As we rapidly speed through the colorful and brisk autumn months, many adults are faced with the task of ensuring their parents or elderly loved ones are prepared for the long winter ahead. This can mean hiring a plow service, having groceries delivered, being sure there is plenty of home fuel on hand, and being sure someone is available to safely drive seniors to doctor’s appointments or to run errands.
Looking at this list, it is easy to understand why some senior citizens decide to pack up and head south to avoid the cold, the snow, possible loss of power, and the sense of being shut indoors for so long. This option doesn’t work for all seniors, though, as some may not want to be so far away from friends and family for so long, and others simply may not have the resources to take such a lengthy trip.
Based on our experiences with families, we know adult children spend winters worrying about how their elderly parents will manage. Even if relatives head to a warmer climate, adults worry that they are unable to visit their loved ones, or to simply help them if ever needed.
That is why The Saybrook at Haddam has decided to offer a “seasonal stay” option this winter. This new program gives seniors a chance to move in to the community and enjoy all our services and amenities (and fabulous food) -without having to make any type of long-term commitment.
These temporary stays are like a mini-vacation as seniors can enjoy one of our fully furnished apartments and the same lifestyle we offer to full-time residents. This includes the use of our gym, movie theater, billiards room, and libraries, as well as attendance at any of our exercise, cultural and social programs. This also includes three nutritious, chef-prepared meals each day served in our elegant dining room. Friends and family members are always welcome to join our seasonal “guests” at any meal for a very nominal fee.
“We know many seniors really dread the winter months and they sometimes feel limited by their options of how to get through this time of year,” said Jeff Williams, executive director at The Saybrook at Haddam. “Instead of just doing what they have done every winter before, we hope they will consider trying something new like our seasonal stay program. We want to show seniors and their families that winter can be warm and that senior living communities can be wonderful. We are excited to watch the success of this program.”
For seniors who may not want to part with their personal belongings for several months, The Saybrook at Haddam invites them to “move in” with their own furniture, artwork, and other items to make the apartment their “home.” This is another non-committed way to truly have the best of both worlds: the luxuries of a “mini-vacation” and the comforts of the things they love.
Either way, these seasonal stays offer a cheerful alternative for seniors to be a different type of “snowbird” and to enjoy a carefree, active and safe winter.
For more details on the “seasonal stay” program or to have a private tour of The Saybrook at Haddam, please click here or call David Downey at 860-345-3779.
