Senior Living Blog

Dreams can be realized in different ways for different people. Some dreams are life-long visions of what we would like to do or accomplish. Some dreams change or evolve over time. Some dreams are discovered in random ways, perhaps by something seen, something heard, or by an opportunity presented. At Wesley Heights, it was a shared conversation and chance circumstance that recently sparked a mutual dream for residents Charlene Deluca and Elizabeth “Betsy” Hoffman.

On Wednesday, March 20th our Wesley Village Prayer Shawl Ministry gathered with Chaplain Cathy Nickse and other residents and staff for the annual “Blessing of the Shawls”. During this event, dozens of hand-knit and crocheted shawls and lap robes were put on display and blessed in preparation for sharing throughout the year. Many thanks to our devoted volunteers for all their hours of time and love.

We recently rolled out a Random Acts of Kindness Campaign in our UMH communities and have been receiving lots of great feedback on how these simple acts of kindness are making a big difference.

We were thrilled to be able to honor two of our outstanding UMH caregivers at the 2nd Annual Caring Hands Award Luncheon presented by Leading Age CT on Monday, April 8th at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. The event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and recognize some of the many special people who work in senior care. Cheers to our team members Claudine Thermidor, a CNA at Bishop Wicke, and Tishana Myers, a CNA at our Middlewoods of Newington Community on receiving this award! See below to read more about Claudine and Tishana…

Our Middlewoods communities in Farmington and Newington recently celebrated some very special milestones! On Friday, March 22nd, Middlewoods of Farmington held a gala event to celebrate 20 years providing the highest level of meaningful living and care. Families from as far back as 20 years ago attended and enjoyed reconnecting with staff and other family members. Executive Chef Loretta Ward and her team created and oversaw numerous food stations including prime rib, pasta and sushi. The entire first floor was used for the party to accommodate two bands, lots of residents and family members cutting it up on the dance floor and the many guests who attended. One special (uninvited) guest, a black bear was a hit as he meandered through the back yard in the midst of the festivities.

For some, the thoughts of the holidays are filled with excited anticipation, happiness, and fond memories of holidays past. For others, the holidays may bring to the forefront a sense of anxiety, sadness, loss, disappointment, or even dread. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget that for some the holidays are bittersweet – and sometimes downright painful. Some feel lonely or ill or face a daunting challenge. Others mourn the death of a parent, a child, or a beloved friend. Still others grieve lost relationships, lament over hopes deferred, or feel discouraged by dreams never realized.