LATHAM – It is difficult for a family to decide to place their loved one in an assisted living facility. Millview does its best to make that decision comforting rather frightening and overwhelming.
Millview Homes is an assisted living community that offers services to about 50 residents and is all one floor, allowing the residents to move around freely and create friendships with their neighbors. Millview prides themselves on the affordability of care to their residents.
“We are a non-tiered facility, which means that the price won’t increase as your loved one needs more assistance,” Alica Dooris, Administrator and Director of Operations at Millview, said.
With the smaller number of residents and the smaller pool of staff, a close relationship becomes second nature. It doesn’t take long for residents to get to know the entire staff and for new staff to know the residents.
With staff getting to know residents, they also form a close relationship with the residents’ families. This relationship builds trust with family members and a sense of knowing who is taking part in their loved one’s care and that they are being well taken care of.
“One of the most rewarding things about working at Millview is that we get to help our residents age with dignity and respect while forming close relationships built on compassion and understanding,” Dooris said.
One of the significant things Millview believes in is continuing the independence of their residents for as long as possible while in assisted living. Often, residents feel like their independence has been stripped away once they move into an assisted living facility. However, Millview encourages their residents to do as much as they can on their own, for as long as they can.
Millview staff will step in when assistance is needed but try to motivate residents to do things themselves. Residents can also participate in activities inside and outside the facility that Millview offers. It is highly important to Millview that their residents maintain their independence for as long as possible.
“We like to say ‘move it or lose it’ and motivate our residents to maintain their independence, whether it’s walking around the building, joining in for exercise class or playing a game of cornhole,” Dooris said.
Assisted living facilities are essential as they allow loved ones to remain safe and taken care of as they age. Sometimes the removal of everyday tasks as a homeowner is essential for the safety and wellbeing of loved ones.
“Assisted Living communities allow people to remain as independent as possible while removing some of the tasks that become difficult to do in your home as you age, such as; cleaning, laundry, cooking, lawn care, and snow removal,” Dooris said. “It also allows people to socialize with others who have gone through similar situations and can relate to how they may be feeling.”
For Millview, safety, dignity, and independence are the stepping stones to making their residents comfortable to live in their care. Aging is a part of us all, assistance should be comforting and not scary.