By: Marissa Salvesen on October 20th, 2016
5 Reasons You or Your Loved One Should Choose Crosby Commons
Crosby Commons at Wesley Village is an extra-ordinary Assisted and Independent Living community; not just in the services and amenities it offers but also because of the operational philosophy we practice. Being part of United Methodist Homes (UMH), a mission-based organization, the decisions we make as a community are focused on doing the right thing for our residents and staff.
We believe this is one of the reasons our residents and staff stay at Crosby Commons for so many years. Being part of a not-for-profit organization allows us to follow our hearts; we don’t have to worry about catering to stockholders who make decisions based solely on the bottom line.
Over the years, Crosby Commons has been the recipient of numerous “Best Practice” awards from the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) and the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA). We are so pleased that our innovative care, planning and programs have been recognized on a local and national level; but what makes us most proud is the difference these programs and seemingly ordinary daily routines make in our residents’ lives each day.
Take a look at what makes Crosby Commons unique:
1. Journey of Dreams
Crosby Commons recognizes that, even at an advanced age, residents still have wishes and dreams. Our “Journey of Dreams” program invites residents to write down their personal wishes, goals or desires and place them in the “Wishing Well”. Staff then enlists the assistance of family, friends and volunteers to make those dreams a reality.
2. Transitions of Care
Most of us have experienced the frustration of having to give our pertinent health information to a professional in a hospital setting, only to be asked the same questions over again when we are transferred to another floor. When something like this happens to one of our residents, it is vital that their health information follow them, no matter what the health care setting. The Crosby Commons Wellness Team has worked hard to establish strong communication and cooperation between in-house departments, hospitals, home care agencies, rehabilitation facilities, and primary care providers to ensure that residents’ care needs are met in the most effective way. With a focus on comprehensive care planning and information sharing, our Wellness Team established our “Transitions of Care” initiative, which offers residents and families peace-of-mind through a stressful time.
3. Financial Safety Net
Crosby Commons is a community within a community, offering Assisted and Independent Living as part of the Wesley Village campus, which provides a continuum of care options for residents. One feature that makes Crosby Commons unique is our ability to provide our residents with a “Financial Safety Net”. When moving into an Assisted or Independent Living community, many family members and prospective residents often ask the question: What will we do if funds begin to get low? At Crosby Commons, the answer to this question is simple. If funds start getting low, we can provide an opportunity for residents to transfer to our rent-controlled Assisted and Independent Living community which is physically attached to Crosby Commons.
4. Family Day
Every year in September, Crosby Commons celebrates National Assisted Living Week by hosting a larger-than-life “Family Day” picnic on Grandparent’s Day. Residents and staff are invited to bring their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends…everyone is invited!
Our “Family Day” picnic is a wonderful tradition and a great opportunity for residents and families to share in the community spirit of Crosby Commons. Come and make some lasting memories with us as we celebrate family, friendship, and the simple things in life that make us happy.
5. Friends Fighting Falls
The fear of falling is a source of stress and anxiety for many seniors. At Crosby Commons, we created a “Friends Fighting Falls” program; a three-pronged approach to fall prevention consisting of education, evaluation and exercise. Initiated in response to a resident’s concern about frequent falls, this program was designed to raise awareness about fall prevention, and educate and encourage our residents to make simple changes to help them stay strong and independent.
Selecting an Assisted or Independent Living community is one of the most important decisions an older adult and their families will make. Understanding what life is really like once you move in is critical to making the right decision. At the end of the day, the pretty light fixtures and hotel like amenities are not what is important in living a meaningful life. It is the feeling you get from the staff and the programs offered to add meaning and quality to life that make all the difference. At Crosby Commons, you find all that and more. Download our ebook to learn even more about our assisted and independent living community
About Marissa Salvesen
My journey into the world of senior living began when I started working for United Methodist Homes in 2010. Starting as an Activities Director at one of our award-winning assisted and independent living communities and then transitioning to Marketing and Promotions Manager for UMH, I now work as the Manager of Mission Development, fostering the Mission and Values of our organization. I love sharing stories about the many ways we build meaningful relationships and enrich the lives of those we serve, and am proud to be part of building UMH’s 140-year legacy of caring. Wondering what makes our communities such special places to live and work? Connect with me and find out!
Our Blog is a 2016 Platinum Generations Award Winner! The Generations Award is an annual international competition for excellence in senior marketing recognizing professionals who have communicated to the 50+ Mature Markets.