News & Events

All Assisted Living Communities are not alike: A conversation about life at Providence House
Posted January 12, 2012

Linda Wolfson, LCSW, is a licensed social worker and co-director of Resident Services at Providence House Assisted Living at Corey Park in Brighton. Only a few Assisted Living communities offer a full-time social worker on staff. This interdisciplinary model is a relatively new approach which addresses the complex needs of residents and their families. Here, Wolfson answers some frequently asked questions about Assisted Living and the work she does at Providence House.

How does Providence House begin to build a relationship with residents and families?
Our residents and their families are our priority, always. The relationship begins before a resident moves in. Prior to moving in, we meet with new residents as well as family members to create an individualized care plan that encourages each resident to maintain as much independence as possible. Over time, relationships deepen and a wonderful camaraderie between the staff and the residents blossoms. Specifically, seniors who have been isolated, begin to flourish once embraced by our community of residents and staff. It’s a joy to watch.

What are the most significant differences between Assisted Living Communities?
Some Assisted Living Communities are expensive and cater only to the affluent. We are a mixed income community, and that is one of the things I like best about Providence House. It makes us affordable; it also creates a more diverse and interesting group of individuals. Having different religious and ethnic backgrounds doesn’t divide us; it generates interest and understanding.

Another important difference is the continuum of care provided at Providence House. Our assisted living community includes The Beechwood Memory Care Program for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. If our residents require rehabilitation or skilled nursing care, they have priority placement at Brighton House Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, which is connected to Providence House by a walkway. In addition to outstanding quality care, this continuity assures our residents the ability to maintain relationships and enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Finally, some Assisted Living Communities are part of a national chain or operated by a large organization. Providence House is managed by Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group, a Massachusetts-based family-owned company. The Welch Group has been providing a variety of housing options to seniors for over sixty-years and is managed by people who live and work in close proximity to the communities that they serve. There tends to be a deeper level of dedication and responsibility with that type of longevity.

What does affordable Assisted Living really mean?
Affordable Assisted Living is a relatively new concept and can mean very different things from community to community. Providence House as well as The Beechwood Program offer market-rate, moderate-income and low-income fee structures. Over half of the 102 apartments are moderate to low-income. In addition, Providence House contracts with three Medicaid based programs that subsidize income-qualified and clinically-eligible seniors.

What do you like best about working at Providence House?
I truly feel that I am part of a community. Providence House is a warm, welcoming place where “everybody knows your name.” I love the sense of belonging I feel here. I have ongoing relationships with residents, their families and fellow staff. Working with senior adults is a gift. There’s so much history here, so much wisdom. Every day is new and different.

Creating Successful Days: The Beechwood Memory Care Program benefits from a personalized approach to memory care
Posted January 9, 2012

From simple routines at the start of every day, to written autobiographies that emerge over time, stimulating activities provide daily shape and structure for Beechwood Memory Care Program residents.

As a self-contained memory care community at Providence House, the Beechwood Memory Care Program serves seniors with Alzheimer’s and related memory disorders. The Beechwood staff follows an Activities Based Therapeutic Program built around tasks that have previously been a part of daily life for each resident. “This is a relatively new approach to dementia care,” explains Beechwood Director Cara Kelley. “Instead of fitting our residents into our activities programs, we build a unique activity program for each person,” adds Kelley. A woman who spent her life as a homemaker finds comfort in the practice of being able to wash plastic dishes in a sink every morning, while another resident looks forward to beginning each day with his newspaper and coffee. “It gives them a sense of comfort and connection to do things that are familiar,” explains Kelley.

Mornings at Beechwood typically begin with physical exercise, and each day includes a reading, writing or conversational activity that supports cognitive function. The staff regularly works one-on-one with each resident, prompting reminiscences. The process is enjoyable for everyone, and the recollections are written down. Gradually, a life story emerges. “Often these autobiographies are given as gifts to families,” Kelley says. “They are very special and always prized. The residents are very proud of having created them.”

Families are welcomed at every Beechwood activity. According to Kelley, when the residents are participating in regularly scheduled destination trips to museums or other nearby attractions, the experience is often more enjoyable when it is shared with loved ones.

Bring Your Blankie to Brunch
Posted January 9, 2012

Providence House invites you to a Sunday brunch on January 22, 2012 at 11:00 AM. Enjoy a deliciously prepared brunch and learn about The Providence House "Blanketeers", a dedicated group of residents and staff who gather weekly to make blankets for the Greater Boston Area Project Linus.

Brighton Embraces New Centenarian
Posted September 6, 2011

Anne Weinberg of Providence House Assisted Living at Corey Park in Brighton recently celebrated her 100^th birthday alongside family, friends and staff. Allston-Brighton District City Councilor, Mark Ciommo and Matt McKenna, from state Senator Steven Tolman’s office were on hand to present Mrs. Weinberg with an official document with which to remember the day. Additionally, Mrs. Weinberg received happy birthday wishes from President and Michelle Obama.

“The residents and entire staff at Providence House are delighted to be a part of her life as she celebrates this milestone,” says Roald Rolfson, executive director, Providence House Senior Living Community.

Anne Levy Weinberg was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts on February 23, 1911. As the eldest of nine siblings, she developed a strong work ethic early on. One of her first jobs was selling moonshine cookies at her father’s store. She met and married the late Les Weinberg, and together, the couple raised two children, John and Sara Lee. Mrs. Weinberg has remained active, working into her 80’s as a volunteer at the Jewish Rehabilitation Center.