Located just north of Lowell, beyond the Merrimack River lies the town of Dracut, Massachusetts. With a strong sense of community, a family-oriented atmosphere, and low crime rates, it’s no wonder why individuals choose to live out their years in Dracut. In fact, it has become such a desirable place to live that the population in Dracut has grown 22.5% since 2000. With growth comes exciting changes that will allow the community to better cater to the needs of the aging population. Paving the Way Economic development was a key priority placed on Town Manager Jim Duggan when he was hired by the town three years ago. The Arbors at Dracut, which opened in June of 2017, offers 79 one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as Reflections, a specialized memory care environment providing services to those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other forms of memory loss. In addition to the development of Dracut’s newest assisted living community, improvements to the Broadway/Loon Hill Road area were made possible by a $2.5 million Massworks Grant. Improvements included updating sidewalks, traffic lights, and development of wider roads. The Arbors at Dracut is just one of three exciting new additions to the town of Dracut. The Arbors at Dracut is located next to the future site of Circle Health Dracut (which is currently under construction). This new outpatient center will include urgent care services, primary care, and diabetes and endocrinology specialty services. Also new to the neighborhood will be Genesis Healthcare, once it receives state approval. The Arbors at Dracut will neighbor this 120-bed skilled nursing facility, to be called the Merrimack Valley Center, that will focus on patients recovering from heart attacks and heart surgeries. With a goal of creating more job opportunities and creating housing for Dracut residents, the addition of an assisted living community, outpatient center, and skilled nursing facility create new opportunities for Dracut’s aging population to receive the care and services they need. “We look forward to welcoming our new neighbors as they open,” says Jonathan Athenas, Executive Director at The Arbors at Dracut. Why The Arbors Chose Dracut Founded in 1966, the family owned and operated senior living company saw Dracut as a vastly under-served market. With a philosophy that genuine kindness, comfort and care can make a big difference in people’s lives, The Arbors was excited about the opportunity to bring their family-oriented, hard-working philosophy to the Dracut market. Nearly 50% occupied already, the residents of Dracut have been welcoming, as well as ready to seek new life adventures. “We have a very active, vibrant population,” says Athenas. And, with a more active population, the residents living at The Arbors at Dracut have high expectations of the recreation program. “With summer trips to the beach planned, outings to the casino, a very active book club, and museum visits scheduled, there is a little something for everyone,” says Recreation Director Judi Parisi.
New Medical Facilities to Cater to Aging Population in Dracut, Mass
