Emeritus at Rocky Hill undergoes a renovation, both inside and out
by Alicia B. Smith
As seen in Rocky Hill LIFE
The air was abuzz in the lobby of Emeritus at Rocky Hill with musicians, champagne and mingling guests. There was reason to celebrate. The assisted living facility had just completed a $1.5 million renovation.
The facility at 60 Cold Spring Road is home to 79 people who live in either the assisted living portion of the building or the memory care unit for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
For many living here, this where they can rest, socialize and enjoy all the comforts of home without the worry of maintaining one. For resident Walter Michalski, who will be 98 on his next birthday, this has been his home for nine years.
Mr. Michalski said he is well cared for and he’s thankful that he has a comfortable place to stay.
“It’s a privilege for me” to live here, he said.
Ask anyone on the staff and they will tell you that the communal feeling that resonates throughout the facility creates a family like atmosphere among those who live and work at Emeritus.
“I grew up where family was important, so how blessed am I to work in a career that conjures up those images. It’s nice to have two families,” said Executive Director Louis Iannuccilli.
Residents are treated to all the amenities of home including a theater room for watching films or television, a large dining room for grabbing a bite to eat and socializing, a kitchen to enjoy baking for friends and family, scheduled outings, a courtyard to enjoy the nice weather and more.
There is even a pub and residents enjoy happy hour each Friday.
“We pretty much did the top to bottom,” said Mr. Iannuccilli of the renovations.
Among them were putting in a new emergency response system in each of the rooms, new fire safety measures, fresh paint, new carpet, a new roof and new exterior siding.
Mr. Iannuccilli said that much of the renovations came from suggestions made by residents for what they were interested in having in their home. That is why an Internet café was added.
“We pretty much upgraded all the common areas,” he said.
Emeritus operates 309 facilities nationwide, with three others in Connecticut in Woodbridge, South Windsor and Litchfield.
“We’re the assisted living facility for tomorrow today,” he said.
“Who would think that 80 year olds would ask for the Internet?”
Another feature that was taken into consideration was adding a kitchen to the activity room. Some of the resident apartments have a kitchenette, however, several residents said they would occasionally like to cook for family and friends.
Ken Popillo, community relations director, said that following a trip to pick apples at Lyman Orchards, residents had fun with an apple pie making contest.
“We want to give people meaning and purpose,” Mr. Iannuccilli said, adding that the goal is to enable residents to live as independently as possible.
During the renovations, many of the residents’ rooms were also upgraded and many now have granite counters and cherry cabinets. When families come in for tours, many now say they may just move in along with mom or dad.
A new outdoor courtyard was added and residents are able to enjoy time outside and barbecues and other programs held there. The facility has a nurse on staff in the event of an emergency. Residents can opt to live alone, or if they prefer, there are units available to accommodate roommates.
Making the transition from a house to a new home in a facility is not always an easy one for an individual and family. The staff does whatever they can to make the transition as easy as possible.
“We work really close with the families. It is a difficult transition for them,” Mr. Iannuccilli said.
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