Emma Foreman brings over eight years of experience in senior living to her role, offering a thoughtful and detail-driven approach to community operations. A graduate of Appalachian State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Computer Information Systems—equipping her with the knowledge to oversee both financial and human resource functions effectively.

Emma has served mature adults across several Charlotte-area communities and is known for her warm energy and strong leadership. She leads with a commitment to excellence, guiding a concierge team focused on delivering personalized service and creating meaningful first impressions. Her passion for exceptional care and operational precision helps foster a welcoming, comfortable environment for residents and their families. and spending time with his family, reflecting his deep commitment to mentorship and community.

Corey Sparks brings over 15 years of expertise in HVAC and building maintenance to his role as Director of Plant Operations at The Village on Morehead. A Charlotte native, Corey joined the community five months before its official opening and quickly advanced from Plant Operations Assistant to his current leadership role. Prior to that, he played a key part in opening four other luxury senior living communities over the past five years.

Corey holds multiple certifications, including EPA Type III, Certified Pool Operator (CPO), OSHA compliance, and Maintenance Technician. At The Village on Morehead, he oversees all aspects of plant operations—from HVAC systems and maintenance to housekeeping, landscaping, and safety compliance—ensuring the community runs smoothly and safely.

Known for his hands-on leadership and high standards, Corey is passionate about creating spaces that enhance residents’ comfort, safety, and quality of life. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his son’s basketball team and spending time with his family, reflecting his deep commitment to mentorship and community.

When exploring senior living communities—particularly those offering a monthly rental model—it’s important to understand exactly what is included in your monthly fee. The cost of senior living can vary widely depending on location, level of care, and the amenities offered, but transparency and value are key when making your decision.

Here’s a helpful guide on what you should be looking for in your monthly rent along with important questions to ask during your search.

1. Residence and Housekeeping Services

Your monthly rent should cover your residence—whether a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartment—as well as basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, air conditioning). Ask about:

• Cable, internet, and phone: Are they included or billed separately?
• Housekeeping and laundry: Are these provided weekly, bi-weekly, or à la carte?
• Maintenance: Is apartment maintenance included, or is it billed per request?

2. Dining Program

A well-rounded culinary program is central to quality of life in senior living communities. Look for:

• Number of meals included per day (typically 1 to 3)
• Restaurant-style vs. buffet dining
• Accommodations for dietary restrictions or special requests
• Grab-and-go options or in-home meal delivery

3. Transportation Services

Most communities offer scheduled transportation for errands, medical appointments, or outings. Be sure to ask:

• How far do transportation services extend?
• Are there limits to how often or where you can go?
• Is there a cost for personal trips outside of scheduled times?

4. Wellness and Fitness Programming

A vibrant senior living community will include wellness offerings in its monthly rent:

• Access to fitness centers, walking trails, or pools
• Group classes like yoga, strength training, or water aerobics
• On-site wellness checks or visiting healthcare providers

5. Life Enrichment and Social Activities

Engaging activities can dramatically improve emotional well-being. Included in your rent should be:

• Regularly scheduled social events, entertainment, educational lectures, and hobby clubs
• Volunteer opportunities and spiritual services
• On-site and off-site outings

Look for communities with full monthly calendars and opportunities to participate at your comfort level.

6. 24-Hour Staffing and Emergency Response

Even if you’re in independent living, having staff available 24/7 offers peace of mind. Confirm that your rent includes:

• 24-hour concierge or emergency call systems
• Staff trained to respond to emergencies
• Security presence or controlled-access buildings

7. Community Amenities

In a rental model, the ability to enjoy shared amenities should be a given—not an added cost. Look for:

• Lounges, libraries, game rooms, or art studios
• Outdoor spaces like patios or gardens
• Business centers or media rooms
• Beauty salons or barbershops (note: services may cost extra)

8. Flexibility and No Long-Term Commitment

One of the main benefits of a monthly rental community is the flexibility. Unlike communities with hefty buy-in fees or long-term contracts, rental communities often:

• Operate on a 30-day notice for departure
• Have minimal or no entrance fees
• Offer add-on services without locking you into a care tier you don’t yet need

Final Thoughts

Choosing a senior living community is a major decision, and understanding what’s included in your monthly rent ensures there are no surprises after you move in. Make sure to ask for a full breakdown of services, amenities, and any optional upgrades.

Ask for a sample monthly calendar and menu, along with a list of what’s included in the rent—and what’s not. It’s a great way to compare communities and make the most informed choice for your lifestyle and needs.

Why The Village on Morehead?

At The Village on Morehead, we offer a luxury senior living experience without the burden of a massive upfront investment. Our rental model allows residents to enjoy upscale amenities, personalized services and a vibrant community—all with financial flexibility and peace of mind.

Our approach to personalized living is enhanced through partnerships with trusted, accredited home care providers who offer support and assistance right in the comfort of your own residence. Whether it’s help with daily routines, therapy, nursing or simply a friendly face for companionship, tailored care is available when you need it—discreet, dependable, and designed around your preferences and schedule.

If you’re exploring senior living options, it’s important to consider a model that best aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. Contact The Village on Morehead today to learn more about how our rental model with a member fee can offer the ideal blend of luxury, flexibility and financial freedom!

Schedule a visit today – 704.831.8000

With over 10 years of sales experience in the senior living and property management industries, Steven offers deep expertise in both sales and operations within senior living communities. His three years of personal caregiving for his mother provide him with a unique perspective, combining professional knowledge with personal compassion. This allows Steven to connect with families on a meaningful level and genuinely understand their emotional journey.

Steven is a certified dementia practitioner. His expertise and commitment to the care and well-being of others are evident in both his professional role and his volunteer work. Beyond his career, Steven generously volunteers his time delivering medical equipment to those in need, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in his community.

Cynthia Henry brings extensive experience as a high-performing sales and marketing professional, known for exceeding goals and building lasting client relationships. With a keen ability to understand individual needs, she combines strategic thinking with exceptional communication to deliver meaningful results for both residents and families.

A proud Charlotte resident, Cynthia is deeply engaged in her community through active involvement with Rotary, the Chamber Presidents Club, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, and other volunteer efforts—reflecting her commitment to service and connection.

Outside of her professional life, Cynthia enjoys 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Earl. Together, they share a love for travel, kayaking, and spending time on Lake Wylie. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Hillary and Katie, with whom they’ve created a lifetime of cherished memories.

At The Village on Morehead, we often speak with families and future residents who are trying to understand the differences between rental senior living communities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), especially when it comes to financial safety. The recent financial hardships and bankruptcies experienced by well-known CCRCs in Dallas and Houston have highlighted why the rental model is increasingly seen as the more secure and sensible choice.

Many people believe that when they move into a CCRC and pay a significant entrance fee, they are purchasing equity in the community or “owning” a piece of their future. Unfortunately, that is a common misconception. In reality, residents become unsecured creditors. If the CCRC faces financial difficulties or files for bankruptcy, those entrance fees are not guaranteed to be repaid—residents often fall to the bottom of the list when creditors are reimbursed.

This was the case at was once one of Dallas’ most desirable senior living communities. Families paid large, non-refundable entry fees, believing they were investing in long-term stability. But after financial pressures—including new competition, costly renovations, and the impact of COVID—they filed for bankruptcy and ultimately converted to a rental model under new ownership. The same fate befell its sister community in Houston.

Rental communities like The Village on Morehead, on the other hand, offer a simpler and more secure financial model. Without the requirement of a large, upfront entrance fee, residents maintain greater control over their assets and avoid the financial risks tied to real estate and long-term contracts. That money can instead be invested in secure, interest-earning vehicles—giving residents peace of mind and financial flexibility.

Let’s also not forget the true cost of a CCRC, which often includes:

• Lost opportunity to earn interest on the large entry fee
• The non-refundable portion of the entry fee, which is simply forfeited
• Limited recourse in the event of a community’s financial failure

The future is unpredictable. Market shifts, economic downturns, and internal changes at a CCRC can quickly turn what once seemed like a “sure thing” into a stressful and unrecoverable loss.

At The Village on Morehead, we believe senior living should offer freedom, not financial risk. That’s why our luxury rental model is designed to deliver the services, amenities, and peace of mind you deserve—without tying up your life savings.

Why The Village on Morehead?

At The Village on Morehead, we offer a luxury senior living experience without the burden of a massive upfront investment. Our rental model allows residents to enjoy upscale amenities, personalized services and a vibrant community—all with financial flexibility and peace of mind.

If you’re exploring senior living options, it’s important to consider a model that best aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. Contact The Village on Morehead today to learn more about how our rental model with a member fee can offer the ideal blend of luxury, flexibility and financial freedom!

To learn more about the benefits of our rental approach and to schedule a private consultation, contact us today to schedule a visit – 704.831.8000

Stacy Gatto is an accomplished senior living professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. Since beginning her career in 1996, she has held diverse roles—from activity director to sales and admissions, ultimately becoming an administrator. In April 2024, Stacy joined The Village on Morehead as Executive Director, where she oversees the community’s operations and fosters a culture rooted in harmony and respect for both residents and team members.

A longtime Charlotte resident, Stacy has also served as an instructor for the North Carolina Assisted Living Administrator certification program for 18 years, mentoring over 500 students. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Wright State University.

Outside of work, Stacy is a golf enthusiast, certified Zumba instructor, and yoga lover who enjoys live music and beach vacations. She lives in Pineville, NC, with her two children, Tyler and Avery.

Zachary Ellwood joined The Village on Morehead in October 2023 and brings over nine years of experience in senior living. As Senior Director of Life Enrichment, Zachary is passionate about creating dynamic, inclusive programming that inspires residents to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled. In addition to leading life enrichment efforts at The Village on Morehead, he also supports other luxury communities in enhancing their offerings. Zachary oversees all transportation operations—both medical and recreational—and works to bring high-quality entertainment and diverse experiences to the community.

He holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and is a certified water aerobics instructor, personal trainer, and massage therapist. Outside of work, Zachary enjoys running, hiking, biking, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. He is deeply inspired by seeing older adults embrace new experiences and live life to the fullest.

Peace of Mind and Quality Care

As more older adults consider transitioning to independent living, they’re seeking more than just a beautiful place to live—they want peace of mind. Today’s residents prioritize financial predictability and easy access to healthcare as much as they value resort-style amenities and social opportunities. That’s why luxury rental retirement communities are evolving to meet these expectations by offering two essential benefits: predictable monthly costs and trusted on-site medical partners.

Predictable Costs: Confidence in Planning Ahead

One of the most common concerns for retirees is the unpredictability of expenses. Traditional senior living models often require large entrance fees and may come with unexpected increases in monthly costs as needs change. A luxury rental-based model with transparent pricing offers a smarter alternative—giving residents control and clarity.

The benefits of predictable costs include:

• No large upfront buy-in, allowing residents to keep their assets invested or available for other priorities.
• Clear monthly pricing, making it easier to manage finances and plan long-term.
• Flexibility, with services tailored to evolving preferences rather than fixed care levels.
• Security, knowing that costs won’t spike suddenly due to minor changes in lifestyle or health.

Predictable pricing means residents can focus on what truly matters—enjoying their lifestyle—without financial surprises.

On-Site Medical Partners: Accessible, High-Quality Wellness

While independent living promotes autonomy and freedom, health and wellness remain a top priority. That’s where on-site medical partnerships make a real difference. Residents enjoy the freedom of independent living with the reassurance that expert care is always nearby if and when they need it.

Whether it’s for routine checkups, ongoing health management, or unexpected concerns, having medical professionals on-site streamlines the entire healthcare experience.

What on-site medical partners offer:

• Primary care providers who understand the unique needs of older adults.
• Convenient services like dermatology, therapy, or nursing support—without ever leaving the community.
• Trusted continuity of care with professionals who know each resident personally.
• Caregiver resources and guidance for residents and their families navigating life transitions.

This model fosters a true sense of independence—with a safety net. Residents aren’t burdened by appointments across town or long wait times. Instead, they receive timely, personalized care right where they live.

Independent Living, Reimagined

In a luxury senior rental community, independence doesn’t mean going it alone. It means having the right support, thoughtfully integrated into a lifestyle of comfort, community, and ease. Predictable monthly costs and on-site healthcare access remove the stress of uncertainty and allow residents to focus on what brings them joy—connection, experiences, and peace of mind.

Final Thought

Choosing an independent living community is one of life’s most important decisions. When that choice includes both transparent pricing and integrated healthcare partnerships, it’s not just about where you live—it’s about how confidently and comfortably you live each day.

If you or your loved one is exploring independent living options, consider what a predictable and supportive environment can provide—not just for today, but for all the tomorrows to come.

Why The Village on Morehead?

At The Village on Morehead, we offer a luxury senior living experience without the burden of a massive upfront investment. Our rental model allows residents to enjoy upscale amenities, personalized services and a vibrant community—all with financial flexibility and peace of mind.

If you’re exploring senior living options, it’s important to consider a model that best aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. Contact The Village on Morehead today to learn more about how our rental model with a member fee can offer the ideal blend of luxury, flexibility and financial freedom!

Contact us today to schedule a visit – 704.831.8000