Lillian Miles has always met life with a positive attitude. “Our mother is 98 years old, and as she nears the century milestone, her mantra continues to be ‘One has to look forward,’” said her daughter, Virginia Swensson. “She was the first in her family to go to college. She had a lifelong career as a teacher. She was very practical. When my dad died 20 years ago, she didn’t give up. She knew she had to look forward and make a new life for herself. She definitely didn’t want to move in with her daughters. She wanted her children to live their own lives. So, when her best friend moved to Pomperaug Woods, she carefully considered the benefits of living in a LifeCare community. We are grateful she made the practical decision to move to Pomperaug Woods. We never thought my mother would need the support of the Health Care unit because she was always so healthy and active, but she’s been a resident there now for the last three years. We can’t speak highly enough about the Pomperaug Woods Health Center. Their care is excellent!”

Lillian first moved to Pomperaug Woods in 2014, at age 88. “Over the last 10 years, Mom has taken advantage of care in the Health Center at three major stages of her life,” said Virginia. “Her first experience with the Health Center happened 3 years after she moved to Pomperaug Woods. She had arthritis, and took aspirin to help manage it. She developed a bleeding ulcer from the aspirin, and at age 91, that required a hospital stay. She was discharged to the Health Center for a stay in short-term Rehab, then returned to her apartment in Independent Living without any need for further support. The second time she made use of the Health Center was when she broke her hip at age 93. She spent some time in short-term Rehab again and returned to her apartment in Independent Living with some assistance. Aides stopped in twice a day to help her dress and shower. At age 95, her arthritis had progressed to the point where she needed more round the clock assistance, and that’s when she made the move to become a long-term Skilled Nursing resident in the Health Center. As Mom’s health needs have changed over the past decade, the support of the Health Center has been invaluable.”

Virginia feels that her mom’s positive experience at Pomperaug Woods is applicable to so many others. “Seeing how my mom has benefitted from the services of both short-term Rehab and long-term Skilled Nursing here at Pomperaug Woods, it has educated us as to how critical it is to have a Health Center as part of a full continuum of care,” said Virginia. “Hospitals discharge you as soon as they can, and it’s great to be able to go to Rehab to build back your strength and stamina so that you can continue to live independently in the safest manner. And when you need to live in the Health Center as a long-term care resident, it’s still easy for all your friends in Independent Living to come visit you. Socialization is so important. Having access to a full continuum of care doesn’t limit your independence as you age. It actually enhances your independence by providing just the right amount of support when and where you need it. We are so lucky Mom made the move to Pomperaug Woods a decade ago.”