Special
Archives February 2004
Independent
Living
Esther Astorg |
Aging can often compromise independence, but alternative housing arrangements
can ease the pain. Even when the trouble of a home becomes overwhelming,
many women are reluctant to relinquish the independence their own home
represents. For the past 50 years, Colonial House has offered the welcome
solution of independent living. With a comfortable, secure environment,
three meals plus an evening snack and a staff devoted to the well being
of their residents, Colonial House has all the comforts of home without
the mortgage or the yard work.
Esther Astorg oversees the administration of the sixteen room facility.
She says, “The women who move here, stay here. They generally
leave only when they must move on to another level of care or when their
families are located in another state. This is their home, and most
of them seem to feel that way almost immediately after moving in.”
She says the average stay is at least five years. Each resident has
a 14x14 private room and may come and go as they please. Many still
drive. They may bring their own furnishings or choose a furnished room
at no extra charge. Colonial House is a rarity, a private, non profit
independent living facility. For a flat fee of $1325, residents enjoy
a good life that provides for both privacy and companionship. There
are no leases, no contracts and no curfew.
The head cook knows what the ladies like, and enjoys making their favorite
dishes. Guests who stay for dinner are likely to return regularly. Planned
activities are scheduled during the day; evenings are usually reserved
for card playing and conversation. The ladies exercise and take Tai
Chi. Sometimes there are field trips, and Esther says, “We have
spelling bees. Everyone still likes to learn and to use their brain.
We have studies and read books.”
The oldest residents are in their 90’s, but all of the ladies
manage their personal care, including being responsible for their own
medicines. Colonial House provides the sort of amenities that might
be provided to long term guests of a hotel, like weekly changes of linens
and housekeeping. “And, Esther says, “Our staff does things
that can’t be covered in a paycheck or a job description. We provide
an intimate, loving environment. We treat our residents with honor and
respect.”
Residents often gather in the two large common rooms or over the table
in the dining room during the evening snack. Esther says, “It’s
hard emotionally to give up your house and the life that you are accustomed
to. But, it makes it much easier on the families. I think coming here
makes the decision more comfortable.” She says one other benefit
to the group setting is that it eliminates the feelings of isolation
or loneliness that can accompany aging. “No matter what your age,
it’s still a pleasure to gather at the table with friends and
talk over the news of the day.” PL
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