Health, Happiness and Expert Care: How This Connecticut Non-Profit Senior Care Community Continues to Thrive

https://blog.ctpost.com/storystudio/2020/11/13/health-happiness-and-expert-care-how-this-connecticut-non-profit-senior-care-community-continues-to-thrive/

By StoryStudio November 13, 2020 9:42 pm

It’s no secret that COVID has hit seniors hard. But while many active senior communities struggled as COVID-19 unfolded, Waveny LifeCare Network thrived. The secret to Waveny’s success is no secret at all – it’s right in the name.

Unlike one-size-fits-all facilities that offer its residents precious little in the way of specialized services, Waveny is an entire network that provides a complete continuum of care, from active retirement and independent living, to dedicated memory care, skilled nursing, rehab and everything in between.

Serving Fairfield County and the larger Tri-State area, Waveny LifeCare Network is comprised of a wide range of services and communities, including The Village, which combines assisted living with a focus on memory care; the Waveny Care Center, a five-star rated skilled nursing facility with inpatient and outpatient rehab and physical therapy, The Inn, a charming residence for seniors seeking enriched independent living in an intimate, socially active retirement community, and Waveny Home Health Services, which provides comprehensive medical and non-medical homecare services.

Advantages of the Waveny LifeCare Non-profit Network over for-profit companies:

1. 24/7 personalized nursing care, Medical Director, and a true “Age –in- Place” model;
2. Extraordinary social, cultural and lifelong learning activities in a vibrant social setting;
3. Seamless access to key services like physical therapy, geriatric psychology assessments;
4. Rich, diverse culinary experiences;
5. $4.5 million annual endowment that provides uninterrupted quality care even as residents’ funds wane;
6. 45- year legacy of promoting residents’ best, most sustainable outcomes.

The memory and dementia care offered at The Village is a hallmark of Waveny’s superior commitment to their residents’ health and happiness. It provides onsite access to a highly trained, licensed nursing team, along with certified therapeutic recreation instructors that lead residents in innovative programs, from music, art & exercise, to storytelling, yoga, horticulture and pet therapy. Geriatric research shows seniors’ health improves when they are socially engaged in learning, exploring and building new life skills.

They celebrate each resident’s individual needs with those of the community as whole, with evidence-based healthcare quality criteria. This is care redefined: personalized therapeutic programs in a secure, home-like setting designed specifically to enhance and enrich seniors’ safety, well-being and continued engagement.

Given the ongoing pandemic, the President of Waveny Russell R. Barksdale, Jr., reminds loved ones that the health and safety of their residents, staff, and volunteers remain Waveny LifeCare Network’s top priority. Waveny maintains stringent COVID safety and infection control protocols that include screening, temperature checks, mask wearing, social distancing and limiting group activities to fewer than six participants.

Yet, in spite of COVID-19 challenges, Waveny thrives, says Barksdale. “For our residents, activities, health, and wellness programs continue safely. We have Skype capabilities for our families and residents to communicate and our nursing managers are available 24-7 for any questions or concerns. Our thoughts and prayers continue for those afflicted by the virus and for those professionals caring for them.”

“Waveny has been extremely careful and proactive about keeping their residents and employees safe,” agrees Jody, the daughter of a current resident at Waveny. Her mother began at The Village and is now at the Care Center. Transitioning was easy, Jody says, noting how happy her mother was at The Village and is again at Waveny Care Center. “I can’t believe how well my mother transitioned,” says Jody. “It’s like a miracle. I’m like the Waveny cheerleader. I would recommend Waveny to everybody!”

Anne M. and her husband recently moved into The Inn, Waveny’s newly renovated active retirement community, after she completed a rehabilitation stay at Waveny’s Care Center, just another example of the extreme advantage Waveny’s continuum of care provides. The couple says they love The Inn’s New England charm, its easy access to New Canaan’s vibrant shopping and dining, and the many friends they’ve made. Connection with the greater New Canaan community is essential to maintaining the close-knit feel The Inn seeks to foster.

“Waveny is uniquely positioned,” notes chief sales and marketing officer Terry Henry. “Senior living facilities are often owned or managed by real estate companies; we’re a proud, independent non-profit. We offer families a transformational life experience— where their loved ones can permanently age in place and thrive with superior safety, social engagement, and medical outcomes.”

Because Waveny is not-for-profit, they’re as invested in your senior care as you are. These days, it’s not uncommon for seniors to outlive their savings, as rising healthcare costs create more uncertainty around securing quality, sustainable care.

More than ever, seniors need a long-term healthcare plan that will provide high quality care if they outlive their savings. By providing millions in uncompensated care from their own endowment, Waveny offers a unique solution that allows loved ones to truly age-in-place in Waveny’s continuum of care.

If you or a loved one are considering the next phase of life, now’s the time to consider the advantages Waveny offers its residents. As part of the Waveny LifeCare Network, residents have all they need to enjoy each new stage of life, safely and joyfully.

For more information call Waveny LifeCare Network at 203.594.5200 or visit waveny.org.