ASHLAND, Maine — With six bedrooms, a large kitchen and sunny dwelling areas, the Northwood Manor in Ashland has a waiting list for senior citizens in need of assisted living in western Aroostook County.
On a warm spring Monday after Easter, the residents at Northwood Manor spent their morning in conversation, assembling puzzles, reading a newspaper, and taking a nap.
Since it opened in 2003, the assisted living home has been an asset for the Ashland area and kept independent but elderly seniors closer to their families, friends and communities, said Rosalie Grondin, the bookkeeper with the home and its parent organization, the nonprofit Ashland Caregivers.
“It’s not a nursing home, but a place for elderly to come when they can’t stay in their homes safely. I feel it’s very valuable to this area. We’re the only facility of this kind,” Grondin said.
The facility is funded with reimbursements from MaineCare and costs to residents and their families based on their financial situation, Grondin said.
“As most organizations, we’re struggling. Electricity goes up, insurance goes up. It’s hard to play catch up.”
Northwood Manor bookkeeper Rosie Grondin, from left, resident Gladys Cote and activities director Mechelle MacDonald, pose for a photo at the Ashland assisted living home that serves six senior citizens and has a long waiting list.
(Contributed)
The facility is currently applying for two USDA Rural Development grants to fund a roof replacement and a fire suppression sprinkler system in their enclosed porch, Grondin said.
The cost for the roof replacement would be about $25,000, Grondin said. There is no estimate yet for the fire suppression system.
“Those two projects are top on our list,” Grondin said.
The facility recently wrapped up a renovation of the enclosed porch, including replacing vinyl siding that the state had deemed to be a fire risk.
Grondin said she’s confident that Northwood Manor will make the finances work to complete these projects and continue as a resource for the communities of western Aroostook County.
Northwood Manor opened in 2003 in part with the financial help of the late Virginia Pinkham, who also helped fund the construction of the Katahdin Valley Health Center clinic next door.
Mechelle MacDonald, Northwood Manor activity director and caregiver, is one of nine employees who work at the assisted living facility. She said she enjoys getting to know residents like Gladys Cote and Vivian Morriss, both originally of Portage, and spending time with them each day.
Last fall, MacDonald brought in a powered mobility chair that her late mother used for a short time, and this spring and summer residents will be able to use the chair to take their own trips to shops nearby.
“They’re all pretty much independent and have their own things they like to do,” MacDonald said. “It’s important for older people to know that they still matter. I love hanging out with the residents.”
