5 Reasons to Love Living in Ellington, Connecticut

Ellington, Connecticut, is a tiny town about 77 miles outside Boston and 18 miles from Hartford. Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley and set against the backdrop of the Shenipsit State Forest, Ellington is best known for its roots as an agricultural community and remains one of the largest agricultural production towns in Connecticut. In recent years, Ellington has also become known as a resort community thanks to the Crystal Lake section of town, which was, for a while, a popular summer resort location. Today, about 15,725 people call Ellington home, giving it the sixth-fastest growth rate of all the towns in Connecticut. So, what is there to love about living in Ellington?


By The Ivy Ellington | October 9, 2018
How Do I Deal with the Guilt of Moving My Parent to Assisted Living?

As your parents age, there are a lot of emotions you’ll probably experience. Maybe you feel resentment toward siblings who are not helping provide care. Perhaps you feel lonely because the longer you are a caregiver, the more isolated you become. One of the common emotions Carrie Wilson sees in her role as memory care director of Reflections at Ivy at Ellington is guilt. “For the majority of the population, most seniors would choose to remain in their home and be self-sufficient, and their family would choose to remain a loving family and make that happen for them,” Wilson says. “We see families in those stages of having their life change, and that brings on different emotions — guilt being one of them.”


By The Ivy Ellington | October 9, 2018
Will Memory Care Be Too Stressful for My Parent with Dementia?

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you might start to notice them behaving in ways that surprise you. Maybe your mom once loved listening to James Brown, but now anytime loud or energetic music comes one, she seems more agitated than inspired. Or perhaps your dad was always up for a dinner party, but now when 6 p.m. rolls around, he becomes impatient, even unruly. So how, you might be asking yourself, how will they fare in a memory care community, where there are a lot of stimulating things going on?


By The Ivy Ellington | October 4, 2018
Finding the Right Assisted Living for Mom

Michelle Branco knew that, as an only child, she and her husband, Ken, would be the ones to take on the caregiving responsibilities for her mom, Marie Munger, after her dad passed in June 2018. When the Brancos asked Marie what she wanted to do — stay in Texas, where she had spent the past 30 years, or move to Connecticut to be near them — she said she wanted to closer to family. “Mom’s main goal was to be within striking distance of her daughter and I,” Ken says.


By The Ivy Ellington | September 25, 2018
From Hotel to Assisted Living Hospitality

For 11 years, Lindsay Redin worked as a front office manager for big box hotels in downtown Boston. Empathetic and caring, Redin loved interacting with guests as they arrived tired from their travels and was willing to go above and beyond to make the guests happy. But the hours were tough, and when Redin and her husband decided they wanted to adopt a child, she knew it was time for a change. Redin grew up in Western Massachusetts and knew her cousin was running a successful family business in the area. Her cousin? Sara Robertson, co-owner of The Arbors.


By The Ivy Ellington | September 25, 2018
Arbors Residents Share What  Assisted Living Is Really Like

The reason families consider assisted living for a loved one are as different as the unique needs, wants, and desires of each resident living at The Arbors. It’s a big decision — one that, unfortunately, many don’t plan for until they experience a crisis or an unplanned event that forces them to make last-minute care arrangements.


By Sondra Jones - Regional Marketing and Sales Director | September 23, 2018
Family Owned Leads to Family First Philosophy

Bianca Syriac’s day starts with Sesame Street and a muffin. The Sesame Street is for her 1 1/2-year-old son Oliver; the muffin for her. She drops Oliver off at The Arbors Kids at East Longmeadow and then drives south LuAnn’s Bakery & Cafe, where she picks up a $1 coffee, before heading to the office. As the marketing director at The Ivy at Ellington, Syriac is dedicated to the health and wellness of the residents. On a typical day at work, she:


By The Ivy Ellington | September 11, 2018
The 2,000 Mile Move That Changed My life

Marie Munger and her husband, Bob, spent 64 years together going on adventures, moving from Rhode Island to Texas for work — he a financial manager, she a med tech — and raising their daughter, Michelle. When Bob passed in June 2018, Marie moved from Texas to The Reflections at The Ivy at Ellington to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Ken, who live nearby. “I felt right at home right away,” Marie says. “I love my room. It’s a little apartment all my own.”


By The Ivy Ellington | September 10, 2018
Resident Care Director Brings 30 Years of Experience to The Ivy

The feeling of excitement and the thrill of starting a new journey can be hard to describe to others — unless you’re right there along with them. A place to start fresh and have your input valued is wonderful, and Marty Sawyer, Resident Care Director at The Ivy at Ellington is feeling just that. She’s excited to be a part of a new assisted living and memory care community from the very start.


By The Ivy Ellington | September 1, 2018


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Have you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

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Are you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


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Instant Access to Free Guide


Difficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


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Is your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


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Has your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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Where do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide


No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


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Instant Access to Free Guide


Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


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Instant Access to Free Guide


In this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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Have you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


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Instant Access to Free Guide


A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


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In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


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In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how health care professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


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Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide


Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


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Instant Access to Free Guide


This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.


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Instant Access to Free Guide


If you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your Search
Have you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a decision.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and Affordability
Are you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult Behaviors
Difficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage Depression
Is your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging Adults
Has your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The Arbors
Where do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving Challenges
In this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving Challenges
Have you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?
In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care Community
In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-The Standoff
Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really Like
If you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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