Community Celebrated at Gladeview Health Care Center in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

OLD SAYBROOK - A facility built to serve as a community for those with short and long term health needs has shown throughout its 20 years that it wants to reach out to its community.

The late Dr. Morton Silberstein developed the vision for the Gladeview Health Care Center.

"In the 1960's he had the courage to build his own facility, a facility that embodies the fullness of his vision to make every day of life full and precious," said Linda Silberstein, Morton Silberstein's widow and the current owner of the facility.

Morton and Linda, both conservationists, sought out to be a good neighbor to Old Saybrook residents by preserving a nearby three-acre pristine pond with fish.
To enjoy nature's "community", the facility has a canopied patio area and wheelchair accessible gardening.

According to Athena Health Care Systems Web site, which manages the facility, "the center's design takes full advantage of the panorama of the estuary, the Ragged Rock Marina, and Long Island Sound," which allows residents to enjoy the aesthetics of their community.

Some 132 residents call the community of Gladeview their home and while most receive long-term care, some come for rehabilitation services.

For both types of residents, the facility's values have remained constant over the past 20 years.

Athena reports that the facility's values include providing "balanced attention to the medical, physical, emotional, social, and family needs of each individual."

The facility has programs both inside and outside of its doors.

"We have many inter-generational activities here, the residents love the youth of this community," Linda Silberstein said, adding that the facility has hosted community trick-or-treat activities for the past 18 years.

This allows area children to come in during the late afternoon on Halloween to get candy from the various residents and allows the residents some youthful visitors from the community.

Community Liaison Cynthia Straub said the children and the elderly look forward to this fun Halloween event which attracts between 300 and 400 kids.

Other inter-generational activities are the result of a working relationship with Old Saybrook High School, St. John's School, and the Girl Scouts.

Straub said that "Career Day" allows high school students the opportunity to learn more about healthcare positions at the facility, which range from registered nurses to physical therapists to speech therapists.

The Resident Council at Gladeview works hard each year to raise funds in order to give back to the Old Saybrook community.

Specifically, funds go toward the Shoreline Soup Kitchen while other monies are awarded to an Old Saybrook High School senior through an annual scholarship.

These funds are raised from a variety of ways such as bake sales, book fairs, and the management of the gift shop.

Funds come from the management of the gift shop and the holding of events such as bake sales and book fairs.

The facility actively works with students, some of which are looking to fill their community service requirements.

These students assist residents in a variety of activities ranging from arts and crafts classes, trivia and word games, music and religious programs, and social gatherings.

Some of those social gatherings include Mother's and Father's Day brunches and a formal "senior" prom event.

The facility also hosts photography exhibits by the Southeastern Connecticut Camera Club and features art exhibits.

Other programs at the facility include blood drives, a gourmet series, and a wellness program with guest speakers allowing residents to learn yoga, massage therapy, and nutrition.

The facility has a working relationship with the Estuary Council of Seniors and hospice.

Virgina McAvinney, who manages the facility's gift shop, said she has been a resident for the past four and a half years and feels the facility does a great job at sponsoring community events.

Each month, the facility hosts bus trips for shopping, sporting events, concerts, museums, and cruises.

Straub said the facility takes good care of its staff of 168 employees and noted that three have been working at the facility for 20 years, 10 others have been there at least 15 years, and six have been there at least 10 years.

Employee appreciation programs are held regularly which include learning stress-relieving techniques, special dinners, recognizing outstanding employees through the "Recognition of Excellence" awards, and having the employee of the month and employee of the year awards.

Michele Bourque, who has been a nurse for 20 years at the facility, noted that while medical practices has changed, "what has not changed is that we are truly a family here, a wide spread feeling that it's important to do what's right and from that mindset good things will happen."

Gladeview Health Center is located at 60 Boston Post Road. For more information call 860-388-6696 or visit www.athenahealthcare.com/gv.htm.