Thrive Blends AI and Empathy at New Fort Worth Senior Living Facility

FORT WORTH, TX – December 29, 2025 – Thrive Senior Living today announced the opening of The Emberly at Heritage Glen, a new assisted living and memory care community now welcoming its first residents. The facility’s launch introduces a sophisticated model of senior care to Fort Worth, one that marries advanced artificial intelligence with a deeply rooted, human-centric approach at a time when demand for quality elder care is surging.

Located in the Heritage Glen area, the community marks a significant expansion of the Atlanta-based company’s footprint in Texas. It enters a competitive but rapidly growing market, aiming to set a new standard by integrating technology designed to enhance safety and dignity while doubling down on its philosophy of fostering meaningful human connection.

A New Option in a High-Demand Market

The Emberly arrives as Fort Worth grapples with the needs of a growing senior population. The demand for assisted living and memory care services in the region has intensified, creating a dynamic and competitive landscape. The average monthly cost for assisted living in the Fort Worth area hovers around $4,200, slightly above the Texas median but below the national average, reflecting a robust market with diverse options. With dozens of existing assisted living and memory care facilities in the vicinity, new entrants must offer a distinct value proposition.

Thrive’s answer is a model that balances luxury amenities with specialized care. The Emberly is designed as a sprawling 72,000-square-foot, single-level community, a feature intended to simplify navigation and improve accessibility for all residents. This design is particularly beneficial for individuals in memory care, reducing confusion and fostering a sense of independence. The community houses 50 assisted living suites and 45 memory care suites, aiming to provide an intimate, connected atmosphere rather than an institutional one.

“For us, the heart of The Emberly is simple — this is our residents’ home,” said Jacquelyn O’Shaughnessy, the community’s president, in a statement. “Every detail, from how we welcome families to how we support daily routines, is centered on respect, dignity, and building genuine relationships. We’re honored to bring that experience to Fort Worth.”

High-Tech Care with a Human Touch

A key differentiator for The Emberly is its integration of an AI-powered care monitoring system. While the senior living industry is increasingly adopting technology, Thrive is positioning this system as a tool for proactive, discreet support. Such AI platforms typically use a network of ambient sensors to monitor residents' activity, sleep patterns, and movement. The technology can learn individual routines and alert staff to anomalies that may signal a health issue or a fall, often before a resident has to use a call button.

This approach promises to enhance safety without the intrusiveness of cameras, preserving resident privacy and dignity. By automating routine checks, the system frees up human caregivers to focus on higher-value interactions, from providing personal assistance to simply spending quality time with residents. It reflects a broader industry trend toward leveraging technology to augment, rather than replace, the human element of care.

The ethical implications of AI in elder care, particularly concerning privacy and autonomy, are a topic of ongoing discussion. Thrive’s emphasis on its “people-first” philosophy alongside this technology suggests an awareness of these concerns. The goal is to create an environment where technology works quietly in the background to support a foreground of vibrant community life, chef-prepared meals in social dining rooms, and engaging activities in spaces like the Heritage Coffee Bar and Pegasus Bar.

The Thrive Philosophy: People, Purpose, and Growth

The opening of The Emberly is a case study in Thrive Senior Living's strategy of thoughtful growth. The privately held company operates communities across several states, including Georgia, Florida, and New Jersey, and has built its brand on a relationship-centered culture. This culture is not just resident-facing; it extends to its employees.

For six consecutive years, Thrive has been certified as a “Great Place to Work” by Activated Insights. According to the certification data, 86% of its employees consider it a great place to work, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the 57% average at a typical U.S.-based company. Employees report feeling their work has special meaning and that they are making a difference. This high level of employee satisfaction is widely considered a leading indicator of quality resident care and a stable, positive community environment.

By expanding into the competitive North Texas market, Thrive is betting that its reputation for fostering a strong, supportive culture for both residents and staff will resonate with families. The company’s approach is to build communities that feel less like facilities and more like homes, a mission supported by both its operational philosophy and its architectural design choices.

Designing for Connection and Well-Being

Every aspect of The Emberly's design appears curated to support its mission of connection and dignity. The single-story layout is a deliberate choice to ensure all amenities and social spaces are easily accessible, promoting resident mobility and participation. Expansive landscaped courtyards and garden areas offer safe and serene outdoor spaces for walking, socializing, and relaxation.

Inside, shared spaces are designed to encourage spontaneous conversation and everyday connection, combating the isolation that can often affect older adults. The community’s comprehensive support system includes 24-hour staffing, on-site wellness programming, and partnerships with local therapy providers to offer holistic care.

With its doors now open, The Emberly at Heritage Glen represents more than just a new building. It is a real-world test of a modern senior living thesis: that the most advanced technology and a profound commitment to human dignity are not mutually exclusive but can be powerful partners in creating a purposeful and enriching life for older adults.