Every January, countless people resolve to get healthier in the new year. Often, these resolutions come with intense exercise goals or diet restrictions – and unrealistic goals that inherently make such resolutions short-lived. If you’re looking to make 2021 a healthier year, we recommend adopting a strategy that will help you maintain your health (and motivation!) for months to come. Read More
Depending on where you live, winter may already be in full swing with freezing temperatures, gray skies and even – ugh – snow. Yes, the winter weather also brings holiday celebrations and cheer, but let’s not fool ourselves: it also brings a lot of hazards, headaches and worries.
“For many, winter is the hardest time of the year, particularly for senior adults,” says
Cathy Bennett Goodman, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “It’s cold, it’s gloomy, it’s harder to get out and about and can be pretty boring and annoying. Even little tasks like getting to the grocery store or heading out for a walk around the block can seem like too much work, since it requires bundling up, navigating unsafe streets and venturing out when it’s dark.”
If the thought of dealing with another cold, dreary winter has you longing for summer, Cathy suggests an alternate course of action.
“Why wait until the worst of winter hits when you can begin enjoying the exciting, active and maintenance-free lifestyle at Whitney Center right now?” says Cathy. “No matter what the weather is outside, it’s always warm, comfortable and accommodating at Whitney Center. Instead of spending another winter shoveling snow, losing power and driving on icy streets, you’ll be participating in clubs, attending classes, going to socials, working out in our fitness center, creating art, volunteering and making new friends.”
You’ll be safe and sound during winter weather.
Staying safe isn’t as easy in the winter months for aging adults. It’s a lot easier to fall or otherwise injure yourself when you’re dealing with icy driveways or hazardous roads. From power outages to being snowed in, to a slew of other issues, there’s a lot to think – and worry – about. However, by moving into Whitney Center, you’ll say goodbye to a lot of those worries and “hello” to fun, friends and a life of leisure. You’ll never have to worry about shoveling snow, getting to the grocery store, power outages or even driving in inclement weather. The friendly, helpful staff takes care of everything so you can enjoy all the good that this time of year can bring.
You’ll be healthier.
Is that the sound of a sneeze or cough we hear? Everyone knows that the winter months are synonymous with illnesses like colds and the flu. And while it may seem like staying tucked into your home would be a better environment than living in a community with a bunch of other people, that’s not the case at Whitney Center. Whitney Center is a warm, clean and sanitary environment, meaning that illness and bugs are less likely to get in and marinate. Because our helpful staff is always on hand, we’re able to watch for any signs of sickness and help you the second you may feel a tickle in your throat or experience a runny nose. And because you aren’t putting yourself outside to deal with issues like snow, leaky roofs or running errands, you’re less likely to stress your immune system.
You’ll stay active.
Exercise is an important part of aging well, but that can be hard to do during the winter months. When you don’t exercise, your immune system isn’t as powerful, which makes it easier to get sick, which makes you want to not exercise, and ‘round and ‘round it goes. But at Whitney Center, the cold won’t keep you from staying active. Our on-site fitness center has just about any exercise, class or activity you can think of – everything from water aerobics to yoga to weight training and more. You don’t even have to go outside, because our fitness center is connected to the community, so all you have to do is tie on your shoes and head through our climate-controlled hallways to get there.
You’ll have so many activities to choose from.
Winter can be boring and lonely when you’re cooped up in your house, unable to get anywhere. That’s certainly not the case at Whitney Center. Our community events calendar is filled with performances, classes, social engagements and many other activities that will keep you as busy and socially engaged as you could desire. Not only that, but you’ll be surrounded by an immediate community of new friends who are eager to get to know you and are always interested in joining you for a meal, for an activity or even an off-campus outing. We make it easy to connect and get acquainted with others, find like-minded friends and become quickly integrated to life at our spectacular community.
Resolve Your Winter Worries at Whitney Center
We fit your lifestyle and your needs.
The lifestyle at Whitney Center sets you free from maintenance while offering a host of conveniences and services that make living here a great value … think full calendar of entertainment, beautiful (and spacious) apartments, chef-prepared meals, and the security and peace of mind that comes from Life Care.
You’ll discover care for life.
Whitney Center is a Life Care Community, which means you’ll have access to health care you might need in the future with virtually no increase in costs. From everyday health and wellness services to Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing and Memory Care, Life Care means having confidence in a future that promises quality health care that’s centered on you.
Call (203) 439-5080 today to schedule a personal visit to discuss how you can start enjoying our lifestyle now at a 10% savings. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.
At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care Community, offering not just an unparalleled Independent Living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Care and Memory Care. Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.
We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.
At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.
Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care Community!
No phase of life is immune to stress. Retirement can be a stressful time for seniors when health issues, financial planning concerns or conflicting living options come into play. Fortunately, there are habits that anyone can adopt in order to relieve stress and tension in their lives, but it also helps to solve the issues that create stress in the first place. Read More
There’s a difference between fundraising and philanthropy. According to Terri Rioux, the Director of Philanthropy at Whitney Center in Hamden, CT, philanthropy can be described as charity, helping someone, giving to someone or a cause, or doing good for the overall community; whereas fundraising generally means collecting money for a specific reason or cause. “I like to say philanthropy at Whitney Center is fundraising with meaning and purpose for both now and into the future,” says Rioux.
Fundraising plays an important role in any nonprofit organization, but Whitney Center officials say this senior living community is working to build a culture of philanthropy – a culture of giving – amongst residents, families, friends and staff. “Creating this culture of giving is a key strategy in our continued efforts to further enhance cohesion and teamwork within our organization.”
The Director of Philanthropy position at Whitney Center was created a year ago because of the residents’ desire to give back to the community and to recognize and thank the staff. “As Whitney Center’s prior Director of Resident Services, Terri was a perfect person to lead our efforts,” says Cathy Goodman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Terri already had a great rapport with our residents and their families. She understood what they wanted to develop and has already implemented new philanthropic initiatives that started at the kick-off of our 40th anniversary year.”
A Philanthropy Council was also created. Led by Rioux, the council consists of residents, families and friends of Whitney Center. The group recently launched its first structured philanthropic effort – a new Staff Development initiative that Rioux says will deepen and expand programs for Whitney Center employees. “Our staff is what makes Whitney Center a special place,” she says. “Through this fund, we are able to offer scholarship awards that will help employees pursue their educational and personal goals.”
Goodman adds, “We believe that by supporting our employees in this way, Whitney Center will be better able to meet the current and future needs of a growing number of seniors, ultimately making the retirement living experience we offer here at Whitney Center even better.”
In addition to scholarship funds, the Staff Development initiative supported Advanced Certified Nurses’ Aide (CNA) training for Whitney Center’s skilled nursing CNAs. Through a generous resident donation, the fund not only covered the cost of the 10-day training program, it covered the cost to hire replacement staff during the scheduled four-hour training sessions.
The Sunday Concert Series is another example of how Whitney Center’s culture of giving is spreading. The concerts are funded by a resident donation as a tribute to his late wife who was an avid music lover. “This concert series exemplifies what we are trying to do,” says Rioux. “It is an example of how one can share in a meaningful, purposeful and personal way, while benefitting the entire community.”
Efforts are currently underway to build on what has been started. Rioux says when she was the Resident Services Director, residents and family members were always asking how they do more for the retirement community they love. “Now they can – and they are. We doing more every day with new contributions and support,” she says. “Recently, our skilled nursing Life Enrichment Coordinator came to us because she wanted to create a ‘Comfort Cart’ service for hospice patients. One family shared the touching story of how the lotions provided on the Comfort Cart soothed and comforted their mother when nothing else would. This is why we do what we do.”
Rioux adds that another goal is to establish more tribute programs like the Sunday Concert Series, and she is working with residents and business partners to bring this vision to life.
“Whitney Center’s person-centered philosophy, leadership and experience in programming and healthcare services is recognized by accreditation organizations within the senior living industry and is highly regarded by our community,” says Goodman, “ Our vision is to improve aging for more people, at Whitney Center and in our Greater New Haven community. When you contribute to the Whitney Center Gift Fund, you are joining us in improving the quality of life for residents and staff and helping to make positive change in aging services.
“Philanthropy at Whitney Center is truly resident-driven,” says Rioux. “Residents’ interests evolve. Their senses of purpose change. Nurturing and promoting this philanthropic spirit is their voice in helping build our community and make it stronger. If Whitney Center has touched their hearts, giving is a way to keep it going.”
Other ways to make a difference:
Whitney Center Gift Fund
This fund is used for Philanthropy Council priorities, as well as designated gifts for specific purposes. For individuals and organizations wishing to make a major or planned gift, special opportunities are available to advance projects and programs identified by our resident community, management and the Board.
Benevolence Fund
Designated for residents who need financial assistance.
Cultural Arts Fund
To support Whitney Center’s culture of music, education and the arts.
To learn more or make a difference, contact Terri Rioux, Director of Philanthropy at 203-439-5080 or Riouxt@whitneycenter.com.
Welcome to “The Land of the Sleeping Giant” – Hamden, CT. It’s a cute, quiet little suburb of the city of New Haven, and it’s known throughout the state as a true blend of urban and suburban. Less than 10 miles away from Yale University and surrounded on all sides by gorgeous natural landscapes, it perfectly embodies “New England Charm.”
“There are lots of reasons to love this town,” says Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “The community was founded in 1786 and has seen so much history from its vantage point along the Quinnipiac river. Today, it’s a thriving community that balances small town charm and big city opportunities, gorgeous natural vistas and thriving urban downtowns and so much more. It’s simply the perfect place to live and visit, which is why we’re thrilled to be the premier Life Care community for this area. We make it easy for area seniors to strive for excellence, build a meaningful life and remain engaged in the community they know and love.”
Whitney Center residents are certainly not what you expect when you think of seniors, incidentally. Our active and independent residents are always out and about in the area, having adventures throughout all of greater Hamden County. Here are just some of the things that our seniors enjoy doing – even if it’s just to snap a selfie to show off to their friends back home.
The Sleeping Giant, a.k.a. Mount Carmel, is a 739-foot mountain that dominates the landscape of the Greater Hamden County area. It’s named after its uncanny resemblance to a sleeping figure, and has been a popular recreation destination for residents and visitors alike. The mountain is located in Sleeping Giant State Park, which includes more than 30 miles of hiking trails, along with areas for rock climbing, bird watching, horseback riding and more. In 2018, the park was damaged by severe storms and closed for nearly a year. The park re-opened again on June 14, 2019 – just in time for the summer season and ready for a new round of adventurous seniors to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Just a few miles away from Whitney Center is the world-famous Yale University, known for many things (we won’t even begin to list all of them here) and home to theBeinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Built in 1963, this building holds one of the largest collections of rare books, medieval manuscripts, maps and modern limited editions (among other things). It’s dedicated to the collection and preservation of rare manuscripts, and contains many priceless artifacts, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible and the famous, mysterious Voynich Manuscript.
Contact one of the area tour boats and spend a sunny afternoon threading through the Thimble Islands, an archipelago of islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut. It’s a half-hour drive from Hamden, but definitely worth the trip. Today, the islands are mainly used for residential homes and conservation, but back in the day, it was a favorite roaming ground of the infamous Captain William Kidd. Rumor has it that some of his riches are buried there, so keep your eyes peeled.
Walk the path of history at The New Haven Museum. This museum is filled with artifacts, art, historic objects, photography and other items that detail the history of New Haven from its first inhabitants to the present. Learn about local features like the Sleeping Giant, East Rock and Yale, and hear stories about famous residents including Eli Whitney, Noah Webster and Benedict Arnold
Grab your sweetie, walk the boardwalk, grab a bite to eat and take a spin around The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park. This beautiful historic building houses one of the few carousels from the 1920s that’s still in use today. The 70-figure carousel features two chariots and a figure of George Washington. Stroll along the beach and grab a bite to eat while listening to the waves.
The Knights of Columbus Museum, located in downtown New Haven, is an archive for the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and a plethora of knowledge about the organization, their work and their place in history. The building also houses a huge collection of artworks dedicated to the heritage of Catholicism.
What better way to experience the greater New Haven area than by touring its streets? Taste of New Haven is a walking culinary tour organization that takes you to foodie hangouts that pair wine, food, fun and history for a one-of-a-kind adventure. You’ll never see the city the same way again (and you may discover many more favorite restaurants to come back to).
The Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop isn’t just a place to learn about this famous New Haven resident and his invention, the cotton gin. It’s also an experiential learning workshop that pairs science and invention to unlock creativity and spur minds to higher purpose. The museum is located on the site of a gun factory created by its eponymous founder. Besides hands-on activities and projects, you can also wander the grounds to view water tables, hiking trails and a water reservoir.
If you’d like to learn more about Whitney Center and the adventures you’ll find in the greater Hamden County area, contact us today. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.
At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care community, offering not just an unparalleled independent living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing care and memory care Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.
We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.
At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.
Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care Community!
In 1979, Sony released the Walkman, allowing music lovers to carry their music with them for the first time. Zagat published its first restaurant survey. And Whitney Center opened its doors and welcomed our first residents, reinventing what it meant to be a senior…and showing the world how seniors could live their best lives possible.
“This is a significant milestone, and we’re pleased that so many Hamden seniors and families have allowed us to help them live their best lives,” says Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “As we evolved to meet the needs of the society around us, we’ve made renovations and updates to programs and offerings, but that commitment and promise we made on opening day more than 40 years ago is stronger than ever.”
Back in the 1970s, the idea of an upscale retirement community was unheard of. Seniors who required care and senior living options had two choices: nursing homes and apartment complexes for senior individuals. A group of local business leaders and stakeholders from Yale University took a look at the marketplace and decided to make a change in a big way.
And thus, the idea for Whitney Center was born. Named after the great innovator Eli Whitney, the community was designed to be a continuing care residence – a place that would be able to support seniors throughout all stages of their seniorhood. In 1979, Whitney Center opened their doors, offering 200 apartments and 59 nursing home beds. As the years went by, expansions and updates were made in order to remain at the cutting edge of the industry.
In 2011, Whitney Center unveiled the first phase of a major expansion that was planned and designed to reflect a person-centered model of community health care. Larger apartments were built, and upscale amenities were added. Also in the design were community spaces – such as our Perspectives: The Gallery – that could be enjoyed by the residents of the greater Hamden community as well as the residents of Whitney Center.
“One of the great strengths of Whitney Center is our willingness and ability to learn, change and innovate,” says Michael. “Our goal is and has always been helping residents live their very best lives, and we will continue to refine and expand our offerings to provide the most exceptional and research-based care for our residents.”
We make life free and easy.
Our lifestyle philosophy is based on the idea that remaining active, engaged and continually striving for excellence allows you to build a more meaningful, fulfilled and exceptional life. So, we take care of the details, providing a maintenance-free lifestyle, a veritable host of services, upscale amenities, the finest wellness programs, and a full calendar of social events and cultural opportunities. That means all your time is free to do what you want and create the life you want to live.
We provide peace of mind thanks to Life Care.
Whitney Center is a true Life Care Community, which means that as a resident, you have peace of mind knowing that you will always be cared for in the place you’ve come to call home. Whether you require Assisted Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing, never fear – it’s all available on our state-of-the-art campus, along with the exceptional service and hospitality you’ve come to expect.
We’re a hub for culture and community.
The arts and the greater Hamden community have always been an important part of who we are. In order to maintain and build on those relationships, we created the Cultural Arts Center, which hosts gatherings, lectures and performances throughout the year. Our in-house art gallery, Perspectives – The Gallery at the Whitney Center, Resident Perspectives showcases rotating exhibits on a regular basis along with artwork created by our residents. Our community partnerships enable us to volunteer and interact with others throughout the community, and we offer events and outings to the entertainment venues in the surrounding area.
We turn dining into an event.
Few things are more enjoyable in life than partaking in a delicious meal with friends and family. Every day, our culinary team creates locally sourced, made-from-scratch, inspired menus for our various dining options. Grab a sandwich at the Bistro, enjoy a beer at the Pub or experience fine dining at Center Stage. Wherever you choose to dine, you know you’ll be savoring a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
We’re like a five-star resort that you never have to leave.
Want to enjoy a casual game of billiards with your buddies? No problem. How about a relaxing massage? Right this way. Perhaps you want to try your hand at painting or sculpting? We’ve got your palette ready for you. There’s always something to see, do or experience here – you can be as engaged or as relaxed as you wish. It’s all up to you, and it’s all yours to explore.
We’re focused on wellness.
Living your best life means remaining as healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. Our on-site Wellness Center allows residents to get regular check-ups and services without ever having to leave campus. Our fitness center provides so many options to stay active through weight training, cardio exercises, free weights or pool aerobics (and that’s just for starters). And our aforementioned dining program is designed to provide you the right amount of nutrients without sacrificing in taste.
“For 40 years, area seniors have loved living at Whitney Center, and we’re looking forward to continuing the same great service for the next 40 years and beyond,” says Michael.
If you’d like to learn more about Whitney Center and our 40 years of excellence, contact us today. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.
At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care Community, offering not just an unparalleled Independent Living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Care and Memory Care. Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.
We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.
At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.
Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care Community!
