It can be difficult for seniors of limited means to find affordable apartments or assisted living arrangements in Cincinnati. That’s why Episcopal Retirement Services is doing something about it.

Over the past several months, we’ve been hard at work purchasing, renovating and refurbishing underused buildings in communities around Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Why? Because we’re turning them into affordable living spaces for Tristate seniors of limited means. It’s all part of our initiative to empower older people to live well into the future.

And on Monday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m., we’ll cut the ribbon to officially dedicate our newest Affordable Living by ERS apartment development: Walnut Court, in Cincinnati’s rejuvenated Walnut Hills neighborhood.

Every 7 seconds, another American reaches the age of 65.

The Baby Boomer generation has reached retirement. That’s creating a critical need for retirement housing and assisted living space. ERS is uniquely positioned to be able to meet that need.

“Part of our obligation is to fulfill growing community needs, and clearly this is a growing need,” said ERS President and CEO Doug Spitler. “With our development expertise, our knowledge and service for older adults, [Affordable Living] is a good fit for us to extend our mission and serve this growing population.”

What’s the difference between an Affordable Living by ERS property and a market-rate apartment? AL by ERS communities are geared specifically toward seniors’ needs and priced to meet limited or fixed-income budgets, and senior residents can get immediate help when they need it.

“It’s really important that we provide services so that residents can live here as long as possible,” said Kathy Ison-Lind, ERS’ Vice President of Affordable Housing and In-Home Services.

One way that apartment communities meet that goal is by focusing attention on residents’ health. For example, each property features regular wellness visits by a registered nurse.

“She’s caught [medical problems] early,” Ison-Lind said. “We’re really concentrating on prevention, so that our residents can stay healthy and get services and treatment very quickly.”

What’s senior living like at Walnut Court?

Walnut Court gives residents the benefit of being close to downtown while providing them with a safe, secure environment. Our seniors enjoy a dignified, clean, professionally maintained environment — just as every retiree deserves.

An on-site community manager helps to ensure residents’ wellbeing and satisfaction, and we also offer 24-hour emergency maintenance. Residents have access to personalized attention and on-site social services at no additional charge.

There are also plenty of opportunities for residents to meet and socialize with their neighbors as much or as little as they see fit. Walnut Court offers planned social activities, a monthly bus trip (spaces available for a nominal fee) and common spaces for neighbors to get together and enjoy each other’s company: the Community Room with its gas fireplace, an outdoor patio with a grill for cooking out, a computer room and a full fitness center.

Residents also have access to on-site chaplaincy, in keeping with Episcopal Retirement Services’ mission to minister to seniors’ spiritual as well as physical and material needs.

We’re excited to officially unveil Walnut Court. We’d be even more excited if you’d join us.

The public is welcome to come to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 30. Walnut Court is located at 1020 Chapel Street, Cincinnati, 45206. The program will begin promptly at 11 a.m., and light refreshments will be served following the program.

Over the coming year, we’ll be opening more communities like Walnut Court in and around Cincinnati as well as other parts of Ohio and Kentucky.

Where will we go next? Keep checking this blog to keep up on developments!

In the meantime, if you or your loved one is a senior living on a limited or fixed income in Cincinnati, searching for an apartment or retirement community within your means, give us a call at 513-271-9610 or click here to email us for more information about Affordable Living by ERS.