Resident Ron Polk celebrating Father’s Day with his daughter, Loni, and her two sons
Resident Larry Chadwick with Lindsey Hughes, executive director
Resident Jim Kilgore celebrating Father’s Day with his daughter, Savannah
Music, memories and multi-generational smiles filled the halls of The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, East Hamilton this Father’s Day, marking the community’s first major family celebration since opening—and a beautiful prelude to its official grand opening next month.
Residents and their loved ones gathered for a heartwarming afternoon concert featuring local performer Marty Von Schaaf and his lively “Oldies” show. From toe-tapping tunes to treasured moments between fathers, children and grandchildren, the event captured what Morning Pointe is all about: creating meaningful experiences and a place where every generation can gather.
“This Father’s Day celebration felt like the heartbeat of who we are,” said Lindsey Hughes, executive director at The Lantern. “It was more than an activity—it was a reflection of the relationships that are so important to our residents and the joy that’s already taking root here.”
The Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton officially opened in May and is Morning Pointe Senior Living’s newest memory care community in Hamilton County. Its Grand Opening celebration will be held Thursday, July 17 at 4 p.m., with a formal ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. The event will take place at the community, located at 1775 Generations Way (9700 Block E. Brainerd Road) in Ooltewah.
Guests are invited to explore the thoughtfully designed campus, which features two distinct levels of memory care. The Lamplight neighborhood is a large area for residents with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia who are more active, while the Lantern wing provides a more intimate and quiet space designed for more advanced stages.
The July 17 event will include remarks from local and state leaders, health care professionals, and family members who have already embraced the community’s supportive environment. It’s a chance to celebrate the growth of memory care services on the east side of Hamilton County—and the warm, welcoming culture that sets Morning Pointe apart.
“As the need for memory care continues to grow across East Hamilton County and beyond, Morning Pointe remains committed to being a trusted partner for families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Greg A. Vital, Morning Pointe Senior Living co-founder and president. “This new community is not just about providing care—it’s about creating a place of comfort, connection and peace of mind. We are honored to walk alongside and support families during one of life’s most challenging journeys.”
The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, East Hamilton, has 60 apartments. Several floor plan choices include studios and companion two-bedroom apartments, such as for couples. To tour the community, learn more information or make a reservation for a loved one with dementia, call 423-973-0003.
The Lantern at Morning Pointe is bringing 60 new healthcare jobs to the area and is projected to contribute more than $25 million annually in economic impact through local partnerships, payroll and the purchase of goods and services.
With the growth of the campus, the original building at 1776 Generations Way is now Morning Pointe of East Hamilton Assisted Living. It is also taking reservations for new residents and has begun renovations of the former memory care wing, transforming it into Signature Studio apartments, cozy gathering spaces, a coffee station and a library. For inquiries, call 423-212-1208.
Both sides of the extended Morning Pointe of East Hamilton campus offer:
- Licensed nurses providing oversight of health, wellness and medication management
- Licensed, clinical or care staff available 24 hours a day
- Personal grooming assistance, such as bathing or getting dressed
- Assistance with transferring to a bed or chair
- Escorting to meals and events
- Accommodations for no-salt-added and reduced-concentrated-sweets diets
- Pharmacy services
- Transportation services for medical appointments
- A beauty salon/barbershop
- A 24-hour emergency response system
- On-site physical, occupational and speech therapy services
- Life enrichment activities such as arts and crafts, wellness offerings like exercise classes, and intergenerational activities, including partnering with local schools
- Morning Pointe’s Farm to Table program with local, farm-fresh and seasonal ingredients
Memory care offerings at The Lantern include the Best Friends Approach, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, Meaningful Day purposeful programming, music therapy, art therapy and cuddle therapy.