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Vibrant Living. Each life has a unique history that adds to the richness of the communities that we create together at Living Well Residences. Honoring the past while providing dignity, personalized support and holistic wellness in the present is at the heart of everything we do.
Finding purpose and everyday joys are essential to living vibrantly. Our residents have the ability to choose which activities, events and outings they would like to participate in while receiving encouragement and support as they do. Whether it is tending the resident and volunteer gardens, taking a yoga class or participating in a game or activity with a friend, Living Well residents have a large variety of daily activities to keep their mind active, their body moving and their social engagement plentiful.
Virginia, Tally and I found Halloween memorable. The doorbell rang continually as scores of children were greeted by residents manning the doors. We all cheered the Living Well Drumming Circle as they passed by in the Fourth of July parade. We enjoyed the artwork at their openings at the Bristol Library and the Bakery, where they also read their poetry aloud. We were surprised and delighted by the ukulele group that comes to practice in the dining room. It’s all lively testimony to Living Well’s vibrant place in the community.
What impressed me about Living Well was the comfortable home like environment and the holistic approach to aging and care Living Well supports. Living Well’s activities are designed to effect their innovative holistic approach to caring for vulnerable elders like: an organic vegetable garden where they grow many of their foods, elders choosing to “pitch in” to help with chores like help prep a meal, day excursions to go fish, the drumming circle. Such life at Living Well. Such care to the details in keeping the environment clean, green and joyful.
After about a year of staying at Living Well I began to notice profound changes. First of all as a result of doctors determining her medication levels were incorrect, she began to become more coherent. This was a result of Living Well making sure she was being cared for properly. Mom on a long term basis tends to be antisocial, however I have seen significant friendships develop with both staff and residents of Living Well.
I have worked with Living Well Care Home of Bristol, Vermont, and its residents in the capacity of Activities Director for over five years. During this time I have witnessed and supported Living Well’s core mission of bringing integrative approaches to the health and well being of elders in its care. Art activities for Living Well’s residents range from planting, tending and harvesting its organic gardens, to the wellness practices of meditation, Tai Chi and chair yoga. The visual arts of photography, painting and collage and a high quality music program also benefit the residents in deepening their social connection and emotional well being. Finally, both as a staff member and as residents’ council facilitator, I have observed and participated in the process of Dynamic Governance, Living Well’s unique approach to ongoing responsive improvement of its many programs. Time and again I have seen residents’ ideas, interests and concerns met with proactive interest. It is a privilege to live and grow in community with Living Well’s staff and residents. I wholeheartedly endorse Living Well’s mission of providing sustainable, integrative approaches to health and well being and any funding efforts which would further this mission.
Very pleasant environment. Love they have activities for the residents and work to keep residents active physically and mentally. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Staff are always very respectful, caring, and social with residents. It’s a place where staff know all the residents by name and always address them by first name, which my Mom even commented on. It’s very convenient to have a kitchenette on each floor so family can have a cup of tea or coffee when visiting their family member. Staff are easy to communicate with for family members.
It has been a week since our family met with you about a number of issues pertaining to Dad’s current care. I wanted you to know how grateful we all are for the time that you spent with us in answering our questions and in problem-solving to find ways to help Dad through his current health difficulties. It was useful for us to understand our options as we plan the most appropriate care for our parents in their final days. You were patient and thorough with us and we are grateful.
It has been a week since our family met with you about a number of issues pertaining to Dad’s current care. I wanted you to know how grateful we all are for the time that you spent with us in answering our questions and in problem-solving to find ways to help Dad through his current health difficulties. It was useful for us to understand our options as we plan the most appropriate care for our parents in their final days. You were patient and thorough with us and we are grateful.
I also want to go beyond the thank you for the meeting to let you know that we are very grateful for what Heaton Woods has given to our parents. Heaton Woods has become a big family for them and they often express to us their gratefulness for the generous and caring staff. When they entered, several years ago it was difficult to envision that they would make such an easy transition from independent living to assisted living; it is a credit to all of you for being able to assimilate two such independent-minded individuals.
This environment gives a resident their own space and privacy yet gives them the comfort that someone is always there for them when or if they need help. I have seen my family member smile more and get back her humor. Though you hear “boy, this is a long hallway” the smile is knowing she can now walk that distance and actually laugh about it. With the level of care staff provide with my loved one, they have been able to improve and maintain a more comfortable level of health. I love meeting and speaking with other residents there. Amazing staff, amazing residents.
From the beginning, my interaction with the people at Ethan Allen Residence was different than other similar residences. I felt like the people there really cared about what happened to my parents, even before we knew that they would be moving into Ethan Allen. We talked many times about a variety of options. They provided their expertise freely, and it was incredibly helpful. When my parents finally moved in, everyone went (and continues to go) out of their way to make both my mom and dad feel uniquely welcome and comfortable. From paint colors, to room decorations and set up, to special activities — even meals and snacks — the staff at Ethan Allen have remained flexible, caring, and accommodating to ensure that my parents are as happy and independent as possible.
