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Giving older adults and their families
Peace Of Mind
Glenmeadow (ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK IMAGES)
ing in winter or cleaning the could involve more rigorous Deciding to move pool in summer. We take care strength training.” to a senior living of all that.” She added that different What helps anchor the deopportunities to socialize is community is a life- cision oftentimes, she said, is another form of wellness at peace of mind that comes Glenmeadow. changing one – in “the with being in a community “Our 10 a.m. exercise class of diverse residents who is popular for both fitness all the best ways. By Anne-Gerard Flynn
Special to The Republican
Exceptional amenities and beautiful residences are important for those 62 and over, but they are also seeking energy, choice, and connection. Among the options available, Glenmeadow stands out for its dynamic environment designed to elevate well-being and inspire an active, fulfilling lifestyle. “Quality of life is so important because we are - objectively speaking - living longer than we ever have but the goal is to live better,” Glenmeadow President and Chief Executive Officer Kathy Martin said. “Wellness is front and center in everything we do because it is connected to longevity to social connection to nutrition and of course exercise.” More and more older Americans are opting for communities like Glenmeadow as they age, preferring to focus on their health and lifestyle rather than the demands of owning a home. Martin says Glenmeadow helps prospective residents embrace that decision with enthusiasm by highlighting the benefits of living in a community that includes a fitness center, three dining rooms, and daily programming that includes exercise classes, discussion groups and presentations. “Many people choose to move here because they want to, not because they need to. Rather than feeling like they’re giving something up, residents appreciate all that Glenmeadow provides” Martin said. “We refer to it as eliminating life’s overhead. It means not worrying about what you have to make for dinner every night or shovel-
each bring their own stories and interests, united by the choice to live in a community designed around wellness, enrichment, and opportunity rather than household to-do lists like-minded people in a similar time of their lives who just want to engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment and not the have-to-dos that come with home ownership.” She stated, “Our recent renovations are designed with wellness in mind. The Vitality Hub—our expanded fitness center and pool/spa—shows that wellness is a core part of our community. Our dining venues, common areas, library, and salon all contribute to the overall wellness focus.” Glenmeadow’s environment and programming are structured to support residents in maintaining their individual lifestyle choices. “It all connects,” Martin said. “When healthy meals or a gym are nearby, making good choices becomes much easier for everyone.” “Residents move into Glenmeadow with a heightened consciousness of the importance of making good lifestyle choices. We are committed to accommodating their preferences while recognizing that moderation is equally important,” Martin said. She said that residents in their 70s, 80s, 90s, and even over 100 remain active within their health-related limits. “It is not necessarily high-intensity exercise; rather, the objective is to promote movement on all or most days of the week,” Martin stated. “Our aim is to accommodate our residents’ individual abilities. For some, this may include gentle chair yoga or stretching, while for others, it
and contemporary community. Many residents volunteer in the community and some are still working,” Martin said. “Enjoying the culture of Western Mass either as part of an outing organized by Glenmeadow or on their own with friends, is a key part of a vibrant life for our residents.” Glenmeadow staff is frequently mentioned as one reason residents love the community as they do. Martin described them as “incredible.” The Wellness Team, in
on diverse subjects into our regular program schedule.” Glenmeadow’s programs are open to assisted living, respite care, and independent living residents. “Our programming is fully integrated,” Martin said. “Our and social connection,” independent-living and assistMartin said. “Having a set ed-living residents go to the time makes it purposeful and same programs. Our exercise motivating.” programs are adaptable. If The sense of routine and a resident, for example, has shared purpose found in daily limited mobility we can modactivities like the morning ify exercises so that residents exercise class not only fosters can participate safely and comfortably.” Martin noted that the Glenmeadow circle also includes residents’ families and loved ones, many of whom are geographically distant from the Longmeadow campus. “Glenmeadow offers peace of mind not only to our residents but also to their families and loved ones,” Martin stated. “Families can trust that someone is seeing their loved one daily, and that residents have reliable access to dining, exercise, and social engagement. As families become increasingly geographically dispersed, it becomes more challenging for children to monitor the well-being of a parent or loved one.” Martin emphasized Glenmeadow’s home care division, which provides services designed to assist individuals in remaining in their family homes with supplemental support. Serving clients across the Greater Springfield area, Glenmeadow at Home delivers reliable and cost-effective (ABOVE PHOTOS COURTESY OF GLENMEADOW) solutions for those seeking healthy habits, but also particular, focuses on provid- additional assistance while builds a strong foundation ing a wide range of options maintaining their residence. for community. Residents are for residents from physical “It might seem unusual for encouraged to connect with wellness to intellectual ena senior living community to one another, making personal gagement. focus on helping older adults wellness and social interac“They oversee our programs remain in their family homes. tion seamlessly intertwined. and conduct individual train- However, at Glenmeadow, This collective approach to ing sessions with residents, this aligns with our mission. daily living naturally extends developing tailored plans to We aim to support older beyond scheduled events, enhance flexibility, strength, adults in having the experireflecting a culture at Glenand resilience,” Martin stated. ences they desire. For some meadow where vitality, en“Acknowledging the imporindividuals, that means staygagement, and camaraderie tance of lifelong learning, we ing in their primary residence. thrive. are incorporating additional We can assist with this choice, “Glenmeadow is an active guest lectures and discussions just as we help those who
decide to transition into an apartment on our campus. Martin acknowledged that making such decisions can be challenging. Glenmeadow staff members are available to provide guidance to prospective residents and their families, helping them navigate the complex range of senior living options available, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home care. “These choices are often grouped together, which can be counterproductive for individuals seeking an environment that not only feels like home but also meets both their current and anticipated needs,” Martin explained. It is important to understand the wide range of aging service options available, from independent living to nursing home care, as each provides a distinct level of assistance and lifestyle. She described aging as an “active process, involving daily decisions that influence how successfully individuals progress through the different stages of life.” “Knowing the options for additional support is an important part of the active aging process,” Martin said. “Whether you are staying in your family home or move to a community like Glenmeadow it is important feel safe, cared for and comfortable.” Choosing a senior living community like Glenmeadow offers older adults and their families peace of mind, personalized support, and a vibrant sense of community. Residents benefit from social engagement, wellness programs, and flexible care options, all within a safe, welcoming environment that adapts to their changing needs. There are more advantages than disadvantages and many residents tell Martin that they “wish they had made the decision sooner. Regardless, Glenmeadow is ready when they are ready.”