Advertorial

Stamford Advocate (daily newspaper)

(Advertorial)

Sterling Glen of Stamford residents enjoy warm friendships and active lives

Think you're too old to acquire a new skill? Lisa Kinsella can introduce you to a woman who learned to use the computer at age 98.

Kinsella is executive director of Sterling Glen of Stamford, an independent and assisted living senior residence. The nonagenarian learner, now 101, is a resident. "She is busy sending emails, making greeting cards, the whole works," said Kinsella.

Credit the feat to the resident's motivation, Sterling Glen's free computer classes and the supportive social setting that inspires people to lead fuller lives.

"People love the warmth and friendship here," Kinsella said. "It is an active, energetic place where residents bond, enjoy group activities and live independent lives with all the comforts of home."

Sterling Glen comprises 165 elegant rental apartments and a host of top-notch amenities. These include state-of-the-art fitness and computer centers, on-site beauty parlor/barber shop, plush lounges for entertaining visitors and a luxurious dining room with white tablecloth service. The residence has the advantages of a five-star hotel, such as weekly housekeeping and flat linen service in each apartment, free transportation, and a wide range of personal services.

Sterling Glen enables people to retain their independence while living their long retirements in a comfortable and caring atmosphere. A typical resident is in his or her 80s. The person most likely lived in this area, or has children nearby, and does not want to maintain a large house or dwell alone in a condominium.

If needed, Sterling Glen helps residents with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing. The residence also provides discreet healthcare services, along with a 24-hour emergency call-response system.

Sterling Glen is justifiably proud of its list of activities. With some dozen activities scheduled on weekdays and almost as many on weekends, residents can easily find themselves engaged from morning to bedtime.

An average day begins with a supervised isometrics or Personal Exercise Program (PEP), followed by knitting, dance movement, cooking or a trip to the Ferguson Library. It's not unusual on a Wednesday morning to find the arresting aroma of freshly baked chocolate biscotti wafting through the mezzanine floor.

After that, residents can choose from bridge, poker, music appreciation, bingo, art classes, yoga, Bible lectures, current events, bridge, travel videos and happy hour. And every night is a movie night, when new films are shown in the residence's theatre.

On weekends, there are shopping trips and church or Temple Beth-El services, followed by more activities throughout the day.

And then there's the food. A typical menu reads like one from a fine restaurant, with dishes that include raspberry mesclun salad, broiled salmon, grilled chateau steak and stuffed chicken roudale. Desserts range from pound cake and strawberry shortcake to frozen yogurt and fresh fruit.

The cuisine is not only tasty, it's also healthy. Sterling Glen prepares all food with a minimum of salt and offers sugar-free desserts at every meal.

Along with its care for residents' physical health, Sterling Glen provides ample outlets for mental stimulation. Its library abounds with books and tapes, which the Ferguson Library sends over at the rate of 100 per month. Residents take part in short story discussions, crossword puzzles, video lectures, word games and trivia challenges.

"We are not a nursing home," Kinsella said. "Life at Sterling Glen is very active and independent. Everything is up to the residents. Come and see what we're all about, talk to our residents, and experience the lifestyle."

Sterling Glen of Stamford, 77 Third Street, is located near the city's cultural, social and recreational attractions. 203-327-4551. www.SterlingGlen.com.

Advertorial that ran in a local newspaper.