From Independent Living to Skilled Nursing, Couple Stays Connected at St. Catherine's Village

MADISON, Miss., August 29, 2019 (Newswire.com) - ​What started as a meeting in elementary school has become a lifelong love story for Betty and John King, now residents at St. Catherine’s Village senior living community in Madison, Mississippi.

John, who is 90 years old and a Korean War veteran, lives in skilled nursing in Siena Center while Betty, 88, has a studio independent living apartment on campus.

“Being able to stay happy and connected while living in separate areas of St. Catherine’s Village is a testament to their bond and the strength of their marriage,” said Felichia Fields, assistant executive director at St. Catherine’s Village.

John and Betty first met in Clinton, Mississippi, and retired there. But as John entered his 80s, his health began to falter and his mobility became restricted due to diabetes. After caring for her husband at home for seven years, Betty realized it was time to get caregiver support. Following a stint in physical therapy for John, the couple decided to visit the property.

John moved into Siena Center in October 2017. A year later, Betty moved to St. Catherine’s Village, too. She appreciates that her residence has a balcony overlooking the lake because a natural setting is very important to both Betty and John, who worked for the Mississippi State Park Service helping to restore the Gulf Coast after hurricane Camille and building 11 new state parks.

Overall, St. Catherine’s Village boasts 160 acres of beautiful outdoor space with lakes and wooded grounds. The Kings can be found walking around the lush campus and enjoying the well-manicured property during “date time” nearly every day. Betty often accompanies John to the grill as well.

“We both adore the food here,” John said. Several choices are offered for every meal, all chef-prepared in one kitchen. So whether in independent living or skilled nursing in Siena Center, menus are the same.

While Betty likes going out to eat at night, she also plays bridge with friends and participates in many of the activities and events at St. Catherine’s Village. John prefers quiet hour on the lower level. More importantly, he wants to catch a big fish on what he calls “Lake Siena,” the large lake outside the Siena Center skilled nursing building.

“Everything at St. Catherine’s Village is at the highest level — service, amenities, property, activities, etc.,” said Betty. “Anyone who moves here will have the best quality of life — whether for the next year or many years.”

St. Catherine’s Village offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

To learn more about life at St. Catherine’s Village, log onto www.StCatherinesVillage.com or call (601) 856-0123 to schedule a tour. 

Source: St. Catherine's Village