Senior Assisted Living FAQs in Connecticut & Massachusetts

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Our philosophy is that a memory loss diagnosis does not define the rest of each person’s life living in our communities. Reflections is designed to help our residents live their best life through the suite of signature programs found only at The Arbors. Our core beliefs:

1. Memory loss, itself, does not define a person
2. Memory loss is unique for every person and programs for each resident are individualized based on interests, capabilities, and strengths.
3. A person-centered approach to programming provides opportunities for residents to find moments of happiness and meaning and to live their best life.
4. Identity and a strong sense of self comes from living a life filled with meaning and purpose, and being allowed to reflect on life’s most precious milestones.
5. Sight, smell, sound and touch all evoke memories and can reduce stress, create a calm environment, and decrease loneliness.

Every staff member in our building is certified by our Reflections Memory Care Director in our memory care certification program. It is important because we have residents with early stagesof memory loss in our Traditional community and we feel every staff that walks on the memory community should be trained in how to interact and behave with the residents. Memory Care Mentors are resident care aids that we feel have skill in working with memory care residents and the ability to help mentor staff on the Reflections community. They go through a Memory care mentor certification with their Reflections Memory Care Director. Both the Reflections Memory Care Directors and the Memory Care Mentors are also certified as Certified Dementia Practitioners through the National Council. The Reflections Memory Care Directors are also Montessori Dementia Engagement Certified. This helps to set up the prepared environment that is filled with both structured and unstructured activities for the residents to participate in. The Reflections Memory Care Directors and the Memory Care Mentors are also trained in Validation method and on how to create a multisensory Snoezelen space or cart. The Reflections Memory Care Directors also complete ongoing dementia in-services throughout the year based on the training needs of each community.

When a resident requires more personal care than can be provided by our team, we work with the family, physician and partner providers such as Hospice, Home Health, Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy and more to find a solution that better fits the Resident’s needs.

Unfortunately we do not allow residents to have pets in their apartments as we need to take into consideration all of our residents’ health conditions which may include possible allergies or asthma. However, we do allow well behaved visiting pets so your furry friends can come anytime.

No you are not stuck! However, most of our communities require a community services assessment fee upon signing a residency agreement. We do require 30 day’s written notice prior to moving out of the community.

Yes, we do offer short-term stays or Respite at many of our communities. A short-term or respite stay is a useful option when planned or unforeseen circumstances occur such as a family vacation or recovery from an illness. Some people like to “try it out” before they make a decision, and short term or respite stays are a great way to do this.

Yes! We want you to feel at home. Having your own belongings that you know and are comfortable with will help make the transition to your new home an easy one.

As The Arbors is our residents’ home, we welcome visitors and have no set hours.

In assisted living, we serve three meals a day with multiple options at each meal. These options typically include a hot meal, a sandwich, a salad and various other available options. You can choose the seating time you prefer and will be served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room. Each Arbors community also has a Pub, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, where our residents can grab a snack or beverage at anytime.