Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay

My parents lived in the independent living community at Aston Gardens for about six years, and our family will always be grateful for what this place became for them. We live more than 500 miles away, which is a very specific kind of ache. It is loving people deeply from too far down the road. It is calling and visiting and worrying, trying to hear in someone’s voice whether they are really okay, and hoping there are good people nearby when you cannot be. At Aston Gardens, there were good people nearby. There were afternoons sitting under the gazebo near the lake, watching the water catch the light while the day slowed down around us. There were walks down to the dog park, neighbors waving along the way, small conversations in the sunshine, and the ordinary music of a place where people know each other. There were meals, hallway hellos, visits with other residents, and the kind of daily familiarity that turns a large building into a village. But what stands out most to me are the people. Lori, the first person we met from sales back in 2020 was wonderful, not just during the move-in process, but for years afterward. She continued to answer questions and help our family understand things long after the paperwork was done. That mattered. Jocelyn, the resident director, also made a real difference for our family. When you are far away from aging parents, you remember the people who are steady, kind, practical, and responsive. Jocelyn was one of those people. The security team deserves special mention too. They were part of the quiet safety net around my parents. The people who noticed things. The people who helped. The people who made us feel a little less helpless from 500 miles away. And I will never forget that when we had a death in the family, someone from the front desk helped my parents get on Zoom so they could participate in the memorial. That may sound like a small thing unless you understand what it means to be older, far from family, and still able to be included in a moment that mattered. That was not just technical help. That was kindness. For my mom and dad, Aston Gardens was not just a place to live. It became a community. Growing older is tender and complicated, and what every family hopes for is that their people will be seen. Not managed. Not processed. Seen. My parents were seen there. They were known on the easy days, when life still had its routines and pleasures, and they were cared about on the harder days too, when things became more fragile and more tender. That kind of ordinary kindness is its own form of magic. Someone remembering your name. Someone checking in. Someone saving you a seat. Someone helping you join a family gathering on a screen when grief has made the miles feel even longer. That is what Aston Gardens gave our family for six years: independence, community, companionship, and care. A place where my parents had a life of their own, and where the people around them acted, in so many ways, like family. We will always be grateful.

Gio in sales was the reason mom fell in love with AG and ultimately made the decision to make the move from MO. He laid everything out so clearly and made it less stressful for her and she was confident in getting help. Once she moved, he came to welcome her and check on her which made her feel safe and welcome. My other mom was so excited to hear all of this that she is actually making the move here as well from MN. They will live in the same building.

My children and I looked at a dozen different places before we came across Aston Gardens. I knew instantly upon entering the main building (The Clubhouse} that this was where I wanted to be! A truly independent living facility. Apartments are more spacious than in most other places with a full kitchen and a washer and dryer in every unit. Choices of many activities and outings with frequently scheduled rides for residents to shops in the area. Even a golf cart ride to The Clubhouse if you choose. The staff here is just wonderful and eager to help with any needs we may have. I have been here for 2 years now and love the many new friends I have. There are so many interesting and welcoming people at Aston gardens. I am so happy that I made the decision to downsize. I do not miss my large home at all. Come take a look. The grounds here are beautiful and every unit has a screened lanai.

I have been communicating with Robyn Pipher for quite a while to find a place in assisted living and get settled in. She was extremely helpful and I became convinced this was a good place for me. I had horrible experiences with the movers and had to rent a bed until hopefully my household goods are delivered. She was very helpful in getting a bed rented and delivered and went out of her way to get the basics and a table and chair for me. I arrived after closing time dir to traffic accidents on the infamous I-4 but Robyn had everything greased and my late move-in went well. The care staff embraced me quickly and made me feel at home. Today, my first day, was pleasant, the food was good and the care, nursing, kitchen and activities staffs made me feel at home. Onward and upward!!