Chestnut Knoll is the Tie that Binds a Community Together

Is it a family affair or community affair? At Chestnut Knoll, it’s hard to tell the difference. The personal care and memory care has deep roots within the Boyertown community as it’s built on the foundation of the town’s former flourishing business—the Boyertown Casket Company.

Since its inception in 2000, Chestnut Knoll has provided jobs and care to locals and their families. Like many others, Shannon Hoffman-Sminkey began her career at Chestnut Knoll working for At Home Services, which provides non-medical caregivers to assist seniors with everyday tasks in their homes.

Following high school, Shannon continued a path in health care. She enrolled in the physician assistant studies program at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a master’s degree. She then returned to Chestnut Knoll to care for residents, as well as working in internal medicine at Pottstown Medical Group.

Chestnut Knoll is well-known for its impeccable care or what staff members like to call “neighbors helping neighbors.” This is one of the reasons Shannon’s mother Denise, a former employee, entrusted the care of her parents to Chestnut Knoll.

“A pandemic doesn’t change the needs’ of our residents. Many staff and residents have lived, worked or worshiped side-by-side one another, so it’s in our nature to go the extra mile for them,” said Shawn Barndt, executive director. “We truly are one big family.”

When Shannon’s wedding plans were hindered by COVID-19, Chestnut Knoll went a step above. To ensure her grandparents wouldn’t miss her big day, the senior living community provided a complimentary shuttle bus, and, although quarantined, her grandparents were able to safely enjoy the ceremony.

“It was a dream come true to be able to have my grandparents be a part of my wedding day, especially during this trying time,” said Shannon. “I’m also so glad that they got to witness it in a safe way.”

Chestnut Knoll is an award-winning senior community offering Personal Care and Memory Care residences at an affordable month-to-month lease with no buy-in fees. Services include 24-hour personal care assistance with medical support, meals, housekeeping, social events, and transportation. All residents have access to FOX Optimal Living, an evidence-based continuum of wellness and rehab services. Chestnut Knoll also offers At Home Services, available to seniors where they live. This service includes assistance with medication monitoring, personal care, companion care, light housekeeping and laundry, and transportation. For more information on personal care, memory care and home-care services, please call Jodie Daniels, assistant executive director and certified senior advisor, at 610-473-8066 or visit www.chestnutknoll.com.