Jerome Home / Arbor Rose Taking Care of New Britain, CT Seniors for Nearly 70 Years

Whether it is independent, assisted living or outpatient care, Jerome Home has been around for many years helping New Britain residents in need.

In 1900, Augustus Jerome, a businessman, left funds to build an "infirm facility for men and women" in the Greater New Britain area.

"He died in 1905 and in 1906 the trustees, which were all to be presidents of local banks, took over the fund," said Sue Kuchman, administrative assistant. "In 1926 funds became available and the five and one-half acre lot on the corner of Black Rock and Corbin Avenue was purchased."

The first building was opened in 1932 with 24 residents and a matron living on the premises. Since then, the building has seen a number of changes including a 1974 expansion of 60 units; a 1990 addition of 30 units; and the opening of Arbor Rose assisted living in 2008 with 70 plus residents.

"The last five years our building has expanded to offer a continuum of care from affordable housing, assisted living, private paid assisted living, skilled nurse care, out and inpatient rehabilitation and life and fitness programs," said Lisa Connolly, executive director. "We offer a full spectrum of care. Seniors get to a part of their life where they do not want to maintain there home. It hard to get groceries and there are a lot of difficult with home ownership."

The mission of the home is, "to provide and promote wellness and independence to ensure optimal quality of life for the people we serve."
Many people now can come to the Arbor Rose independent living facility requiring little if any daily help. If needed, they can add on services or move to a room in the Jerome Home section where continual care is available.

"When you add up all the expenses, it is really a reasonable way to live," said Connolly. "We (Arbor Rose area) filled up in the first year."

There is also a 21-bed memory care unit for those with dementia called "The Gardens" in the Arbor Rose section.

"It's secure so family member don't have to worry that someone will walk off," said Connolly. "Families with a member in dementia who lives at home, often puts them in risk."

Several areas of the multi- building complex do have a waiting list.

"Most of that is because of our outstanding reputation," said Connolly. "We are a five star nursing home."

In the state, nursing homes can have from zero to 30 deficiencies. The state average is 11. Jerome Home and the Arbor Rose addition have zero deficiencies putting them at the top of the class.

A one bedroom apartment at Arbor Rose generally consists of a kitchenette, a living room, bedroom, bathroom and two closets.

Residents also have a dining area, a library/lounge with computer access, a game room, a hair salon, an ice cream parlor, a patio and various other lounge areas for relaxation.

The rehabilitation part of the Jerome Home offers physical, occupational and speech therapy with fitness and wellness programs for in and outpatients.

"This is a thoughtfully designed building with all our services under one roof," Connolly added.

For more information about any of the programs, call 860-229-3707 or visit www.jeromehome.org.