Independent Senior Living to Host Open House Oct. 10

Join Us for an Open House Event Friday, October 10 from 1 to 3 pm.

Are you considering a vibrant, independent lifestyle that offers both freedom and community? United Helpers Independent Senior Living invites you to explore what could be your perfect new home at our upcoming open house event.

This is your opportunity to experience firsthand the welcoming atmosphere, modern amenities, and supportive community that makes United Helpers a premier choice for independent senior living. Whether you're beginning to explore your options or actively searching for your next home, our open house provides the perfect setting to discover all we have to offer.

During your visit, you'll enjoy guided tours of our beautifully appointed living spaces, common areas, and community amenities. Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer your questions about our services, lifestyle options, and community programs. Light refreshments will be served throughout the event, giving you a chance to mingle with current residents and fellow visitors in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Discover how United Helpers Independent Senior Living combines the comfort of home with the convenience of community living. From maintenance-free living to engaging social activities, we're committed to supporting your independence while providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

No appointment necessary – simply drop by anytime between 1 pm and 3 pm on Friday, October 10th. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you why so many seniors have chosen to call United Helpers home.

For more information or directions, please contact United Helpers Independent Senior Living at 315-379-1428 or online at www.unitedhelpers.org, where a virtual tour is also available. We can't wait to meet you!

United Helpers Independent Senior Living in Canton

Former Board Member & Wife Enjoying Life at United Helpers Independent Senior Living

CANTON – Like many couples or individuals moving into United Helpers Independent Senior Living, Bob and Betty Fraser said it was their children who encouraged them to move into United Helpers Independent Senior Living (ISL).

Mr. Fraser said that while he and his wife are both happy with the decision now, Mrs. Fraser took a little more convincing.

“The decision to move out of your family home is a big one,” she said. “We had lived there for more than 40 years.”

However, after the couple, who recently celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary, moved to the ISL, they said it didn’t take them long to realize they had made the right decision.

“It’s nice to be in a place like this where we don’t have to worry about anything,” Mr. Fraser said. “Plus, being a frugal Scotsman I enjoy having everything taken care of, and not having to worry about taxes anymore.”

Mrs. Fraser said she was surprised at how many people they knew who were already living there once they moved in. As for the people they didn’t know, she said it didn’t take them long to meet people and make some new friends.

Mr. Fraser, who spent time on the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors in the 1980’s and early 90’s said he can remember discussions about building what was then known as Partridge Knoll.

Ironically, he said he can also recall his wife telling former ISL Community Manager Cindy Lawrence that she didn’t think they would ever live there. She told them they may one day be surprised. Turns out she was right. Mrs. Lawrence retired in 2021.

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.

Bob and Betty Fraser share a moment in their apartment at United Helpers Independent Senior Living. Mr. and Mrs. Fraser recently celebrated their 70^th anniversary, and are seen here looking through a memory book together.

Love at First Sight Brings New Couple to United Helpers Independent Senior Living

 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.

Past United Helpers Board Member Enjoying Life at Independent Senior Living

CANTON – Charlie Owens remembers when United Helpers Independent Senior Living (ISL) was nothing more than a set of blue prints laid out on a table before the Management Company Board of Directors.

The facility, originally known as Partridge Knoll, was built in 1999 and to this day remains St. Lawrence County’s only retirement home for seniors. Mr. Owens, who has resided at ISL since 2019, was on the board of directors during the project’s planning stages. 

Charlie Owens

“We wanted to fill a need in the community for quality senior housing in a setting where seniors could feel both safe and comfortable while enjoying their golden years,” he said.

While Mr. Owens was supportive of the project, at that time he never quite envisioned himself living there. “I’ve lived in Gouverneur most of my life, and my wife and I had a beautiful camp on the St. Lawrence River. To be honest, I never really gave it much thought,” he said.

However in 2019 his wife Hi passed away, and his children suggested that he sell his home and find a place where could live without being by himself most of the time.

“They really pushed me to not stay alone,” he said. “So I made the decision to sell the house and our camp. I knew a number of people who were living there, so that helped quite a bit with the transition.”

Mr. Owens said he enjoys his independence, while also having the opportunity to dine with friends each night.

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. We’re free during the day to pretty much to what we please. Then at night we all gather together for dinner,” he said. “The people are nice and the food is great.”

In addition to dining together each night, Mr. Owens said many of building’s members also get together for coffee each morning. “This really is a pretty unique place. I don’t know of any other operation quite like it,” he said. “It’s like living in an apartment building full of your friends.”

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.