Looking Back: 2017 at StoneRidge
As 2017 comes to a close, the residents and staff at StoneRidge are thankful for the many fortunes that were experienced this year. A close-knit community located in Mystic, Connecticut, StoneRidge’s commitment to health and well-being are among residents’ favorite attributes. This year also brought some refreshing additions to the community, exciting renovations, and the continuation of beloved programs and activities.
Residents are Making a Difference at the Community
StoneRidge residents participate wholeheartedly around their community with an “all-in” approach. Residents are heavily involved in creating the lifestyle available at StoneRidge, from hospitality to dining to community life services. They have a sense of ownership and the significant increase on this year’s resident satisfaction survey reflects their dedication and affection toward StoneRidge.
“Our residents are participatory and work to get the community to a level of perfection. As I look back on all that happened here in 2017, I’m most proud of what the residents have done and continue to do to make StoneRidge so special,” says Kathleen Dess, Executive Director at StoneRidge.
Fitness Center Transformed and Transforms
As always, fitness is a big part of life at StoneRidge. Fitness Center manager and nationally certified trainer via the National Institute of Fitness and Sports (NIFS), Tracey Godwin-Randolph, has spent the year not only helping residents work toward their fitness goals, but also encouraging fellowship and personal connections. With a background in neurology and degree in physiology, Tracey takes a mind-body-spirit and whole-body approach to well-being. Her popular balance class draws upwards of 50 residents each week, a testament to her relationship with them and her drive to make her time with each of them count.
“This year we completely renovated our fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for seniors; it’s really user-friendly,” says Kathleen.
“What’s really exciting though, is the that the resident participation for our community has exceeded many other senior living communities, and it’s all thanks to Tracey. She’s really started a movement here.”
A Community That Has it All
The StoneRidge Assistance in Living (SAIL) neighborhood opens in mid-January. SAIL is designed to keep residents independent, and will be especially helpful for couples that require different types of care. The Avalon Health Center and The Cottage Memory Care continue to offer profound programs to residents, and the community’s skilled nursing center received a five-star rating from the Centers from Medicare and Medicaid Services again this year!
“With the addition of SAIL, we now offer every level of care that a person could want or need,” says Kathleen. “Once you’re here, you can rest assured that we’re going to take care of you and give you lots of options every step of the way.”
Residents Engaged with the Mystic Community
Residents have long enjoyed StoneRidge’s partnerships with local organizations and 2017 was no exception. The University of Rhode Island’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) now streams some courses for residents at the community, while some venture to the University’s campus for classes.
StoneRidge will continue to support Mystic Seaport, where many residents volunteer, with an exclusive sponsorship of the seaport’s Adventure Series. 2017 was the community’s first year to sponsor education and marine life rescues at the Mystic Aquarium. This partnership will expand further in 2018 with the introduction of a speaker series called “Culturally Curious.”
The Mystic Museum of Arts Association will continue its partnership with StoneRidge and cultural destination, the La Grua Center, will begin to engage with residents more formally in 2018.
“What we want for our residents is what they want for themselves: to be engaged, to find their passion and purpose, and to continue to live each and every moment to its fullest,” says Kathleen. “The senior landscape is changing and StoneRidge works hard to be a few steps ahead.”
StoneRidge is a place with so much to do, places to go and people to meet; it’s what senior living should really be all about. As residents reminisce about the memorable experiences, connections and friendships of 2017 the team at StoneRidge is busy planning an extraordinary year to come. To learn more about ongoing activities and events at StoneRidge, or what lies ahead in 2018, call 860-333-8995. Happy New Year!
