White House Conference on Aging Officials Tour the Leonard Florence Center for Living
On Wednesday, White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) officials toured the Leonard Florence Center for Living (LFCL) in Chelsea, MA. Nora Super, Executive Director (WHCOA) and Rachel Maisler, Deputy Communications Director (WHCOA) traveled from Washington DC to see firsthand how the Green House® model differs from traditional skilled nursing settings. Directing the tour was Betsy Mullen, COO of the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. Also in attendance were Green House® Project Senior Director Susan Frazier and Director of Outreach Scott Brown.
A key focus of the tour was highlighting the impact that a Green House® model home has on resident’s quality of life. The group toured the café, deli, spa and outdoor patios, as well as the long-term and rehab residences. The group also visited residents who were celebrating National Senior Health & Fitness Day. Amidst songs and dancing, it was clear that these residents are living life to the fullest. Winnie Murphy, who is 105, told the group she loves living at the LFCL because there “is always something to do and people to visit.” In fact, Winnie is busy every day; she goes to the salon to get her hair done once a week, relaxes with a drink at the monthly Pub Hour, plays bingo as often as possible, and attends a daily exercise class. Also offering their experiences living at the LFCL were residents Bonnie Berthiaume and Annemarie Mooney. Both interviews were video recorded by the WHCOA camera crew, which we are hoping is shown at the White House soon!
It was gratifying to see the reaction of the WHCOA staff to the LFCL, its staff and residents. Clearly, this revolutionary model of care made a tremendous impact upon the visitors.
Left to right: Nora Super, Executive Director at White House Conference on Aging; Rachel Maisler, Deputy Communications Director at White House Conference on Aging; Betsy Mullen, Chief Operating Officer, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare; Susan Frazier, Senior Director, The Green House Project; Scott Brown, Director of Outreach; The Green House Project.
