Independent living offers comfort, familiarity for Elsie Tipton

For some people, making the decision to move to an independent living community can be a difficult one to make. But when the time came for Elsie Tipton, she didn’t have to give it a second thought.

“When my doctor suggested Ark City Presbyterian Manor, I jumped at the chance because I knew a number of people living there,” said Elsie.

Prior to coming to the community, Elsie had been living at home, taking care of her husband, Bob, when she began having heart problems. Following open-heart surgery in 2015, her health began to go downhill, which is when her doctor gave her an ultimatum.

“Before being released, he told me that I needed to make some lifestyle changes, or else I was going to end up back in the hospital,” said Elsie.

Following her doctor’s advice, both Elsie and Bob moved into Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor.

With Bob receiving the around-the-clock care he needed, Elsie was finally able to focus on her own health and recuperated to the point that she could have returned home, but ultimately decided to stay.

“I chose to stay because I didn’t have to worry about what to cook for meals. I could cook if I wanted to, and I enjoyed visiting with the other residents and the super kind staff,” said Elsie. “They took away all the stress of daily living.”

Among the members of the staff who were looking after Elsie, was her very own granddaughter, Cammy Boone, who is the community’s director of nursing.

“Before the virus, I was even able to babysit my great-grandchildren and later on my great-great-granddaughter,” said Elsie.

And that’s not the only family member Elsie has at the community. Her sister Vi Elliott-Beyer moved in toward the beginning of 2021 and she has had numerous family members who have been a part of the community in the past.

“I have actually recommended this place to several others that have moved in, including my mother-in-law and uncle,” said Elsie. “Furthermore, I have had three great-granddaughters who have worked for the Presbyterian Manor.”

Between the amenities she’s provided on a daily basis and being surrounded by loved ones, Elsie couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

“For my stage in life, God couldn’t have provided a better place to live until he calls me home to heaven,” said Elsie. "Living at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor makes me feel like a queen for a day every day!"

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