New Jersey’s getting older. As reported by the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ State Strategic Plan on Aging, the percentage of New Jersey residents 60 and older rose 24.7 percent from 2010 to 2019. Our “over 60” population will continue to increase substantially throughout the coming years.
The Chelsea at Washington Township is ready to accommodate the growing need for senior residential services in northern New Jersey. Executive Director Todd Aronson has over 25 years of experience in the senior care environment and will be at the helm of the new facility, which anticipates opening in September.
“Construction is going well, and we have models available for people to tour,” says Todd. “We are taking reservations in our sales office at the Fresh Grocer shopping center on Pascack Road in Washington Township, where people can select their own apartments and specify location and size. We have studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms available.” The community will be located on historic Pascack Road, just steps from Schlegel Lake, Senior Park, and the community center.
The Chelsea will consist of two “neighborhoods.” One will be an assisted living community for people who are very independent or simply need minimal support. The other is “Country Cottage,” a memory care neighborhood where residents enjoy all of the benefits and security of assisted living along with a specialized memory care plan. Regardless of the neighborhood, all residents will receive a customized care plan aligned with their unique needs while they enjoy a relaxed and social community environment.
Amenities at The Chelsea will include an array of daily exercise classes, an on-site movie theater, a club room, an activities center, a sports lounge, and more. “Our residents will enjoy the private space of their apartments, but they will also love the social opportunities throughout the campus,” says Todd. “They can take advantage of our dining services at every meal but also make a cup of coffee and snack in their own kitchenettes.”
The team at The Chelsea also acknowledges that active seniors love to be on the go; however, driving or arranging transportation to outings or medical appointments can be challenging. “We will take them where they want to go, whether it’s an organized trip to a casino in Atlantic City or a show in Manhattan,” says Todd. “We find out what they like to do and make the arrangements. There’s also a lot going on in the Pascack Valley area, so there will be regular local lunch and dinner outings to favorite dining spots and nearby special events. Our residents will have much in common since most have lived in this area their entire lives.”
Seniors (and their grown children) understand the challenge of transitioning from a well-loved home of 50 years, and the staff at The Chelsea is happy to assist families with that conversation. “People begin to realize that homeownership is becoming more difficult--they can no longer do the stairs or handle their property maintenance,” says Todd. “We meet with them to better understand their situation so that we can help them navigate it.”
There are many benefits to an assisted living environment, one of which is the socialization aspect. Studies show that depression can become a factor in the lives of lonely seniors and that activities and human interaction are keys to keeping the memory sharp. At The Chelsea, a resident can easily accompany a friend to watch a movie, join a bridge club, or play mahjong—all fun and stimulating activities that don’t exist in one’s own home.
Exercise classes are available to keep the body strong and flexible, and they can also help to improve fitness, reduce falls, and manage the symptoms of arthritis. Residents who need more support will feel secure knowing they have help with personal care preferences such as managing medications and personal hygiene.
Assisted living provides a warm community environment while offering peace of mind and relieving stress for the family. The momentum of opening a new senior living residence for Pascack area residents will continue to build throughout the summer. “I enjoy the process of preparing to open a beautiful, new facility,” states Todd. “We are busy building and training the team that will welcome our first residents—it’s exciting!”
Stop by and visit Todd and his team at their sales center at 261B Pascack Road in Washington Township or call 201-263-1955.
chelseaseniorliving.com
Amenities at The Chelsea will include an array of daily exercise classes, an on-site movie theater, a club room, an activities center, a sports lounge, and more.