Arbor Terrace Willistown Has A Unique Approach To Senior Living

Arbor Terrace Willistown offers quality assisted living and dementia care in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The senior living community is committed to honoring individuality and celebrating each person’s unique life, all while creating delightful surprises and meaningful moments within a safe and caring community.

Marianne Basham, executive director of Arbor Terrace Willistown, takes pride in pursuing her passion of making a difference in the lives of others. Read on to learn more about Basham and the innovative senior living community:

Patch: How long has Arbor Terrace Willistown been providing senior care in West Chester, PA?

Basham: Although the community opened in 2013 under different management, Arbor Terrace began providing care to seniors in West Chester in August 2018.

Patch: What attracted you to senior care? How did you get started in senior living?

Basham: I became attracted to senior care following a personal experience with my dad in 1995. My journey started as a family member when we learned that my dad needed care based on an unexpected change in his health. One year after my dad passed away, I switched career paths. I no longer had any desire to manage a hair salon or teach cosmetology. I took a position at the same location where my dad lived out the remainder of his life, as a Certified Nurse Aide trainee, in a nursing home setting. While working in the nursing home, I achieved my goal to become a personal care home administrator in October of 2000, and have been fortunate enough to make a living doing something I love doing, each and every day.

Patch: If you had to sum up the mission of Arbor Terrace Willistown in five words? What would those words be?

Basham: Celebrating life through deep connections.

Patch: What is the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you have faced in your job?

Basham: The biggest challenge I’ve had to face in my job is recognizing the number of people diagnosed with some type of dementia, and the realization that the population impacted, is getting younger. Most people associate dementia with people in their eighties and nineties. However, we are seeing more and more people showing signs and symptoms in their fifties, sixties and seventies. I’m thankful to work with a company that is extremely proactive when training their team members on how to care for those with a diagnosis of dementia, offering quality care to those who cannot always speak up for themselves.

Patch: What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Basham: I get to make a living while pursuing my passion, making a difference in the lives of our seniors, and I’m surrounded by wisdom each and every day. The learning experience involved in working with a company that is truly aligned with my personal beliefs, is priceless!

Patch: How would you say Arbor Terrace Willistown distinguishes itself from the other senior living communities in the area?

Basham: We live our values by hiring the right people, teaching them the importance of making deep connections, and holding ourselves accountable when it comes to serving our seniors, our family members and one another.

Patch: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given when it comes to success?

Basham: I’ve had some great mentors along the way, and I’d have to say that the best advice given to me when it comes to success, is that it comes with hard work, good communication skills, leading by example and being accountable.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you are working on that you’re excited about?

Basham: Having started to work in this field after my own personal experience with my dad, I recognize what a big decision it is for potential residents and their family members to find “the right place” when it’s time to consider a senior living community. That being said, we are hosting a Circle of Friends Dinner each month to give people an opportunity to learn more about who we are, and what we have to offer at Arbor Terrace Willistown. Coming into the community to share a meal with residents who live in the community and some of our Family Members offers first-hand information. I think it’s exciting that people get to see and experience the Arbor difference by meeting with those we serve!

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Basham: We just had a fabulous turnout for our Family and Friends Brunch held in January, and we will continue to spread the good news about Arbor Terrace Willistown by inviting people into the community for a variety of events. We are welcoming other professionals into our community for a Valentine’s Day Drop-In Event on February 14. We're hosting a Community Caregiver Support Group the third Thursday of each month for anyone from the community involved in the care and well-being of a senior adult. And in addition to our upcoming meet-and-greet event titled “Desserts with Doctors,” we’re planning a fun filled St. Patrick’s Day event. If you haven’t already heard, our Family and Friends will be happy to confirm that we throw a great party!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Basham: Check out our website or follow us on Facebook. Contact us at (610) 725-1713.

This Patch article is sponsored by Arbor Terrace Willistown

Image Credit: Arbor Terrace Willistown