Why I like living at Maplewood by Helen Thomas

A resident's letter

Helen Thomas

I think everyone should stop and think about what you have. You don’t have to pay any school/land tax, water, your heating or electric bills. You don’t have to shovel snow, go to the store and stand in line; we have Minnie Flanagan [activities aide] to shop for us. We don’t even have to pay our bills as Emily Wilson [in the business office] does this for us. 

We have all kinds of entertainment; outings, crafts and even cooking. If anything needs repair or fixing, all we do is ask Maintenance and they are always there to fix it. You don’t have to do any laundry. You have Maid Service. They make your bed, clean your room and bathroom…NO HOUSE CLEANING!

We get three meals a day and don’t have to shop or cook or even do dishes. We have church services for every denomination. We get medical attention by the physician's assistant and nurses in the building. We have kitchens where you can get a snack.

We have a beauty shop you can go to.

I feel happy, secure and safer here. What more could you ask for? Sit back and enjoy the rest of your life!

Helen Thomas is a 79 year old resident who lives in Fir Cottage in the Assisted Living Program at United Helpers' Maplewood Campus in Canton. She is very active. Mrs. Thomas is past president and is currently Vice President of the Resident Council. She has organized and held craft and bake sales, has fund raised and walked to End Alzheimer's, is involved with the Knitting/Craft group from the community and has made pillowcase dresses to send to children in Africa. This letter was dictated to Maplewood Activities Leader Patience Boswell and originally intended for her fellow residents.