Shackleton
Jan 2025
It feels like you’re home here! That is indeed what I love about Wyndmere Woods. It feels like a warm and welcoming destination. Being in the senior care industry, I visit a lot of independent and assisted living communities, and I can tell you that that feeling is often imitated but rarely fully captured (especially by the larger, more expensive corporate facilities) as it is here.<br><br>To explain where this feeling comes from is not really so difficult. It is the result of a fully committed, engaged, and compassionate staff. Staff who are in their positions for more than just a paycheck. They’re legitimately here to make difference. Because they care about the people who live here.<br><br>And those staff aren’t accidental either. They are the result of excellent leadership from the executive director Steve Langlois. His devotion to his job, the responsibilities, and most importantly to the residents (and their family/caregivers) is EXCEPTIONAL. His commitment is truly an expression of who he is as a professional - but his dedication is made more possible because the community is family-owned and locally operated.<br><br>All of these factors matter. The building and grounds are a manageable size, and the hallways are bright and well lit - making life here feel more cozy/welcoming, more quaint, and easier for the residents to navigate.<br><br>The energy of the place centers around the community room, the elevator, the entry way parlor, and the dining rooms.<br>There are two dining rooms. One is a breakfast room complete with a small concierge shop selling various necessities (hygiene products, greeting cards, etc.), and the other is the main dining area where a majority of the residents gather for their daily bread. Meal time is abuzz with chatting and laughter, of fellowship and comradery. And the food is prepared with tender loving care - using quality ingredients, and time tested recipes. The menu is consistent but not monotonously repetitive, and the aroma carries throughout the main floor. One easily knows when it’s supper time at Wyndmere Woods!<br><br>In terms of social interaction and activities - great effort is given in the planning of daily programming along with special events and regional tours. Annually there is a cookout, music, and well thought out holiday parties.<br><br>Many of the residents are independent and still drive, but others depend upon the residential van for rides to get places. The driver is a very kind and patient sort of a person, and it is obvious he does this job not for the money, but for the joy of being useful. Exactly who I would want helping my loved one. Same sentiment goes for the lead nurses, the receptionist, and the maintenance personnel. They display a true commitment to the residents and that feels good!<br><br>When I visited Wyndmere Woods for the first time and got a tour, the very first thing I commented on was how it reminded me of my own grandmother’s home. How that fulfilled a nostalgia in me! 🥲<br><br>Maybe it is the genuineness of the place, the non-pretentious ambiance. Maybe the smells of the food. Or maybe the sweetness of the residents themselves. Whatever it is - I can attest that the quality and value of this place is worth keeping in mind if you or your loved one are considering a move into an independent or assisted living community!<br><br>Keep up the good work!
