BY: Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor
Driving across the western side of the Adirondacks, I made my way to a board strategy session held at The Beeches Manor in Rome, NY—a vibrant place in years past, once known for hosting weddings and proms. I knew it had recently been acquired by Nascentia Health, and I was delighted to see a beautifully restored restaurant and conference center, along with signs of new construction. The site is being transformed into a wellness-focused campus that will eventually offer a variety of assisted living levels and home-like services promoting active aging.
After the session, I wandered the lovely grounds and became intrigued by the site’s future plans. This curiosity led to a conversation with Andrea Lazarek-LaQuay, Chief Clinical Officer of Nascentia.
We spoke about the evolving lifestyles of those entering what some call the “third age”—a time of reflection, purpose, and often changing health or living needs. Many of my friends and colleagues have been wrestling with choices: staying at home, moving into assisted living, or joining a continuum- of-care community that may include nursing home options. Recently, one couple I know researched communities nationwide, visited one that fit their needs, and are now relocating to an assisted living patio home in another state.
When I asked Andrea what guidance she gives clinicians whose patients are aging and asking questions about the future, she emphasized the importance of early planning. Her advice: choose the best housing option early so you can age in place.
“It’s more realistic now to think about remaining at home,” she shared, “with services delivered to you from meals, to telemedicine, to remote health monitoring.”
Nascentia is actively working with physician practices to support patients as they transition from hospital to home, acting as a vital link in the care continuum. They offer a wide array of services, including:
• Home Health Care
• In-Home Primary Care
• A Medicare Advantage Health Plan
• Future 55+ living options at the former Beeches campus More at: nascentiahealth.org
Of course, health status, finances, and caregiver support influence these decisions. But those who plan early are more likely to live the life they envision in their third age.
A growing concern is the increasing number of aging adults on Medicaid or limited incomes. Without sufficient public support, their choices may narrow. Nonprofits like Nascentia, Loretto, The Eddy, and others will play an even more critical role in serving these seniors in the years ahead.
As our population ages, options for aging are more robust than ever before. But with these options comes responsibility—for individuals, families, and healthcare providers.
How is your practice thinking about partnerships to support these changing demographics?
LOCAL & NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR AGING OPTIONS
Local Resources
• Nascentia Health
• Loretto (Syracuse-based elder care services) https://lorettocny.org/
• The Eddy (Albany and Capital Region services) https://www.eddyseniorliv ng.com/
Out-of-Area and National Tools
• A Place for MomFree service matching families with communities based on care needs, location, and budget.
• Caring.comConsumer reviews, pricing tools, and guides to senior care.
• SeniorHousingNetListings for independent and assisted living, CCRCs, and memory care.
•RetirementLiving.comState-by-state directories, amenities, and lifestyle planning.
• 55places.com Focused on active adult (55+)
communities with virtual tours and
floorplans.
• Seniorly Concierge services, virtual tours,
and price transparency tools.
Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor, can be reached at linkedin.com/in/kathrynru citto or at krusct@gmail.com