Maplewood's Assisted Living Program Offers Peace of Mind

Mary Hawes enjoys a chat with her niece, Mary Snell, of Parishville. Ms. Snell regularly visits her aunt and says having her at Maplewood’s Assisted Living Program provides a great deal of relief for their family.

CANTON – After falling down several times while living on her own in senior housing, Mary Hawes said deep down on the inside she realized it was no longer safe for her to be living by herself.

“I lived in senior housing in Malone for 28 years, and it was like pulling teeth convincing me to move,” Ms. Hawes said. “I did all of my own cooking and it was like keeping house, but I also fell a couple times and realized it was safer for me to be in a place like this than by myself.”

The Assisted Living Program (ALP) housed at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Canton offers around the clock staffing that is available to help residents, when needed.

“We have home health aides on staff 24 hours a day, who are available at the push of a button,” said ALP Manager Leslie Whitton.

Independence is also an important part of life in the ALP, with community kitchens and a fitness center available for resident use.

“We encourage independence and like our residents to stay as independent as possible, but when we’re needed, we’re there,” Ms. Whitton said.

Ms. Hawes, who has lived at the ALP for three years, said the decision to move into an Assisted Living Program is not one she regrets.

“What I tell everyone is, this is a great place to live,” she said, adding she can attend Mass, Rosary and even get her hair done without leaving the building.

Ms. Hawes’ niece, Mary Snell, who together with her sister Katherine Casey looked after their aunt said knowing their Aunt Mary is being looked after and cared for was a great relief to them.

Prior to coming to Maplewood, Mrs. Snell said her aunt spent one year at a skilled nursing facility in Malone.

“We tried very hard to get her in here,” Mrs. Snell said. “If you can’t take care of your loved ones in your home, this is the next best thing.”

Services offered at the ALP include laundry, medication management, three meals per day plus nutritious snacks, access to regularly scheduled activities, transportation service, shopping service and more.

For a nominal fee, residents may also have access to cable television, a private phone line and the internet.

The ALP is a 48-unit wing of Maplewood that is divided into four, 12-unit cottages, with each resident having their own private bedroom and bathroom. Each floor includes a bird sanctuary and an adult male cat named Oscar calls the second floor his home.

“It’s always nice to come in and take a look,” Ms. Whitton said. “The place pretty much sells itself.”

To schedule a tour, please call (315) 386-4541. For further information on Assisted Living or any of the services United Helpers offers, like us on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.