Wingate Residences at Norton Assisted Living

We visited/researched 5 assisted living communities when we realized our mother could no longer live alone in her own home. Wingate (then Epoch) of Norton was the overwhelming choice. It is small enough to be cozy and friendly, but large enough to provide lovely amenities. The dining rooms are nicer than most restaurants! The great room is nicely divided into areas, yet provides plenty of space for their many programs. Everything is spotlessly clean. I want their library for my own home! But rooms are just rooms, and great spaces don't make for great homes. People do. They are what make Wingate what it is: a welcoming and safe haven for people who need extra help in their lives but wish to maintain their independence as much as possible. The staff is totally dedicated to the residents. Going the extra mile is normal for them. All the staff seem to know all the residents by first name, and I have never detected the least degree of insincerity in their expressions of concern for "their elderly", as one staff member once said. Our mother settled in nicely after the normal couple of weeks adjustment period, and has often referred to Wingate as "my home." It is heart-breaking to all of us to have to move her from Wingate, but her memory needs are now greater than can be successfully addressed there. Wingate does not have a Memory Care program (although I understand that it has been discussed.) It will not be easy to leave Wingate...the staff is a very caring family. That is an often-used (and seldom meant!) cliche, but in this case, it is the truth. If you are looking for warmth and safety and genuine affection for your loved one in need of assisted living, you will look a long time before you find a place that comes near Wingate of Norton.

The assisted living unit at Wingate Residences at Norton was all brand new, and everything was shiny. There were flowers on the wall, flowers on the carpet, and flowers on the furniture. The quality of care here is exceptional. The girls and gentlemen that take care of us have been here for 20 years, 30 years, and 18 years. It makes all the difference in the world because they build a relationship with you. They’re not transferred thinking about what their next job is going to be. Their energy is on all levels. They never get panicky because this has been their job for so many years. There are 70 residents, and each one gets individual care. Unbelievable. They dressed and bathed me. I live like a princess here. I have the smallest studio here. It’s very unique what I’ve done with my room, and I am more than pleased. I’d recommend the community to anybody. When new people come in to look at rooms, they call me. I’d go up and introduce myself and tell them that I wasn’t paid to do this but they’re coming into a place that has superior food, 3 meals a day, everyday. What’s greatest is the attention right from the director all the way down the line; they treat you like you’re the only one here. They focus on your problem, and they get you a solution.

Another one I liked quite a bit was Epoch in Norton. We were treated very nicely, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. The residents' apartments that we saw were very nice.

Epoch of Norton was very nice. It would be some place that we would consider. The staff was very knowledgeable and nice too. The rooms were good and OK size. It had access to a bathroom that was within the unit. It was good.

We have had many different individuals, four should be commended for their extra effort. Nurse Ann worked three different days to get the correct subscription that Isabel could tolerate; she is finally getting better. Linda Bowman has been very helpful in starting our day. Now, for last night's emergency, at 10:30 last night, I had a serious nosebleed. I tried to stop it by myself, but it didn't work. With blood in the sink, on the floor, and over my trousers, I hit the button. Kim and Christa showed up. It took nearly half an hour to stop the bleeding and clean me up. Isabel and I are finally starting to get better. We thought that you should know of the fine help that we received.