Neighbors of this Archdiocesan facility include Saint Joseph’s parish church and Saint Martha’s Manor, the affiliated skilled nursing facility. Assisted living residents get first priority for admission to Saint Martha’s Manor, but are not guaranteed a place. The population is predominately Catholic, but the community is open to all. The property is large with acres of landscaped pastures, gardens and walking trails that wind around a large pond and gazebo. On our tour, residents enjoyed fresh air on the covered porch and chatted happily with one another. Inside, bold stripes traverse the lobby walls. Residents’ rooms are spacious studios with large windows. Unassuming neutrals and pastels mesh well with almost any type of furnishings residents bring in. Meals are served restaurant-style and include selections like chicken cacciatore, vegetable lasagna, sautéed green beans, garlic bread and strawberry shortcake. Sandwiches and salads are always available. A second dining room has a country theme, and the private dining room boasts a lovely screened-in porch.
Although the two assisted living units each offer daily activities, some larger events involve the entire community. Prominently displayed activity calendars listed arts and crafts, bingo, dance and exercise classes, a men’s poker club, watching travel programs and movies, and reading and discussing poetry. Carolyn’s Corner is a popular group centered on brainteasers and puzzles. A daily mass and rosary take place, and outside entertainment and field trips are special treats. The director of activities is a trained artist. Our favorites were the framed hand-painted pictures, which had residents’ rights handwritten on them. The activity room’s murals and watercolors provide perfect inspiration for the day’s activities.
Common areas are well used and inviting. Sunporches and small patio areas seem to jut off from every available inch of the building. On-site spa services add an extra element of luxury. Residents use the country kitchen often to cook up their personal favorites. In the common room, large bookcases are filled with reading material. Villa Saint Martha’s large outdoor patio area, complete with lots of shaded seating, leads to grassy open fields and small tree-lined vegetable and flower gardens. The dementia unit has its own secure courtyard and garden. Residents with dementia were notably relaxed, calm and appeared extremely well-cared for.
