December 15, 2012

Ann L. Hartstein
Secretary
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
One Ashburton Place, Fifth Floor
Boston, MA 02108

Dear Ms. Hartstein, I had an occasion to read the vision statement from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. That vision ensures that elders in Massachusetts have the supports necessary to maintain their well-being and dignity. With E0EA's vision in mind, I am reminded of my mother's care at New Horizons, Woburn, Massachusetts, an independent and assisted living residence.

This letter serves as a letter of commendation for New Horizons, especially for those connected with the Winchester Home Care, a service of Winchester Hospital, who are responsible and accountable for the model provided for assisted living there. Over a period of four months, I searched and visited several assisted living residences in the area, but New Horizons was chosen because it demonstrated exceptional attentiveness to the residents who lived there and confirmed the State's policy that the residence is based upon a social model of care.

Thus, eighteen months ago, I elected New Horizons (assisted living) for my mother because it was the best place that replicated her independent living. She thrived in that setting because the staff knew her by name, knew about her, and was attentive to her needs as they are about every resident under its leadership and care.

There are well prepared meals that are tasty and hot; New Horizons takes input in their preparation for meals through feedback and residents' meetings. They have meaningful activities that meet various needs of the residents and moreover, the activity director decorates the common areas with well-balanced and attractive decorations for all occasions, making the residents feel "at home."

Critically important is the availability of the management staff at New Horizons. They operate as a team and that "troika" is available without appointment at anytime for discussion, suggestions, or concerns. Additionally, the Winchester Home Care staff who provides the direct service for the residents who need medical and/or social assistance, is exceptionally astute to the well being and genuine care of each resident. I have spent hundred of hours at New Horizons over the eighteen months in mostly unannounced and prolonged visits at various times of the day and night. These staff members are respectful, focused on clients' needs, and extend themselves beyond the call of duty.

What struck me most was the feedback from the residents themselves. Since I have been there so many times, I know about 30+ residents by first name. The pattern is the same: "I am respected"; "I am considered important"; "They care about me"; "They are kind to everyone". A facility is required to be accountable and responsible to regulatory agencies and can potentially and easily lose focus of their mission, but New Horizons excels in the core values it portrays through genuineness, respect, and kindness to each resident. It has spirit; it has compassion. It is an undiscovered diamond in the field.

The interagency collaboration is remarkable from the assisted living staff. They assess situations, inform families immediately, and act accordingly with family input. This intentional focus is extraordinary when compared to today's delivery of services. This effort is seamlessly done due to the Winchester Home Care aides at New Horizons — committed aides who are well trained, compassionate, and love their jobs. Every hurdle my mother faced was handled professionally and with dispatch; the nurses and aides were focused upon her needs so that she could quickly reenter the mainstream with the residents whom she called "her friends at home".

Being in the fields of psychology, special needs and education for many years and having held a national position in education and special education, I appreciate the vulnerability of our two most cherished populations: children and the elderly. I have high levels of expectation of how these populations are cared for; New Horizons continues to meet my highest expectations. As a consumer, I wanted you to know about one view about this extraordinary residence under your jurisdiction and hope that you share my input with New Horizons and Winchester Home Care. My mother is thriving at New Horizons because of the staff that serves her and other residents in this social model of care.

Respectfully,

Samuel E. Toto, Ed.D., NCSP Educational Consultant
Former Senior Vice President
Edison Schools, Inc. New York, New York

"I made the worst mistake of my life," Alberta Fullem told herself repeatedly last fall. Her beloved husband of nearly 66 years had just passed away and she had listened to her family who encouraged her not to continue living home alone. She went along with the plans to move to New Horizons, in a nod to the efforts her children were making, but her heart was not encouraged by the move. "My husband and I had built a house to meet our needs, thinking we would live there for the rest of our lives. What did I do when he died? I up and left our home. Why did I move out?" She continued to be filled with lingering doubts about her decision, coupled with guilt and grief. Some of these thoughts she shared with friends, never wanting to concern her family. One of her friends, who had helped in caring for her husband, told her, "Mark my words; just give it a couple months and you'll be glad you're there."

Nevertheless, Alberta hoped that her house, now on the market, would not attract any visitors and she could still go home. She knew that she could live alone, but her concern was for being lonely. "My daughter advised me that it would not be healthy living alone. I would need to exercise my brain beyond talking only to people at the grocery store." She had hired home care support when she needed it for her husband; she considered that she could always do the same for herself, if necessary.

A new friend at New Horizons, who listened patiently to Alberta's repeated concerns, pointed out to her one day, "But, Alberta, you can go back to your house if that is what you really want." That made Alberta pause and realize that, to her surprise, she had established friends that she would really miss. "I am not an outgoing person; I tend to be rather shy. But the people at New Horizons are so kind, caring and friendly. If I moved back, I would be leaving them. How could I do that?"

So she stayed on into the winter, slowly warming to her new life. Her new apartment displayed selected pieces of art and furniture from her home, all intending to breathe familiarity into her days and a strong sense of belonging. She tried to recreate some of the routines she and her husband had enjoyed together. Afternoon tea with cookies was one of those events. "I went to my room to make tea and realized that I did not have to be alone. I can go downstairs to the French Village Café where I can have tea and be with friends! That is what I do now."

Over the Christmas holiday, Alberta stayed at her son's home and enjoyed the cheer of being with family. "But after that time away, I returned to my apartment at New Horizons and really felt that this was home!" She remembers her friend's prediction and smiles. "I apologized to my daughter for giving her a hard time," she confesses. She is sure of her decision now.

"Sometimes I want to be alone, and I can have my space, too. New Horizons gives me opportunities that I could not have living back in the house. I have exercise classes and friends to walk with. I rediscovered that I could knit! I never would have started that again living at home. I go on trips and read to children at school; I enjoy piano concerts, too. I am Catholic and attending Mass is very important to me; I can walk into the sanctuary whenever I feel the need and it is so comforting."

Alberta has become a resident ambassador for New Horizons. She is pleased to greet others who are now considering the choice she made. "I met a woman who was worried that she wouldn't know anyone and I told her, 'You come and you'll see.' Her daughter thanked me yesterday because her mother is going to move in!"

Alberta Fullem, Charlton

Samuel E. Toto, Ed.D., Winchester, MA

"My mom's quality of life is great and I cannot believe she has been at New Horizons six years! She loves her home!

We are so happy that our Mom is so happy having New Horizons as her home. The staff and residents are like family. Thank you."

Karin S. Daley, Dunedin, FL

Judy and Bernie Goodwin, Hingham

Family of Joan Woodford, Woburn

"I'd like to thank each and every one of you for the professional, caring way my parents were treated for the entirety of their four-and-a-half-year stay. From Community relations staff, to nursing and wellness staff, to dining room servers and housekeepers, and to the invisible administrators, each one has done their job well. As that has created confidence in the family, we never worried about their care at New Horizons. Thank you one and all - you do a great job."

Katie Lucente, daughter of George and Sally Young

"The Meadows is a beautiful place to live. It is well kept up inside and outside. The meals are great. The dining room staff are the best."

Peg and Bud Keeler, Needham

"I can't tell you how happy I am for mother to be back at New Horizons after rehab. In the short time she has been back, I can hear in her voice her pleasure at being back in her own room.

"I also want to let you know that one of your staff members has taken a special interest in my mother and I find that very comforting, as does my mother. I have met her and she is a wonderful woman."

Mary LaRusso, Sandyston, NJ

Family of Phyllis Bordonaro, Winchester

Rhoda Rosenberg, North Andover

"The celebration of her life at New Horizons exceeded our hopes and gave closure to her family and friends. Many thanks to all the staff for helping us organize the gathering."

Judy and Pat Bevans, Blacksburg, VA

"I often think of New Horizons and what a wonderful, warm and caring home it was for my mother. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to your staff in the transition of my mother to her new life at New Horizons. They were always so warm, open, kind and more than supportive. It made such a difference to have such a delicate and life changing situation for my Mom handled in such a calm and professional manner. It takes special people to do what you do. You do it so well! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you from all of the Danizios."

Janice Switzer, Medford

"To the staff at New Horizons, our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have been so warm and considerate to our mother during her stay. We appreciate the affection, gentle direction and careful attention given her."

Tim Hollis and Ruth Dufault, Hillsdale, NY

"Saying 'Thank you' is barely adequate to express my gratitude for the friendship, support, sympathy, and love you gave my mother and our family over more than six years. New Horizons is a special place because of all of you."

Elizabeth Taylor, Washington, D.C.

"In the short time that our Dad lived at New Horizons, the entire community-residents and staff-made both him and our mother feel at home, safe and comfortable. He was able to share the things he loved with renewed enthusiasm in what quickly became a new extended family.

"Thank you for doing so much in making our Dad's final days peaceful and dignified. The exemplary care and kindnesses extended by your staff will be a lasting gift to our whole family."

Dennis and Theresa Coache, Sterling

"There is a very secure feeling living here. It's like a large family. People look after each other."

Joe Adams, Marlborough

"My father has enjoyed the company of wonderful friends and staff at The Meadows for almost six years now. Your facility has represented both 'family' and a wonderful independent life for him. He will miss your musical shows, chess and bridge games with friends and the general warmth and friendship that exude in your environment.

"We thank you ever so much for your good care, professionalism and kindness extended to my father over the years."

Susan Grossman, Acton

"We have been living here four years and, thanks to management and all the happy smiling faces that greet us every day, we are very much at home. We also appreciate the efficiency that goes into keeping so many people content."

Bill and Nancy Hogan, Vero Beach, FL

Elizabeth Drown, Hudson

Alice Gordon, Framingham

"To the office staff, many thanks for emailing the New Horizons Community Connections monthly newsletter. Thanks also to the department that sent the attractive Christmas card and lovely holiday photo of my parents in front of the decorated fireplace at New Horizons to my home. We appreciate the extra touches, kindness and thoughtfulness of the staff."

Diane Nescio, West Chester, PA

Angela Lyons, Woburn

"It was so nice to have an opportunity to see the workings of the kitchen and I must say I was very impressed how smoothly all functions were carried out. The Chef was most interested in my comments and suggestions regarding some dishes and functions. In fact, last night I realized he had taken action on a suggestion of mine that made my dinner more enjoyable. As I told him, I feel that on the whole our food is very good and we are fortunate to have such concerned people in charge. This was a great idea and I know others are going to enjoy it."

Jacquie Miller, Marlborough

"I am writing to let you know my feelings about my new home at New Horizons in Marlborough. I feel any one with the vision and talent to design such a beautiful senior residence as New Horizons deserves appreciation shown to them. It is not only the beautiful residence but also the pleasantness and helpfulness of all the personnel that impresses me. I've been here five weeks, and I have never seen even a maintenance man, waitress or any other personnel give a hint of impatience or say an unkind word. The people working here appear to really care and not be doing their job just for a pay check."

Vida Simon, Marlborough

Robert and Dorothy Rubin, Princeton, NJ

"You folks do a fantastic job. No wonder residents are so content."

Marie Ardito, Burlington

"Phyllis never has anything but the highest praise for your entire staff and home. My wife and I have been very impressed with the level of caring respect given the residents. You run a superb operation!"

Joe Murphy, Winchester

"To the chefs, dining room managers and executives who circulated during dinner, the 'Anniversary Dinner' on September 30 was spectacular. Never think that your thoughts, planning and execution of such an evening go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Frances Denzel, Marlborough

"Our family could not be happier with the nurturing and professional care my father receives. Thanks!"

Nanette Harvey, Winchester

"I am very pleased with the way my mother is treated. The staff here is wonderful and it is very well maintained."

Joanne Collins - trustee, Woburn

"My mother continues to tell me what a wonderful time she is having at New Horizons. It was surely the right choice for her. Thanks for all you do to keep all the residents content and safe."

Claire Hurley, Washington, NH

"You don't ever have to feel without friends at the 370 Building in The Meadows, just come to breakfast where no one is a stranger. If you're new to the area, there is always someone to help."

Georgette McIntire, Westerly, RI

"In summary, the entire Quinn family is extremely satisfied and grateful for the wonderful quality of life our mother has enjoyed at New Horizons. Thank you all very very much."

Robbie Quinn, Winchester

"My mother has been very happy at New Horizons! People have been very helpful to me. I have been so impressed by the warmth and caring of all involved. Thank you!"

Sherry Richman, Lexington

Ann Gutterman, Staunton, VA

"This is to commend the work of . . . one of the maintenance men. He vacuumed and shampooed the living room rug of my apartment yesterday. He worked so hard and diligently and thoroughly, and gave me back an almost new apartment, while being cheerful and cooperative. He is a very valuable employee."

Pat Teller, Marlborough

"I want to thank the men and women of New Horizons for the kind and thoughtful care you gave my sister, Mary McTague. We were always impressed by the warm and friendly spirit of all your people and how it carried throughout the place. Mary often spoke of how fortunate she was to be in New Horizons."

John Quinn, Amenia, NY

"For intelligence, charm and friendliness, good fellowship, 370 Building in The Meadows is the place to be!!

I can't tell you how much [we] have enjoyed our dinners at the Meadows. The company at the pre-prandial wine and cheese has been delightful, the food delicious and the service impeccable. It's been a very happy experience."

Elizabeth Hall de Lucia, Thornwood, NY

"The lovely memorial service was the perfect example of 'doing everything perfect' - nothing was left undone in the planning of the program. I am so grateful that Kay had such a loving 'home' her last years.

Thank you all. As I miss Kay's presence, I remember all you gave her and am grateful."

Anne O'Rourke, Sandwich

"I am e-mailing you today to thank everyone involved in The Meadows. Seven years ago Mr. Cummings brought to the city of Marlborough an independent living [community] that is second to none. My mother was lucky enough to be able to reside in that community. Dying this year at age 89 her last seven years with friends, social events and everything The Meadows and New Horizons had to offer gave such enjoyment to her life. I have and will continue to recommend The Meadows as a wonderful lifestyle of living."

Susan Ricci, Southborough

signed "The New Horizons Residents"

"We also cannot ever, ever, ever begin to express our gratitude to you for making New Horizons the most wonderful, wonderful home it was for [mom] for the past seven years. The staff is extraordinarily caring, the environment truly nurturing, and the facility warm and welcoming. A simple thank you just doesn't seem adequate. We are extremely grateful."

Pauline Froebel and family, Woburn

Janet Baker Carr, Marlborough

"Along with holiday best wishes, I wanted to express my appreciation to the entire staff for the Herculean efforts on Friday, December 12, 2008. The staff who went door to door, the kitchen staff and the superb meal they gave us that evening, and the wait staff who came in to serve us. Accolades should go to our often unseen maintenance staff and the cleaning staff for the great job they do without recognition to keep our public areas clean and to the staff who handle the decorations."

Pat Pietropaolo, Marlborough

"I hope you receive many more positive comments regarding the response of New Horizons to the recent snowstorms. In a word, I think it was 'fantastic.' The last was an awful storm, even for New England, yet the plows, the shovelers and others did a magnificent job. My hat's off to all of them. I thank them all for a job well done!"

Ed Levell, Marlborough

"It is difficult to adequately express our gratitude for the many happy, healthy years Dad enjoyed at New Horizons. Your facility is superior in all respects."

Catherine Votaw, Winchester

"Eddie moved into New Horizons and became a new man . . . I really believe this was because his spirits were much better and because of the wonderful staff you have working with you . . . I can not say enough about the staff at New Horizons. I have never met such devoted, hard working, kind and caring individuals as the New Horizons staff."

Beth McCabe, Chelmsford

"What is your secret? Do you sprinkle pixie dust on the staff as they arrive at work? The reason I ask is because, for three years, whenever I talk to anyone at New Horizons they are friendly, helpful, and upbeat. No one seems to be a grouch or having a bad day. It truly is amazing!"

Betsy C. D'Angelo, Spring Green, WI

"On behalf of my mother and my entire family, we would like to take this opportunity to commend you on the superb care and service excellence that was always exhibited at your excellent facility. It is truly obvious that all, and I do mean all, of your employees have one thing on their mind each day. That is to serve their residents in the best way they can. I will always remember your facility with your dedicated staff as the best that I could have chosen."

Lois Ann Pappalardo, RN, Winchester

"The staff here has been tremendous, and to single out any one person or group would be a terrible disservice to all the others."

Eileen Williams, Woburn

"There have been miraculous changes in my mother since she's been with you at New Horizons. I never thought it would be possible, but your wonderful staff and facility have enabled her to enjoy life more than ever. For that I am eternally grateful."

Bonnie Wilson, Marlborough

Neil Ferris, Southborough

"You and your staff were the key elements in my father's satisfaction with New Horizons and in my peace of mind in having him there."

Edward M. Bolesky, Marlborough

"In a very short time after Elaine moved and settled in, she realized that she had made the right decision to choose New Horizons for her new home. She could not be happier! I would like to personally thank you and your caring staff for making New Horizons the wonderful place that it is."

Judith Freeman, Waltham

"She went from calling it her "room" to her "home." You were always responsive to her needs and concerns; she and the rest of our family appreciate this caring."

Nancy Plumhoff, Stow

"I do want to extend my sincere thanks to you all who made the anniversary of New Horizons such a memorable event. I am certainly happy to belong now to New Horizons, and can take part in the various activities and functions. It is a caring facility."

Patricia Cogswell, Woburn

"The day my mother moved to New Horizons, two years ago, Ginger sat behind the front desk and greeted her with "Welcome home, Mrs. Schlemm!" I knew then that we had made a very good decision. I just wanted to extend a very heartfelt thank you from my family to yours."

Joanie Daniels, Bolton

"It is a gift to the family to know how wonderfully the residents respond to such a comfortable atmosphere . . . it brings a great sense of life back into their lives."

Connie and Jim Micarelli, Wakefield

"I have often marveled at the quality of your employees. Never once have I visited and not been impressed by the outpouring of concern they show to all the residents. My stepmother has never been happier than during the four years she has spent at New Horizons.

I wish to extend my gratitude to you and all who work there for making such a wonderful environment for the elderly. We wish to thank everyone at New Horizons for making our mothers last years so comfortable."

Joan Sopp, Sarasota, FL

"Thank you for a wonderful Mother's Day: the lovely dinner provided by the kitchen and dining room staff, the great band who played for us, the cocktail hour with fellowship time, and as always our own George Bustin for his musical gifts. I am very glad I spent this time "at home" - it was a joy-filled day! Oops - I almost forgot our lovely corsages - each one seemed to add to the sparkle in our mothers' eyes."

Jean Smith, Woburn

"I always find everyone cheerful and helpful, a very nicely run establishment, well maintained and very clean. I find a knowledgeable staff always eager to please. My family and I appreciate all your kindness."

Linda DeMeo, Ashland

"I would like to commend you for your creation of such a wonderful and affordable concept. We have watched New Horizons' continuous evolution through its outstanding leadership team and supporting staff members. The highest compliment we could pay as we encounter others in similar situations is to recommend to them that they explore New Horizons because we consider it to be the "benchmark" for independent and assisted living programs. Thank you for giving Mom the opportunity to be a member of the New Horizons family for the past five years and us the chance to share it with her. God bless you all."

Gene Kee, Tewksbury

"Many people have asked me whether I like living here, and I tell them it is the nearest to being 'one happy family' that anyone could ever find. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness."

Charles Meyers, Woburn

"I wouldn't give up my [New Horizons] apartment even if I won Megabucks."

Mary Lombardo, Marlborough

"Yesterday we had our Dad's 80th Birthday Party. We started with dinner in the Bill Miller dining room for him, his children, grand and great-grand children alike. What a wonderful job the servers did; they were very attentive and made sure we had everything we might need. After dinner, we had an open house that saw not only friends and family, but many New Horizons residents in attendance as well. Again, the staff were all terrific and helped us make our Dad's 80th birthday very special for us all."

Family of John Beauregard, Nashua, NH

"Thank you for helping to make my 95th such a happy surprise. It was exciting to see all my young relatives, and I was proud to show them my comfortable, friendly "home." They are pleased to know I am so well cared for. Thank you for all the kind attention you have given to me."

Josephine Meagher, Woburn

"Wherever I have gone at New Horizons, I've encountered warmth and genuine care of staff in their contact with the residents. They truly reflect the philosophy that underlies the whole place. I know from the comments of many residents how they appreciate the day to day spirit of friendliness that pervades New Horizons."

Fr. Gene Trainor, Marlborough

"There was no way we could have foreseen that our mother would come to be so loved there, as well as so cared for. Please accept our profound gratitude knowing you have made such a difference in our lives."

Donna and Landa Linse, Boxborough

"I am deeply grateful to the entire staff who have given of themselves to respect, care, and love her. The nurses and aides are the finest group of professional caregivers I have ever met. Their devotion to the residents is unparalleled. . . I am sure in the years to come, the New Horizons staff will continue to provide care and love to all. Thank you."

Regina Cantella, Winchester

"A true family atmosphere is so evident there, and the constant caring for each resident lifts their spirits, as well as the family members."

Julie Gorgone, Marlborough

"Thanks again for the thoughtful care and kindness you gave Doug. You made him very happy for the six years he spent with so many friends. We will always remember this."

Family of Douglas J. White, Woburn

"Our family is sincerely indebted to the staff for the care and concern which so many have extended in loving and gracious ways to my mother in her nearly three years there. Many, many thanks."

Frank Fiorentino, Winchester

"New Horizons has been a wonderful home for my mother. It's not just the beautiful facilities that make New Horizons such a special place, it is the exceptional caring of the staff, their skill and patience and their willingness to go 'above and beyond the call of duty' to serve their residents."

Nancy Love, Acton

"Everybody is so happy here. I tell my friends from Needham that it is paradise on earth."

Donna E. MacDonald, Marlborough

"The warmth and caring of your staff have been most impressive. As a clinical psychologist with many years experience in residential and hospital living, I have been most impressed with how your total program approaches the needs of seniors with respect, sincerity, warmth, positive thinking and a degree of individualized attention I would never have dreamed possible (you can quote me)."

Dr. Richard T. Monahan, Sudbury

"Just to be here has been a lifesaver for me. I felt surrounded by love. I am so glad we chose New Horizons as our home."

Dot Weldon, Woburn

"Michael has been so happy there. He calls his room "home." From the first day of Michael's arrival in November 1998, the friendliness of the caregivers and support staff has been just perfect. It is a culture of caring."

Deacon James and Muriel Kerrigan, Woburn

"I knew this was home as soon as I picked up the telephone. Eleven years later, New Horizons has been everything I could have dreamed of. There's no other place like this- I can see why so many other seniors are waiting to move in."

"I do want to take this opportunity to thank you and all your staff for the last 15 years. You provided Uncle Bill with a wonderful home and superb care. He was truly very happy at New Horizons. To quote Bill, 'He didn't know he was entering heaven on his arrival there'."

Bill Young - former resident of 15 years
and his niece, Ann Suskind, Lexington

"Too bad that I had to wait to grow old to live here."

Ginny Schwenn, Marlborough

"My mother could not be happier. New Horizons sets the standard for assisted and independent living communities throughout the country. If there were more communities such as New Horizons, senior citizens would get the respect, dignity, and quality of life they so richly deserve."

David M. Young, Marlborough

"I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff . . . for their outstanding efforts to make my mother's stay as comfortable and happy as possible. A good part of my career was as president of a large corporation. If I were still running a company, I would hire every one of them on the spot. They understand the importance of client satisfaction."

Sal Macera, New Seabury

"Last evening I was enjoying a sunset walk outside my apartment, and thoroughly enjoying the beauty of the flowering trees and bulbs, I was thinking of Mother's Day. Suddenly I felt the presence of my long-departed mother at my side. She let me know that she has been looking down on me, and I am to let you know she is so happy that I am spending my dotage years here, in such a lovely place. A place where I can keep active and live life as I enjoy it."

Pearl Carella, Marlborough

"I wish to thank the staff for the kindness and care extended to my father in the year and a half he resided at New Horizons. Moving in was not easy for him, but the staff very slowly and patiently involved him in activities. He ultimately became known for his Bingo prowess! I'm sure that my father would want me to extend his thanks to you and the rest of the staff."

Sandra Morse, Wellesley

"During her five years at New Horizons, Mom appeared to be the happiest she had been in years and for this we have you folks and New Horizons to thank. Her entire family are most grateful."

Barbara Schleicher, Marlborough

"On behalf of the entire Ciotti family, I extend to the board of trustees and the wonderful staff at New Horizons, our most sincere and heartfelt thanks for being such a warm and friendly part of my mother's life. Although she only spent 15 months at New Horizons, that time was enhanced by the facility and the manner in which it operates, and most assuredly by its devoted and highly competent staff."

Daniel Ciotti, Winchester

"I happen to work at South Shore Hospital, and I have also worked for Mediplex Nursing facilities years ago. I have never seen a facility that impressed me as yours did! I hope that someday your company will build in the South Shore too. The company has thought of everything."

Ellen Clinton, South Shore

"I moved here eight years ago, and have never been sorry. A good value for the money."

Doris Bunzick, Haddam, CT

"The residents have voluntarily told me how much they enjoy being there. I wonder if you realize the effect you all have on its success. My name is Ida Boodakian, and I approve this message."

Ida Boodakian - trustee, Winchester

"Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to you and all your staff for the care and concern shown to my mother during the last four years. She was the happiest I have seen her, and you made her last few days as comfortable as was possible, right down to personally sending her off in the ambulance."

June E. Coye, Windmermere, FL

"I do want to take this opportunity to thank you and all your staff for the last 15 years. You provided Uncle Bill with a wonderful home and superb care. He was truly very happy at New Horizons. To quote Bill, 'He didn't know he was entering heaven on his arrival there'."

Ann Suskind, Lexington

"If they gave Academy Awards for retirement communities, we would certainly nominate New Horizons!"

signed "A grateful, appreciative and satisfied resident"

Tomi Higgins, Hillsborough, NJ

"My sister and I send our thanks for your hospitality at the recent summer reception. As usual, you did a wonderful job planning and presenting this event, but most important of all to the success of this party is the friendship and helpfulness you show to all the guests, residents, and visitors alike. Thank you for the lovely party and for all the kind and helpful things you do throughout the year."

Lorraine Keating, Arlington

"My aunt and uncle adjusted to their new lifestyle immediately. They made new friends, enjoyed the many activities and field trips, loved the dining room atmosphere and the general feeling of family that New Horizons promoted for the residents. When I would visit or have dinner, I would observe that special bond between staff members and residents."

Fred C. Cammon, Woburn

Marie Kinney, Worcester

"Not only is your staff competent, but you should be proud that they are friendly, caring and working long hours without breaks! Quite an adjustment for us - as the former owners of an old Victorian, 13-room house, 115 years old! One call brought wonderful help and comfort."

Max and Betty Miller

"New Horizons was truly Alyce's home. She was her happiest there. She loved taking her guests on the grand tour. We feel very fortunate to have been part of her life there. It brought us together with the wonderful people who are New Horizons. We plan to stay in touch!"

Bill and Marge Monahan, Arlington

"I am having a difficult time putting into words what New Horizons meant to our family. New Horizons was my grandfather's home for six years, and it was home to him. And I am thankful we were able to bring my grandfather home to New Horizons for his final service. Then to host a reception there after the service was above and beyond any words we can express."

Denise, Meghan, and Christopher Hudson

"Your people are caring, compassionate and helpful in every way. They have learned to know my mother and to treat her, not as a patient but as a person. We deal mostly with Nancy and Mary and have been spoiled by the excellent manner in which the deal with Florence. Having said that, all of the other staff have demonstrated the same qualities of friendliness and true concern for the residents that we see in Nancy and Mary.

We just wanted to express our thanks to you and your wonderful people for what you are doing. You should all be proud."

George Jamieson

"My family and I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all of you who gave wonderful moments to our father, Joseph M. Murphy, while he was a resident at New Horizons. We always had a positive feeling of caring and professionalism from each and every member of your staff.

We hope you know our deep feelings of gratitude for the years Joe spent there. It truly was a "second" home for all of us. We wish each member of the staff a wonderful holiday season. Again, our gratitude to all."

Dolores McManus and Mary Conant

"The Adamian family is very grateful for the wonderful treatment that our mother received during her stay at New Horizons. The facility and food were very good and, most importantly, the staff was so friendly and caring.

When our mother had to be moved upstairs for more intensive care, we were apprehensive, wondering if she was going to continue to get the same wonderful treatment that she had been receiving. We were very pleased to discover that the service, friendliness and sincere interest in the welfare of the residents was tall that we could desire.

We wish to thank everyone at New Horizons for making our mothers last years so comfortable."

The Adamian Family

New Horizons' management is exceedingly proud of its accomplished staff, and equally pleased to add its own praise to the chorus of compliments above. Working alongside the staff, our managers are able to observe a great many of the above-and-beyond-the-call actions by staff that create such high quality assisted living and prompt so many residents and family members to send in their extraordinary letters.

Additionally, as managers, they are also privy on a daily basis to even more acts by staff that further reveal their dedication and kindness, but that are hidden from view of most residents and visitors. We believe it is our staff of exceptional people that has most enabled New Horizons to build its reputation as a truly caring place where residents enjoy good living and each other.