Dawn Kelly
Sep 2024
I stayed at The Orchards of Southington for three weeks recently. I had back surgery , my family thought I needed more time to adjust to my mobility restrictions and grow stronger in a safe ADA environment with support staff. They also wanted to complete some adaptations to my own house while I was recovering. Honestly, I thought it was somewhat costly, but it turned out it was worth every penny. I really needed time to recover and get used to moving and living with my post surgery precautions against bending, lifting and twisting. Hartford Health Care therapists visited me while I was there, and I progressed from barely being able to stand and use a walker to make it around, to confidently using a cane, walking the grounds. The staff made sure I had everything I needed; a shower chair, bed rail lift toilet seat , grabber, the fanciest recliner I had ever seen. It was perfect. If I had gone home do not think I would have done so well and could have injured myself. At the Orchards I could really concentrate on my precautions and exercise There were people there 24/7 to help. The facility is very clean, peaceful and safe. There are sitting rooms, a library, a community room, two dining rooms, a game room, a pub, a pool table, a gym, and outside areas to sit or walk.There is a small garden with a koi pond. I had the pleasure of joining the Trivia game, the poetry club, and a birthday celebration with live music. The food is ok, but the residents wish for better quality and variety. It must be hard to accomodate people from 60-100+ but they really try. I really appreciated the cafe with coffee , tea, and fruits ( and sometimes treats) available all day. Although my apartment had a full kitchen capable of serving a Thanksgiving dinner, it was nice for me recovering to have meals prepared and not have to think of shopping or cooking or cleanup. The staff is wonderful, it is the best feature of the place! They go above and beyond in helping residents, providing for every need and most wishes.They have shopping trips and music excursions, with their little buses and big cars. Everyone is so patient and caring. From the nurses, the CNAs, the receptionist, the facilitator, the social worker, the custodian, the cleaners, the meal supervisor, even the workmen and the wonderful ladies who do the hairdressing....are superlative human beings unfailingly pleasant, cheerful, friendly and helpful. In the outside world, seniors routinely are ignored , pushed aside and not listened to; so it was a shock to be here and be seen, and heard and regarded respectfully. It is a happy place.
