Ocala’s newest assisted living and memory care community offers residents the joy of active independence with the camaraderie of neighborhood living and the security of always-available assistance.
Imagine how you want to spend your golden years: Sharing good meals and conversation with friends. Visiting new places. Taking up hobbies that relax and fulfill you. Enjoying picnics by the lake. 
All while sharing the place you call home with folks who feel like family. That’s how seniors are living their best lives every day at Paddock Ridge.
Having Adventures
One of Don McKinney’s favorite activities since he moved to the newly opened Paddock Ridge in April 2019 was a guys’ trip to Cullison-Wright Construction, where residents got a peek at the company’s new headquarters currently under construction, followed by refreshments and reminiscing about hunting trips and fishing stories.
“It got them into good memories,” recalls Cody Mansfield, who helped design the community and is training to become its assistant director. “They were all having a nice time.” Mansfield knows all the residents by name, and although he’s closer in age to their grandchildren, he enjoys spending time with them in ways that “keep it fresh and interesting.”
“They were young once,” he says with a smile, of the residents he considers family. “They know how to have fun. We’re just trying to help them tap into their youth.”
Mansfield sometimes stops by McKinney’s room to personally invite him to go along on an outing he might enjoy and they always have a good time together.
McKinney likes retreating to his own private suite and also being able to enjoy adventures with his neighbors. “It’s a mighty good group,” he shares. 
Ruth Korteum appreciates the opportunity to suggest restaurants when the Lunch Club takes their monthly outing. Their foodie adventures have taken them to a diverse array of local eateries where they enjoy a leisurely lunch with their neighbors—including plenty of lively conversation. The day before an outing, you might find her in Freestyle Hair, Paddock Ridge’s onsite beauty salon, for a manicure and a new hairdo.
Both residents and staff look forward to outings, Mansfield says, explaining that residents in all three of Paddock Ridge’s assisted living neighborhoods are encouraged to sign up for planned trips like lunch and shopping, as well as mystery rides, which might end up at destinations as diverse as a picnic at a lake house or a tour of one of the “Horse Capital of the World’s” scenic horse farms.
Taking Up Hobbies
On his neighborhood’s covered porch, Bob Quakenbush puts the final touches on the new birdhouse he just built. A woodworker, he has fun assembling birdhouse kits that artsy neighbors can enjoy painting, which can then be hung in Paddock Ridge’s memory care courtyard so residents living with dementia can enjoy a peaceful afternoon of birdwatching.
Out on the lawn, several residents are building a raised garden bed. It will be their second; the first bed is overflowing with herbs and red, ripe tomatoes. Over in the memory care neighborhood’s secure courtyard, a group of residents is planting tiny seedlings in pots to start the new garden.
“Gardening is a great activity, especially for memory care residents,” Mansfield explains. “It allows them to decompress and gives them a sense of purpose to beautify something, to have their own little creation.”
Keeping the Faith
From participating in Bible studies to celebrating Catholic Mass, residents are welcomed at weekly and monthly religious services. Many find comfort in the sacrament offered by the community’s 
beloved “Father Mike” O’Keeffe of Ocala’s Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, who recently called Paddock Ridge home during rehabilitation.
“It reflects the diverse population of Paddock Ridge,” Mansfield says. “We have a relatively large Catholic community.”
Feeling the Music
When the player piano in Paddock Ridge’s community lounge starts playing a Glen Miller tune, some toe-tapping folks will get up and dance. Others sing along when a Beach Boys hit comes on. For some residents, it’s choral music that brings comfort and joy.
“The Blessed Trinity choir performs pretty much every month,” Mansfield notes, adding that even for people living with dementia, the familiar refrains they recognize from church bring peace.
“The music speaks to them,” he explains. “To see a resident who’s in memory care, who’s normally not expressive, sing—it’s amazing to watch.”
Thinking Outside the Box
When they designed Paddock Ridge, the owners’ mission was to create a new option for senior living, 
one good enough for even their own family members. The caring staff encourage a vibrant lifestyle that promotes physical, social and spiritual wellness.
“Our residents are engaged,” Mansfield relays. “To keep your mind and your body, they both need to be taken care of.”
When you or your loved one are ready to experience innovative, personalized senior living, you’re invited to come home to Paddock Ridge.
Paddock Ridge
4001 SW 33rd Court, Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 512-9191
www.paddockridge.com
