Whitney Center News | Senior Living in Hamden, CT

Whitney Center Takes Away Your Winter Worries!

By | Blog

Depending on where you live, winter may already be in full swing with freezing temperatures, gray skies and even – ugh – snow. Yes, the winter weather also brings holiday celebrations and cheer, but let’s not fool ourselves: it also brings a lot of hazards, headaches and worries.

“For many, winter is the hardest time of the year, particularly for senior adults,” says

Cathy Bennett Goodman, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “It’s cold, it’s gloomy, it’s harder to get out and about and can be pretty boring and annoying. Even little tasks like getting to the grocery store or heading out for a walk around the block can seem like too much work, since it requires bundling up, navigating unsafe streets and venturing out when it’s dark.”

If the thought of dealing with another cold, dreary winter has you longing for summer, Cathy suggests an alternate course of action.

“Why wait until the worst of winter hits when you can begin enjoying the exciting, active and maintenance-free lifestyle at Whitney Center right now?” says Cathy. “No matter what the weather is outside, it’s always warm, comfortable and accommodating at Whitney Center. Instead of spending another winter shoveling snow, losing power and driving on icy streets, you’ll be participating in clubs, attending classes, going to socials, working out in our fitness center, creating art, volunteering and making new friends.”

You’ll be safe and sound during winter weather.

Staying safe isn’t as easy in the winter months for aging adults. It’s a lot easier to fall or otherwise injure yourself when you’re dealing with icy driveways or hazardous roads. From power outages to being snowed in, to a slew of other issues, there’s a lot to think – and worry – about. However, by moving into Whitney Center, you’ll say goodbye to a lot of those worries and “hello” to fun, friends and a life of leisure. You’ll never have to worry about shoveling snow, getting to the grocery store, power outages or even driving in inclement weather. The friendly, helpful staff takes care of everything so you can enjoy all the good that this time of year can bring.

You’ll be healthier.

Is that the sound of a sneeze or cough we hear? Everyone knows that the winter months are synonymous with illnesses like colds and the flu. And while it may seem like staying tucked into your home would be a better environment than living in a community with a bunch of other people, that’s not the case at Whitney Center. Whitney Center is a warm, clean and sanitary environment, meaning that illness and bugs are less likely to get in and marinate. Because our helpful staff is always on hand, we’re able to watch for any signs of sickness and help you the second you may feel a tickle in your throat or experience a runny nose. And because you aren’t putting yourself outside to deal with issues like snow, leaky roofs or running errands, you’re less likely to stress your immune system.

You’ll stay active.

Exercise is an important part of aging well, but that can be hard to do during the winter months. When you don’t exercise, your immune system isn’t as powerful, which makes it easier to get sick, which makes you want to not exercise, and ‘round and ‘round it goes. But at Whitney Center, the cold won’t keep you from staying active. Our on-site fitness center has just about any exercise, class or activity you can think of – everything from water aerobics to yoga to weight training and more. You don’t even have to go outside, because our fitness center is connected to the community, so all you have to do is tie on your shoes and head through our climate-controlled hallways to get there.

You’ll have so many activities to choose from.

Winter can be boring and lonely when you’re cooped up in your house, unable to get anywhere. That’s certainly not the case at Whitney Center. Our community events calendar is filled with performances, classes, social engagements and many other activities that will keep you as busy and socially engaged as you could desire. Not only that, but you’ll be surrounded by an immediate community of new friends who are eager to get to know you and are always interested in joining you for a meal, for an activity or even an off-campus outing. We make it easy to connect and get acquainted with others, find like-minded friends and become quickly integrated to life at our spectacular community.

Resolve Your Winter Worries at Whitney Center

We fit your lifestyle and your needs.

The lifestyle at Whitney Center sets you free from maintenance while offering a host of conveniences and services that make living here a great value … think full calendar of entertainment, beautiful (and spacious) apartments, chef-prepared meals, and the security and peace of mind that comes from Life Care.

You’ll discover care for life.

Whitney Center is a Life Care Community, which means you’ll have access to health care you might need in the future with virtually no increase in costs. From everyday health and wellness services to Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing and Memory Care, Life Care means having confidence in a future that promises quality health care that’s centered on you.

Call (203) 439-5080 today to schedule a personal visit to discuss how you can start enjoying our lifestyle now at a 10% savings. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.

Discover Excellence in Senior Living.

At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care Community, offering not just an unparalleled Independent Living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Care and Memory Care. Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.

Choice. Freedom. Opportunity.

We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.

Come Here to Thrive.

At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.

Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care Community!

Psychological Benefits of Socialization for Aging Adults

By | Blog

When it comes to older adult health, experts in the field are quick to share best practices and advice on maintaining physical wellness, utilizing habits such as a good diet, exercise, balance and flexibility training and more. Occasionally, keeping an active social life is included in this list for its potential to get seniors moving and improving cognitive health. Although these benefits of social activity are great, socialization has so much more to offer aging adults. Read More

“WWII Veterans Speak at Whitney Center”

By | Uncategorized

George Ongley, a WWII veteran who served in the US Navy, joined up with several other WWII vets who are residents at Whitney Center, to speak about their time in the military ahead of Veterans Day in Hamden, Conn., on Wednesday November 9, 2022.George Ongley, a WWII veteran who served in the US Navy, joined up with several other WWII vets, to speak about their time in the military ahead of Veterans Day. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media

Whitney Center residents Herbert Kaufman, George Ongley, Mischa Schwartz and Carol Yohans Jr shared their stories on Veterans Day at a Veterans Day ceremony held annually at Whitney Center.  

To learn more please use the links below.

https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Veterans-Day-CT-World-War-II-Whitney-Center-17567706.php#photo-23148065

https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Veterans-Day-CT-World-War-II-Whitney-Center-17567706.php#photo-23148071

 

“Death By 1,000 Cuts” Visits Whitney Center

By | Uncategorized

DeathBy1000CutsApril2022 - 2

Black (Rodney Moore), Gold (Sharmont Little), Red (Stephen King) and Green (Jason Hall). Lucy Gellman Photos.

Whitney Center recently hosted the play “Death by a Thousand Cuts” written and directed by Steve Driffin.  Team members, residents and their guests watch the play/reading and then participated in a talk-back session with the cast.   Frances “Bitsie” Clark who had seen the play was so moved by the power of the script she worked to have it preformed at Whitney Center.   To learn more about the play and talk-back session please use the links below.

https://www.newhavenarts.org/arts-paper/articles/death-by-1000-cuts-visits-the-whitney-center

https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2022/02/18/death-by-1000-cuts-a-requiem-for-black-and-brown-men/

 

Talking with Your Family About Your Retirement Plans

By | Blog

Making decisions about your retirement – where you want to live, how you’ll protect your assets, what kind of care you want should you ever need it – are no small tasks. As we get further into our retirement, our perspectives might change as the result of health concerns, new grandkids or the state of our finances. Once we’ve made these important plans, we need to share them with the people closest to us. Read More

Whitney Center Life Care Community Director of Special Projects Shakes Things Up at a Local Middle School

By | Blog

Marc Browne, Director of Special Projects at Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT, normally spends his workday designing new senior living buildings, directing renovation projects and planning apartment remodels for incoming residents. But recently, instead of focusing on ways to enhance and improve life for the retirees who make Whitney Center their home, he took a brief hiatus from the senior crowd and spent a few days focusing on a completely different demographic – eighth-grade children.

“I was charged with helping a group of students design, engineer and build an earthquake-proof structure as part of the school’s math-science initiative,” says Marc. “Our approach was first to build a platform that simulated an earthquake, and then build a viable structure.”

According to Marc, the experience was fascinating in countless ways. Perhaps most notably is how technology is now a part of the students’ everyday life. “When we were designing the structure, I was helping them with math – the way I learned math,” he says. “The students would always be quick to let me know there’s a newer way of doing this and it was often via an app! And you know what? It worked!”

Marc admits he was a little surprised at the determination and creativity of the students and says he enjoyed watching even the shyest of children coming out of their shells. “Everyone enthusiastically participated,” says Marc. “And when they hit roadblocks – like when they discovered their pyramid-style structure would not hold the required occupancy – they discussed it, brainstormed ideas and came up with viable solutions to overcome their problems. It was really cool.”

Marc says it’s important for Whitney Center to nurture a lifestyle that empowers employees to give back. “If you think volunteering is just a nice thing you do for others … think again,” he says. “A growing body of research points to the social, emotional and even physical health benefits of volunteering. In short, creating a culture of volunteerism doesn’t just help others, it also helps your organization – and we find that to be very true at Whitney Center.”

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO at Whitney Center, agrees. “Volunteering can be a life-changing experience and an important chance for employees to build new skills. We are committed to being good stewards of our community and volunteering helps us stay true to that promise.”

Marc says Whitney Center employees are eager volunteers. “Our employees have a wide variety of interests and passions, and it shows in the causes and organizations they support,” he says. “Their unique set of skills and knowledge can help others in a myriad of ways, from mentoring and tutoring younger generations to providing career guidance to feeding and clothing the disadvantaged to offering companionship and care.”

“At Whitney Center, we believe that we have a responsibility not only to our own community but to the communities of Hamden and the Greater New Haven area,” adds Michael. “This is why Whitney Center, its staff and residents take such an active role in volunteering and developing collaborative relationships with our neighbors and supporting programs that improve the quality of life in our community.”

Marc calls volunteering “a Whitney Center tradition,” and explains that he takes the time to contribute because it brings greater depth and joy to his job: “I love my work, and I love working with seniors. Volunteering enriches that. It brings a new perspective into my daily routine and adds a little more fun into it.”

Marc adds that many within Whitney Center agree, which is a prime reason why the staff and residents take such an active role in volunteering, developing collaborative relationships with community neighbors, and supporting programs that improve the quality of life both within and outside of the Whitney Center walls.

Our Volunteers Make a Difference

Whitney Center leadership, employees and residents are active in the community, giving their time and expertise to a variety of local organizations including Habitat for Humanity, The New Haven Community Soup Kitchen, Highville Charter School, IRIS Integrated Refugee &Immigrant Services, The Shore Line Trolley Museum, Yale Sustainable Food Program, and Yale-New Haven Hospital, to name a few.

Discover Excellence in Senior Living.

At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where employees love their jobs and residents do what they love to do! Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care community, offering not just an unparalleled independent living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, and memory care. Whitney Center even offers a home-based health and wellness membership program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.

Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care community!