Discovering Discovery Commons Bethel Park

By Lois Thomson

Discovery Commons is for folks 62-plus, and Mary Mitton, Director of Sales, said, "We provide essentially everything through end-of-life care. It's where residents can live independently, but we can provide the care that allows them to age in place."

Five different styles of apartments are available in Personal Care and two different styles in Memory Care, and Mitton said something unique is that they offer shared apartments, but residents do have a private bedroom; they just share a kitchenette and bathroom. "We have everything from shared up to two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments."

She went on "We provide activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, escorting residents to and from meals and activities, and housekeeping and maintenance."

Mitton said three meals a day are provided in the dining room, seven days a week. "The residents order what they want at the time of service; there are plenty of options to choose from, and they are served by service staff. It's truly like going to a restaurant every day."

Discovery Commons is about more than just care and activities for the residents. Mary Mitton said, "We do a lot of giving back; that's residents and staff and family – everyone participates." Some of those activities include a fundraiser every May where a flag can be purchased for $10 and the money goes to the Veterans' Breakfast Club; holding a big event in June to assist the Alzheimer's Association; collecting shoeboxes for the Samaritan's Purse project; and supporting Bridge to Home, a local animal rescue.

Other features of Discovery Commons include being pet friendly and providing transportation for various activities, such as doctor appointments, trips to Giant Eagle, and fun outings to restaurants, PNC Park, or Phipps Conservatory. "Our calendar is seven days a week and it's full all day long."

While the South Hills is home to a number of senior and assisted living facilities, Mitton said one of the stand-out features of Discovery Commons is that there is a full-time nurse on staff. "We do have a nurse in our building 24/7, which is kind of unheard of for personal care in Pennsylvania. It's a big plus for us and a big plus for our residents."

Along with the nursing care, Mitton said Discovery Commons has a credited Memory Care program called SHINE, which is recognized by the Alzheimer's Association. In addition, the facility has received an award from Accushield for being one of the safest places to live, and is certified as a Great Place to Work® by the Great Place to Work Institute.

"Every industry has its standards and its awards, so to be recognized as one of the safest places to live and one of the best places to work truly means we're above the rest."

For more information, call (412) 430-4630 or visit www.discoverycommonsbethelpark.com.