The Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA), representing assisted-living residences throughout the state, presented an award to The Greens at Cannondale for its resident activity “Enriching Life Through Nature.” Blending nature into senior living has long been considered therapeutic for seniors.
Set on a 15-acre campus, there are manicured walking paths available to residents or they may enjoy a golf cart ride on the trails of neighboring Allen’s Meadow where schoolchildren may be playing. For those who want to get even closer to nature, there are raised garden beds for individual gardens and a large fruit-and-vegetable garden that provides produce for mealtime.
Ron Bucci, senior executive director, accepted the award on behalf of The Greens staff and said the health benefits of closeness to nature are well known. Emotionally, the nostalgia of gardens and the pleasures of being outdoors create lasting feelings of being at home and belonging.