceptional care at Marjorie P. Lee. Schedule a complimentary tour today by contacting our Director of Community Relations, Jenn Schlotbom, at 513.533.5000 or jschlotbom@erslife.org.
Learn more about memory and cognitive health challenges as well as care options in our free Dementia Guidebook.
