By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – Certainly one of the most emotional and often difficult things a family has to face is how elderly parents will live the remainder of their years. It can be hard for a senior member to accept the fact that they should or cannot live in their own home anymore. They may not be ready to move to assisted living or a nursing home and moving in with another family member may not be the preferred choice.
But nowadays, there are many more options such as the Highlands Gracious Retirement Living complex in Westborough. Far more than just a place to reside, it is truly a place where a senior can enjoy a full, active life in a warm, safe and stress-free environment.
The Highlands complex, located at 129 E. Main St., opened last fall and is part of the Hawthorn Retirement Group. The husband and wife team of Scott and Alice Ramsay are the on-site, live-in managers. Assistant managers and husband and wife Norm and Sue Lavoie also live on-site.
The Ramsays formerly managed a retirement properly in Bangor, Maine, before coming to Westborough.
“We are really passionate about the elderly,” Alice said. “And being live-in managers really helps us to focus on the residents. We see them every day and participate in activities and eat meals with them, so we really get to know them.”
“This is a home-like environment; it's important for it to feel that way,” she added.
A difference between the Highlands and other senior retirement complexes is that the rent at the Highlands is month to month, the Ramsays noted.
All utilities are paid as part of the rent, except for telephone.
There are a number of living choices, including 12 different size studios, 26 one-bedroom apartments, and four types of two-bedrooms, Scott noted. Currently about half of the 120 units are filled.
Amenities include three meals prepared each day under the direction of Executive Chef Raymond Baker.
Although there are no kitchens in the apartments, there is an area with a sink and full-size refrigerator and space for a microwave.
Rent also includes housekeeping services weekly linen changes. Personal laundry is not included, Scott noted, although there are washing machines and dryers on each floor which residents may use free of charge.
Each unit has an emergency cord should the resident ever be in need of assistance.
Activity Coordinator Christiana Pitts always makes sure there are fun things to do, such as a recent Super Bowl party. Other recreational amenities include a movie theater (with free popcorn), library, billiards room, exercise room and baby grand piano located near the dining area.
A shuttle bus is available to transport residents on outings to malls, restaurants and movies. A walking path in the back of the complex provides a safe place for residents to get some exercise.
Scott noted that the Highlands has several options for family members who come to visit. The visitors can either stay in a special guest room for $70 a night (which also includes all three meals) or the management team will provide a cot, free of charge, to use in the residents” room.
There is also a small dining room which residents may reserve so that they may celebrate special occasions with their families.
Thus far, most of the residents are from Westborough or the immediate surrounding towns, Scott said. Some moved in directly from their previous home, while several others are from the area, moved away, and now moved back to be close to their families.
Another added bonus is that certain other special family members – pets – are welcome at the Highlands.
Also on site is a full-service salon, Maenzo Hair Design, run by the husband and wife team, Tony and Heidi Maenzo. The couple formerly ran a salon in Framingham for many years.
“Even though we are in the Highlands, our new salon is open to everyone, not just residents,” Tony said. “We will offer all services including cuts, color, waxing and nail services.”
The salon is open Tuesday through Saturdays, with full barber services on Tuesdays. To make an appointment call 508-873-3386.
For more information on the Highlands call 508-898-3000 or visit www.seniorlivinginstyle.com.
The Highlands staff is also happy to give tours to those who would like to know more about the complex, Scott said.
“We welcome anyone to come in, take a tour, and have lunch with us,” he said.