CANTON – It was love at first sight for Frank Carter and Jeanette Rose when they visited United Helpers Independent Senior Living (ISL) in Canton for a tour earlier this year.

“We were talking about our future and we wanted to take a look at it (ISL) to see if it was affordable, if we liked it, and what was available,” Mr. Carter said. “We figured we were still two or three years out, but we took a tour and fell in love with the place. They had an opening and we took it.”

Upon moving into the ISL in May, Mrs. Rose said she was surprised at how many people lived in the building that she already knew. “It was amazing,” she said. “We’ve only been here a short time, but we already feel very much at home.”

Mr. Carter said part of what makes the adjustment so easy is the socialization with other members.

“It’s very smart what they do with dinner here seven nights a week,” he said, referring to the restaurant-style dining offered at the ISL each night. “It gets everyone out of their rooms and gives us all a chance to get to know each other.”

Mr. Carter and Mrs. Rose also said they have enjoyed many of the building’s other activities including, bingo, corn hole, wine and cheese gatherings, or simply enjoying some fresh air from the new gazebo located on the property’s impressive back yard.

Mrs. Rose also said she had enjoyed decorating the entryway to their apartment, something that many other members also do. “I love decorating, so I’ve really enjoyed decorating our entryway, as well as seeing what everybody else does with theirs,” she said.

Before making a decision on whether or not the ISL is right for you, Mr. Carter said people should compare their expenses now to what they would be upon moving into the ISL. “It may not be as far off as you think,” he said.

“We are certainly not extravagant people,” he said, explaining that while rent at the ISL is a “little more” than what they were paying in expenses before, the convenience of one monthly payment, along with the property’s other benefits make it well worthwhile.

United Helpers Independent Senior Living offers a variety of apartment styles, with both one and two bedroom units available. To take a virtual tour of the building, please visit unitedhelpers.org and click on the link for virtual tours.

An in-person tour may also be arranged by calling (315) 379-1428.

Frank Carter and his wife, Jeanette Rose enjoy the outdoors from the new gazebo located in the back yard at United Helpers Independent Senior Living. A virtual tour of the facility is available online at unitedhelpers.org or an in-person tour may be scheduled by calling (315) 379-1428.

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting a New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 in the large staff development classroom at the former United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care (RiverLedge), 8101 State Highway 68, Ogdensburg.

The class serves as a refresher course for drivers of all ages and includes safe driving tips and an overview of today’s vehicle and traffic laws. 

Successful completion of the class makes attendees eligible for a mandatory insurance premium reduction of up to 10% for three years on the base rate for their automobile or motorcycle insurance premiums, provided you are listed as the principal operator. Participants may also be eligible to have up to a four points removed reduction with the NYS DMV. The class may be taken once every 18 months for point reduction.

The cost of the class is $35, payable in cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc. Classes may be paid for on the day of the class.

A free class for United Helpers employees is being held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 in the same location.

Please bring your driver’s license with you to class.  It is a requirement that you have it with you for documentation purposes.

Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Mark Darou at (315) 394-6702 ext. 303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.

OGDENSBURG – A $10,000 grant from the United Way of Northern New York has paved the way for more than 20 United Helpers employees to receive training allowing them progress in their careers with the organization.

Interested employees were able to shift from employment at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care to the Assisted Living Program to work as home health aides or in leadership positions at Assisted Living.

A small group of employees also received OSHA certification, allowing them to work in maintenance or other non-direct care positions.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the United Way of Northern New York,” said United Helpers Vice President of Development Christa Carroll. “This is our second consecutive year receiving a grant from the United Way, which we have used for employee development. Our employees, as well as the people we care for will benefit from these funds, whether it be through employment retention or enhanced training for our caregivers.”

United Helpers currently employs roughly 800 individuals in a variety of roles, including nurses, CNAs, direct support professionals, home health aides, social workers, food service, housekeeping, maintenance, and more. For more information on available positions or how you can join the United Helpers team, please visit www.unitedhelpers.org/employment or call (315) 276-6413.

One of the many individuals to benefit from this United Way grant is Darcy Kerr, who now works as a med-certified home health aide, after spending the first several years of her career as a CNA.