Christopher Heights of Marlborough

Community resembles the Victorian coastal home era By Brian Goslow MARLBOROUGH, Massachusetts - Christopher Heights of Marlborough, an 83 unit assisted living residence, is open for business. Promising "peace of mind for residents and their families," it joins three other Christopher House assisted-living complexes, located in Attleboro, Worcester and Webster. The U-shaped three-story building is located at 99 Pleasant St., a short distance from the Marlborough Senior Center and the city's downtown shopping area. Designed by Smook Architecture and Urban Design of Boston, it resembles the Victorian-styled summer homes that became a trademark of the New England coastline. "The pitches of the roof and the fake cedar shingles on the building look fantastic," said Christopher Heights Area Manager Walter Ohanian. "You actually have to go up and touch them to realize they're not real." Christopher Heights Marlborough has 12 one-bedroom apartments and 71 studio units. It has been specifically designed for senior and handicapped residents who are able to live independently with the help of minor assistance services. The Marlborough facility offers payment programs based on a person's assets and income. Gov. Deval Patrick, who toured the residence during its construction, was pleased with the fact that 50 units, 60 percent of the building, are dedicated to low-income seniors, said Ohanian. A monthly cost includes a medication reminder program, laundry and housekeeping, and three meals daily. If required, residents will be able to receive up to an hour and a half of personal care assistance daily at no additional cost. Two full-time activities staffers oversee a social activities calendar that includes exercise. "There are so many services available nearby, including the local library and age center, for the seniors to be part of the community." Residents also will have opportunities to go offsite for dining or to attend a musical performance. "If there's a local concert in the evening that somebody wants to go to, they'll be able to," said Executive Director Wendi Baron-Willette. Christopher House Marlborough features two main dining rooms with seating for 40 to 45 residents each. "That gives it more of an inn type of setting that's a little more intimate than that lavish type of dining area you might see in other assisted living facilities, which typically have only one large dining area," Ohanian said. "You'll feel like you're eating out on a Sunday afternoon," Baron-Willette added. For more information on Christopher Heights Marlborough, call 508-281-8001 or visit www.christopherheights.com/home/index.cfm