Our philosophy of assisted living is based on three concepts: a discreet, non-institutional approach to whole-person care; service to families; and a belief in the value and continuing growth of the individual.
We start by learning the life story and preferences of each person. Accommodating their habits helps each one to feel at home, and knowing their backgrounds helps staff relate to and understand residents.
Staff members are hand-picked for their compassion and friendliness. They're carefully trained; ready to respond to any need, day or night, with personalized care.
Surrounded by their own furniture and personal treasures in the suite of their choice, residents feel relaxed and at home.
A daily routine is good therapy, especially for those in our memory care neighborhoods. Morning, afternoon and evening times provide the framework for meals, productive activities and periods of rest. Residents experience real family style living, with opportunities to participate in familiar tasks like making cookies or folding clothes. Depending on past roles, these simple acts can be calming and satisfying.
Nothing replaces the love and support of family. Families continue to be involved in their loved one's life through frequesnt family events, intergenerational activities and monthly educational programs.
Plus, families are encouraged to visit any time and stay for as long as they like. We love to accommodate special gatherings for birthday or anniversary celebrations.
There are even fun things for kids to do -- like visiting the ice cream parlor, enjoying our putting green, or shooting some hoops. Of course pets are welcome, because they're part of the family too.
At Astoria Gardens, we view aging as a growth process. After all, we start aging the moment we're born. No matter how a mind or body may change, we believe it's important to cherish the unique and enduring spirit within.
We aim to make the most of every day by acknowledging the three inner needs we all have:
· To make decisions about our own lives;
· To do the things we can still do for ourselves; and
· To do what we can for others.
In addition to the reassurance of daily routines, our exclusive LifeCycles curriculum incorporates another important dimension of activities. Seasonal changes, cherished holidays, generational relationships -- these represent the rhythms and life phases we all share and are grounded by, no matter what our age. They are universal experiences.
Through Lifecycles, every week is an immersion into one familiar topic or theme. Each one of the 52 weekly themes includes both group and one-on-one activities; interactive activities for mind, body and spirit; sensory programming; celebrations; and special field trips. These activities provide orientation as well as fun.
Coordinating activities are also planned each week for staff and families. Through these activities, surprising connections are made between residents, staff and families. Often, these age groups discover they have a lot more in common than they thought.
