Wesley Village in Shelton to host program for caregivers of people with dementia

SHELTON - Caregivers are invited to Crosby Commons at Wesley Village for “Creating Better Days for People Living with Dementia,” a presentation exploring positive methods to enhance success and daily experiences in your caregiving role. 

Start the new year with this educational program offering much-needed strategies for effectively addressing challenging behavior when supporting a loved one with dementia.

The program, led by Neil Anand, owner of ComForCare Home Care, will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan.15 at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

Caregivers who attend will receive insight into focusing on feelings, minding emotional displays, respecting personal preferences, offering person-centered care, and improving communication skills when caring for people with dementia. 

This event is hosted by Crosby Commons and sponsored by ComForCare Home Care with Valley Regional Adult Education. 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5027 or lbisson@umh.org. 

Guests may enter using the Crosby Commons entrance and parking area. Light refreshments will be served.

About Crosby Commons & Wesley Village: The Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton and offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year legacy of caring. To learn more about the Wesley Village campus communities of Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact Megan Guastaferri at 203-447-5454 or mguastaferri@umh.org.

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton recognized by U.S. News & World Report

SHELTON - United Methodist Homes is proud to announce that Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center has been recognized as a Best Short-Term Rehabilitation site for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report. 

The skilled nursing care community earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for Short-Term Rehabilitation.

U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures. 

The ratings include data on staffing, medical outcomes, residents’ health and safety, among other metrics. To be recognized as one of the 2025 U.S. News Best Nursing Homes, a home must have been “High Performing” in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or both. 

According to U.S. News methodology, “the Short-Term Rehabilitation rating evaluates the care delivered to patients after a hospitalization for surgery, heart attack, stroke, injury, or similar condition.” 

Ratings focus on a nursing home’s ability to minimize and prevent adverse outcomes such as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, falls with injuries, serious infections, or staffing shortfalls. Of the 14,832 nursing homes evaluated by U.S. News, Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center was one of only 2,152 facilities that received a “High Performing” rating for Short-Term Rehabilitation. 

The award-winning facility also consistently receives high star ratings from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). The nursing home inspection is a rigorous review process required for all nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid. It is regulated by State (Department of Health) and Federal authorities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)). Homes must be in substantial compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements, as well as state law.

“As we enter our 150^th year of serving Connecticut seniors, we couldn’t be more proud of our team at Bishop Wicke, who year over year receive accolades for our Relationship-Centered approach to caregiving and the impact it has on so many lives,” stated David M. Lawlor, President and CEO of UMH.

For more detailed information about why U.S. News rates nursing homes, how they determine the ratings, or this year’s “Best Nursing Homes” methodology, please visit https://health.usnews.com/senior-care/understanding-the-badge.

About U.S. News and World Report: 

The U.S. News Best Nursing Homes Short-Term Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care, and Overall ratings offer individuals and families a starting point in searching for a nursing home, whether they need short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or are interested in a home's overall care. 

To learn more about how nursing homes were evaluated and find responses to questions that nursing home patients, residents, and families may have about the U.S. News ratings, visit the “Best Nursing Homes” FAQ page at https://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-nursing-homes/articles/faq-how-we-rate-nursing-homes

About Bishop Wicke Health Center & Wesley Village: 

Bishop Wicke Health & Rehabilitation Center is located at 584 Long Hill Ave. on the Wesley Village senior living campus. 

It is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year history of caring. Along with Bishop Wicke, the campus (580 Long Hill Ave.) offers a continuum of lifestyle and care options for seniors, including independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Bishop Wicke, Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, or Lifestyle Transitions, visit our website or call 203-225-5024. 

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

UMH honors Wesley Village employees for excellence and longevity

From left: David Lawlor (President & CEO, UMH), Andrea Winchester (Director of Human Resources), Lori Bauer, Marianella San Diego, Shelby Wenz, Dawn Supranovich, Jessica Scaife, Andrea Petillo, Hailey Monroe, Ali Alshabbah, Gracey Chamble, Bianca Turcotte-Reome, Lori Pisani, and David Fife. 

SHELTON - Members of the Wesley Village senior living campus recently gathered for United Methodist Homes’ annual employee recognition celebration at The Waterview in Monroe.

The event was hosted by UMH, the senior living provider organization that manages the campus. It featured a presentation of the organization’s “Values in Action” award and recognition for service milestones of five to 30 years.

Honorees from each Wesley Village community at Bishop Wicke Health Center, Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, and Lifestyle Transitions were recognized with the Values in Action award, which is given annually to employees who reflect the organization’s five core values of Respect, Spirituality, Excellence, Collaboration, and Stewardship in an extraordinary way. 

Values in Action award winners are considered for their commitment to the Mission and Values of UMH and selected based on a peer nomination and leadership review process. Over 100 nominations are typically received each year from across the organization. 

Six outstanding team members at Wesley Village were selected to receive the award for 2024.

Recipients were nominated for their flexibility, dependability, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to supporting Wesley Village communities and the health and well-being of each resident.

Wesley Village is well-known for continuing UMH’s long legacy of caring in the community, and the longevity of the campus team reflects that. This year, eight team members were honored for reaching impressive milestones of twenty years or more. Thirteen team members were recognized for 10- and 15-year milestones and another 10 employees celebrated five years of service with the organization.

United Methodist Homes Director of Human Resources, Andrea Winchester and President and CEO David Lawlor shared words of thanks with the team before the award presentation. 

“So proud of our honorees and to see how our teams support one another in achieving great things,” said Lawlor. “It is a true reflection of a mission that is alive and well after 150 years!  We are so excited to carry this mission forward as we join forces with Masonicare to reinvent mission-based care for Connecticut seniors!”

About Wesley Village: The Wesley Village senior living campus is at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, five-star skilled nursing care, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. 

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Celebrations honor veterans at Wesley Village senior living campus in Shelton

Crosby Commons resident and veteran Ed Nobile admires the World War II display at the Stratford Veterans Museum.

SHELTON - Members of the Wesley Village senior living campus recently recognized veterans with  events at Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The Shelton communities organized celebratory luncheons, patriotic entertainment, and heartfelt tributes to show appreciation for veterans’ sacrifice and service.

Gathering spaces across the campus were decorated in red, white, and blue. Community chefs took great care in preparing special menus and dessert offerings for the day. 

Residents and team members dressed in patriotic attire, and flags were flown with pride. 

Wesley Heights resident Beverly McNichol, left, shares a smile with Lead Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice. 

Bev is a “Cadet Nurse” who attended nursing school during World War II when there was an incentive for women to assist in the national nursing shortage during wartime. 

At Crosby Commons, residents were honored at a special pinning ceremony, during which veterans were presented with a certificate of thanks and a military pin. 

Christine Thibault and Coast Guard veteran Denise Giattina of Compassus led the ceremony with Crosby resident and Navy veteran Father Steve Krugel, who offered an opening prayer.

Crosby residents also received a personal tour of the Stratford Veterans Museum with volunteer Bill O’Brien. They enjoyed the history, stories, and dedication to preserving the memories of Stratford veterans. Along for the tour was Crosby Commons' own Stratford veteran Dick Millward. The group admired the museum’s display of ceramic red poppies, inspired by a 2014 art installation of over 800,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. Several symbolic poppies were purchased and gifted to Crosby Commons' veteran residents during the community’s Veterans Day luncheon. 

“Our veterans continue to mention how special it was to be recognized for their service during the various Veterans Day events,” said Crosby Commons Activities Director Lauren Donovan. “It is truly a privilege to honor them and an amazing display of community when we all come together for this important occasion.”

Wesley Heights residents and team members gathered for a ceremonial luncheon with a patriotic-themed menu and piano performance by resident Carol Osgood. 

Veterans were honored with a military hat noting their branch of service and along the community’s Veterans Wall of Honor, an inspiring display of photos and details recognizing each veteran. 

Residents and team members led the ceremony with words of gratitude, support, and patriotism.

Bishop Wicke Health & Rehabilitation Center hosted a Veterans Day ceremony with a presentation by centenarian John Kopchik, who shared poignant memories of serving in the U.S. Navy. 

Bishop Wicke Administrator Debra Samorajczyk led the ceremony, which brought together residents and patients, team members, and families for words of appreciation, patriotic songs, and a celebratory cake. Veterans received military hats that noted their branch of service before retiring the colors.

About Wesley Village: The Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year legacy of caring. 

To learn more about the Wesley Village campus communities of Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact Megan Guastaferri at 

203-447-5454 or mguastaferri@umh.org. To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Wesley Village in Shelton to host program on Parkinson's Disease

SHELTON - Wesley Village will offer a community education program on the topic of Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease at 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Wesley Heights Independent and Assisted Living Community. 

The program will be presented by Dr. Kathryn Zuchowski, a board-certified neurologist, and a clinical fellow in movement disorders at Yale Health, Department of Neurology. This event will be hosted in cooperation with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA CT).

“This program is a collaboration between Wesley Village, Yale Health Neurology, and APDA CT to best serve the community by providing a best-in-class education program. Those impacted by Parkinson’s can gain a better understanding of the intricacies of managing their symptoms by consistently staying up to date on the latest education and research. We aim to be a reliable source for education programs and support for the estimated 12,000+ CT residents diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” says APDA CT Program Director Holly Seymour.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson, Wesley Village Director of Community Outreach at lbisson@umh.org or 203-225-5027. 

The program will take place at Wesley Heights Independent and Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village senior living campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. Guests may enter using the Wesley Heights entrance and parking area. Light refreshments will be served.

The APDA Connecticut Chapter offers a wide range of Parkinson’s disease programs, resources, education, and support throughout the State of Connecticut. To learn more, visit www.adpaparkinson.org/CT, email apdact@apdaparkinson.org or call 860-996-4276

About APDA: The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than one million people in the US with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $282 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through a network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as a national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit www.apdaparkinson.org

About Wesley Village: Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton and offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year legacy of caring. 

To learn more about the Wesley Village campus communities of Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact Rhonda Stasulli at 

203-447-5454 or rstasulli@umh.org.

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

 

Crosby Commons in Shelton to host healthy aging presentation Sept. 25

SHELTON – Crosby Commons senior living community will host a community education series this fall, beginning Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. with “Healthy Aging: Lessons from Those Who Live the Longest,” presented by Neil Anand. 

Anand, owner of ComForCare Homecare, will sponsor the event along with Valley Regional Adult Education. 

Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community is on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.

Attendees will gain valuable insight and wisdom from individuals who have achieved longevity and learn about the unique qualities of their living environments. 

For more information about the program, or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach at lbisson@umh.org or 203-225-5027. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about senior living options at Crosby Commons, contact Rhonda Stasulli at 203-447-5454 or rstasulli@umh.org.  

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Crosby Commons in Shelton to host healthy aging presentation

SHELTON - The event will be held at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community, located on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

Attendees will gain valuable insight and wisdom from individuals who have achieved longevity and learn about the unique qualities of their living environments. 

For more information about the program, or to RSVP, please contact Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach at lbisson@umh.org or 203-225-5027. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about senior living options at Crosby Commons, please contact Rhonda Stasulli at 203-447-5454 or rstasulli@umh.org.  

About Crosby Commons & Wesley Village: Crosby Commons offers independent and assisted living options at the Wesley Village senior living campus located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton. The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization, and offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.