By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Maintaining independence and dignity are very important to those who are aging and can no longer remain in their own homes. Many seniors and their families consider assisted living to be available only to those with significant assets and high incomes.
Christopher Heights of Marlborough is and has been for the past five years a warm, comfortable affordable home to men and women who are living their remaining years comfortably and happily.
“We offer peace of mind to residents and their families and the knowledge that a resident never has to leave for financial reasons,” said Denise Jones, executive director.
“Moving out of your home can be an overwhelming decision for loved ones and their families,” said Jones, who added that her staff is ready to help make the transition smooth. Services available include help with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, three nutritious meals daily, housekeeping and laundry. “No worries pricing” is their promise, emphasizing that you’ll never worry about moving out once your personal funds are depleted.
As you enter the beautiful building, located at 99 Pleasant St., you note the aroma and warmth of the fireplace in the living room, which creates a home-like atmosphere where residents gather to read local newspapers and magazines, sip coffee and tea, and enjoy conversations and laughter.
“We provide beautiful new apartments that residents can decorate with their cherished possessions and enjoy private bathrooms and showers with easy access as well,” said Jones. “We instill peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that there is help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Admissions and Marketing Coordinator Stephanie Nordstrom meets with potential new residents and family members to provide guidance on the steps needed to make the right decision. She provides tours of the facility, visits people at home and meets at their convenience in an effort to accommodate everyone’s needs. Anyone wishing to visit Christopher Heights may call her at 508-281-8001.
Activities Director Kerri Tetreault and her staff work with residents to find interests and activities that appeal to both male and female residents. Among activities offered are Bingo, exercise classes, movies, ecumenical prayer time, cribbage, games and sing-a-longs. Special holiday program, family outings, and other seasonal events are planned to keep all pleasantly enjoying life.
The assisted living facility is located in a residential area with ready access to shopping, entertainment and other amenities. It stands on the site of the old Frye Boot Factory, originally erected by Allen D. Howe in 1861. Christopher Heights has other facilities in Worcester, Webster, and Attleboro and recently broke ground for a fifth location in Northampton.
In their continuing effort to engage residents of Christopher Heights in all that the city offers, Jones and the staff invited Police Chief Mark Leonard to a gathering recently where they presented him with box lunches for members of the department.
“We were very excited to show our appreciation and thank the Police Department for everything they do for the city of Marlborough,” said Jones. “Especially in this time of heavy negativity by the press all over the country, we wanted them to know we are aware of how fortunate we are to have their protection.”
Among the residents gathered at the event was Lucille Digou, whose daughter, Cathy, a member of the Police Department, accompanied the chief and expressed her appreciation to all.
Jones recently announced that Christopher Heights is inviting seniors and their families throughout the area to a seminar entitled: “Easy Transitions: How to Downsize, Prepare and Sell Your Home”. It will be held Feb. 19 at 12:30 p.m. (The snow date is Feb. 26.) A free box lunch will be served. David Dowd from Sell Mom’s House will conduct the seminar.
Photo/submitted
