The Arbors at Chicopee Assisted Living and Memory Care

Sharon Barbacki

Having to put a loved one in assisted living is one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make; choosing Arbors Assisted Living was easy. Mom has Alzheimer’s and was doing well in her home with daily visits. Home was the one place she remembered. We were managing caring for her needs the best we could and then one day that changed. She needed more care after an injury with hospitalization and a rehab stay. Knowing the reputation of The Arbors made the decision to contact them easy. The Arbors is a private, family-owned business that we can tell values the care and reputation that serves its residents, and it shows. Having an apartment available in the Reflections Memory Unit (10 apartments, 12 residents) was a sign that this was meant to be. Allyson was our first point of contact and from that point on everyone we have encountered has been 5*. One can see that the staff members here are not just hired, they are chosen and trained to high standards. The staff began knowing our mom before she arrived and all of that made the process that much easier. We have been guided and welcomed through this whole process and couldn’t feel better with our decision. We had thought of keeping mom in her home and finding 24/7 care but realizing the stress of scheduling and trusting those care providers was beyond what we were capable of. Not to mention the expense could have been double. The Arbors takes care of all that-meals, laundry, activities and top-notch care. In the reflections unit it is not uncommon to see a staff member hold a resident's hand or sit by them; there is much love felt here. Mom has adjusted well and although she may at times mention home, we see all that it has done for her. Rehab had diminished her and now she is once again thriving; interacting with other residents and daily activities have brought her back to life. The facility is beautiful and well cared for and residents feel respected and honored like elders should. The Arbors staff always put their residents' needs first and they are all known by name; newcomers are welcomed into their family. The care, love and compassion given by the staff is felt and it is everything we had hoped for. We are so thankful to have a great place for mom where she is safe and well cared for. She can continue to live rather than exist for the rest of her life and we can continue to live our lives as well. Being able to visit her rather than just care for her is priceless.