When searching for assisted living, what truly matters isn’t just the amenities or floor plans, but the hands that help, the hearts that listen, and the team that shows up every day for your loved one. At The Arbors at Westfield, MA, that team is something special.
In an industry known for high turnover, The Arbors and The Ivy communities stand out for one remarkable reason: our staff stays. Across the organization, more than 70 team members have been with us for over 10 years, and Westfield is a shining example of that commitment in action.
Some staff members have worked here for 20 years or more. They’ve built careers, relationships, and a deep sense of purpose within these walls. For the families who choose The Arbors at Westfield, that continuity means trust, familiarity, and care that’s truly personal.
A team rooted in longevity and love
The Arbors at Westfield is more than a workplace. It’s a community where staff and residents feel like family. From housekeeping to care services to leadership roles, our team members have made long-term commitments not only to their jobs, but to the people they serve.
Take Karen Cusson, who has worked at The Arbors in Westfield for 20 years.
“I have been here this long because I really like helping people and making them feel special,” Karen writes. “I like sitting with my residents and hearing about their lives, their family, their adventures, and their mischievous times. When they feel happy, it makes me feel happy.”
That level of joy and connection is not an exception. It’s the norm here.
Mary Ellen Westcott, another longtime team member, shares a similar sentiment:
“I joined The Arbors family and found I had a bond with the elderly. It’s a good, meaningful place to work and a meaningful service to me. You can always see the love and appreciation in the eyes of the residents.”
Mary has been part of the Westfield community for 20 years and describes her role as “the best job I’ve ever had.”
Learn more about our memory care and assisted living services, or explore our important questions to ask when touring a community.
More than a job: a calling
The staff at The Arbors at Westfield don’t just show up to do a job. We show up to make a difference. Becky Watson, who works in housekeeping, says it simply:
“I enjoy my job, working beside the residents and listening to their stories. It makes my day.”
She also praises the culture of openness and support among the leadership team:
“I can go to any director with a problem or question, even if it’s not my director, and they will do their best to help me.”
That kind of workplace culture translates directly into the quality of care residents receive.
A culture of connection
It’s not just the relationships between staff and residents that stand out. It’s the connection among the team itself. There’s a shared sense of purpose and pride in what they do.
Nancy, another devoted staff member, reflects:
“I enjoy our residents and their being kind. Every moment has a story, every day a memory made. As the story grows, the Arbors family grows bigger.”
This spirit of connection and consistency is one of the reasons families choose The Arbors at Westfield and why residents often stay for many years.
Why longevity matters in senior care
When families entrust their loved ones to a senior living community, they deserve stability and familiarity. Unfortunately, many assisted living communities struggle with high staff turnover, which can disrupt routines and impact the emotional well-being of residents.
At The Arbors and The Ivy, we do things differently.
Our long-tenured team members mean:
- Fewer disruptions in care routines
- Deeper knowledge of each resident’s preferences and personality
- Greater trust built over time between staff, residents, and families
- A consistent standard of care rooted in mutual respect and compassion
This level of staff loyalty is not only rare. It’s one of the clearest ways you can discover the difference when choosing a senior living community.
A warm welcome, every step of the way
Whether you’re just starting to research care options or looking to move soon, The Arbors at Westfield is here to support you. Our team is ready to listen, guide, and help you determine the best level of care for your loved one.
When you’re ready, we’d love to introduce you to the people who make this place feel like home.
Discover the difference in Westfield
What sets The Arbors at Westfield apart isn’t just our programs or building. It’s our people. When staff members stay for decades, it’s because they’ve found something meaningful. And when residents and families experience that consistency, care, and compassion every day, it becomes something they can count on.
Come see what it means to be supported by a work family that truly stays. Visit The Arbors at Westfield and discover the difference for yourself. Call 860.698.8613 or complete our online form to connect with us today.