It's New to Us By Jean Stratton

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New Stonebridge at Montgomery Offers Senior Living Community

More people are living longer in the U.S., and they are enjoying more active, engaged lives in their later years. Gone are the days when grandparents and great-grandparents were content to sit in a rocking chair and watch the world go by.

Better health, nutrition, and active life-styles have resulted in many more senior adults continuing to pursue careers, volunteer their services, and remain engaged and involved in their communities.

As a consequence, a variety of senior living communities are springing up to accommodate the needs and desires of this growing population of older adults.

One of the most recent is Stonebridge at Montgomery, located in Skillman near Rocky Hill, and affiliated with Presbyterian Homes & Services.

"Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) has 20 senior living communities all over New Jersey, and four are continuing care retirement communities," explains Lori High, Vice President of PHS Sales and Marketing.

"We have been providing senior living for 90 years," she continues. "All PHS full-service senior living communities are accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission, and as a not-for-profit organization, we consider our residents our top priority."

"Stonebridge includes independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, and they are all connected. It's nice for spousal situations. If one spouse needs more care, they can still be together here," points out Ms. High, who has been with PHS for five years and in the senior living industry for 13 years.

"We did a lot of research in the state about what kind of life-style seniors want, what amenities, and programs. Two reasons why seniors would benefit by coming to Stonebridge are the security of knowing that their future needs will be taken care of. There is a healthcare director, physician's office, and rehabilitation center, and it's all centralized.

"The community is almost like a small town unto itself, with a bank, post office, around-the-clock security, and an auditorium. Also, there is a local government, with many residents involved in interacting with the administration in how the community works and runs."

Residents are engaged in community life in many ways, she adds. A variety of clubs – from bridge to birdwatching – is available, as well as arts and crafts room, club room with billiard and game tables, as well as beauty salon, barber, lending library, seminar room with computers for small education groups and meetings, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, tennis court, and putting green.

The 40-acre property features walking trails, and the surrounding land – 160 acres – is preserved open space.

Residents are typically from their early sixties to late eighties, with an average in their late 70s, reports Ms. High. To qualify, one person in a couple must be 62 years old or older

Recent Move

Currently there are 200 residents, including 50 couples. Independent living apartments and cottages accommodate 250 to 300, assisted living facilities 60 to 75, and skilled nursing 40.

Many former Princeton residents now reside at Stonebridge, adds Ms. High. One of these is Reeves Hicks, who most recently has been a fund-raiser for the new Princeton Public Library and continues to work on the library's endowment fund. He and his wife Joan are very pleased with their recent move.

"We love the location because it is near Princeton and because it is surrounded by a couple of hundred acres of open space, and it's also near the charming village of Rocky Hill," says Mr. Hicks.

"We find the accommodations very attractive and the staff and management are very nice and very cooperative. They are doing a wonderful job. The residents are wonderful, too. We know a lot of them, and when we're up in the main lobby, we feel as though we're on the corner of Nassau and Witherspoon Streets!"

Adds Ms. High: "There is a real community here and companionship. The dining room is like being in a restaurant in which everyone knows each other."

All residents are entitled to one meal a day. Most opt for dinner in the attractive main dining room, offering fresh linens, flowers, choice of menu, and waitress and waiter service.

Other dining facilities include the smaller Garden Room and the Cafe for cafeteria style or waiter/waitress service. It also offers take-out. A dietitian is on hand to consult with residents to accommodate specific dietary needs.

A small pub is also available, where residents may bring their own wine and spirits.

Regular Trips

A new convenience and gift shop is just about to open, offering milk, eggs, tooth paste, and greeting cards.

Among the amenities at Stonebridge is a large auditorium, a site for many events, including lectures, musical, and theatrical productions. In addition, Stonebridge arranges outings to McCarter Theatre and such events as the Philadelphia Flower Show. Regular shopping trips to Princeton and other bus outings are also available.

Independent living facilities, whether apartment or cottage, offer the latest features: washer, dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning, and gas log fireplaces. In addition, all the bathrooms have emergency pull cords to call for help.

If residents wish to include a pet in their household, they are free to do so, and they can also enjoy gardening.

Payment arrangements vary, but an entrance free and monthly service fee are required. Part of the monthly fee for independent living covers all utilities, grounds-keeping maintenance, weekly housekeeping, linens, and laundry, and one meal per day, explains Ms. High.

"Currently, a lifecare contract is in effect through June 30, she adds. "This includes a higher entrance fee, which is really paying for future health needs. The same monthly fee follows you, whatever your needs. After July 1, however, the monthly fee will change according to services needed."

She notes that people coming to Stonebridge may move directly into the assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, if necessary.

"Assisted living is for those who need help with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, etc. The assisted living and skilled nursing units are connected, and the health care center will also include a special service area for people with Alzheimer's Disease or other memory impairments."

Grand Opening

Ms. High reports that there has been great interest in Stonebridge from the time of its initial proposal. "When the community was announced in 2000, we were sold out in 120 days! However, once closer to opening, some people decided to wait. Currently, there is availability in apartments and cottages.

"We will have a grand opening celebration and open house on Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23, including refreshments. We look forward to people coming, and they can also call for an appointment any time, including on weekends."

Ms. High is pleased to be involved in an organization that offers people new choices and opportunities as they grow older. "Personally, I look forward to providing a wonderful life-style so that people who make the decision to move here are very happy and enjoy their lives, even with the challenges they face as they get older.

"Today, older people's attitudes toward life and activity have changed. Being 80 today is not like 80 in the past."

For more information on Stonebridge at Montgomery, call (609) 683-8355 or (888) 327-2444.