Page 58 - BusinessWest December 21, 2020

their loved ones,” Russell said.
For example, scheduled visits are a departure
from pre-COVID times when families could drop in anytime.
“We would tell families this is their home, too. If they wanted to come spend the night with their loved ones and eat in the dining room with them, they were welcome to do all that,” Russell said.
Unfortunately, that wide-open policy is on pause — one of many ways life is different right now in the senior-living sector. But the fact that Cedarbrook opened at all during such a year is a
“We saw this location as a good fit, and the town of Ware was very accommodating to work with.”
reflection of the growing demand for such facili- ties, and how this multi-site company intends to continue meeting that need.
Safety First
Keeping an aging loved one safe at home dur- ing the pandemic can mean a great deal of work for a family. That’s why senior living is a good option, Russell said, noting that Cedarbrook has extensive COVID-19 safety measures in place which can ease the burden for families and give them peace of mind.
“Even if families don’t see them as much, they know their loved ones are getting all the care they need and still being able to socialize with the resi- dents,” she noted, adding that she also reassures
families through social- media postings.
“Whether we’re using FaceTime or sending vid- eos, I post a lot online,” she said. “This way, the families who can’t visit their loved ones often enough can see them smiling and engaged
in activities with other people. It lets the family know their loved one is OK.”
Among its 119 units, Cedarbrook offers inde- pendent living, assisted living, and a memory- care center. Russell explained there are many reasons why people choose to move in.
“Folks usually move in
to our independent-living
apartments because they
are tired of taking care
of a house and a yard,
or their laundry is in the
basement and stairs have become too difficult, things like that,” she said, adding that indepen- dent residents can either make meals for them- selves or join others in the dining room.
“Those who move into assisted living usu- ally need some help with everyday tasks such as eating, dressing, and grooming,” she continued. Instead of sitting home alone watching TV, they can be part of a community and engage in activi-
Kelly Russell says senior living is an attractive option during a pandemic because the safety measures in place give families peace of mind.
ties and exercise programs, and socialize with other people.
Everbrook chose Ware as the site for Cedar- brook because the Quaboag region, encompass- ing Ware, Brimfield, and surrounding towns, had no senior-living facilities; the closest options were located in the Wilbraham/Ludlow area to the west and Greater Worcester to the east.
“We saw this location as a good fit, and the town of Ware was very accommodating to work
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