JILL WALLACE of Elm Street Assisted Living in Topsham.
1. What is the mission/vision of Elm Street Assisted Living?
THIS PHOTO shows some of the women at Elm Street Assisted Living in Topsham from a few years ago.
We do this by having a family-style assisted living home; providing for the physical needs of frail, elderly women and also creating a safe and supportive environment for the emotional and spiritual process that we all must go through as we age and face the losses that aging brings.
2. How and why did you come up with the concept for your Topsham facility?
Early losses in my life led me to an interest in hospice work, the end of life process and grief and bereavement.
After working as a social worker and as a director of nonprofits for many years at Midcoast Hospice and the Center for Grieving Children, another death in my family left me as the surviving person who would be responsible for my mother.
Then my interest in renovating old houses, something I had done a lot of in my marriage, kicked in when I daily drove past this lovely historic property in Topsham that was for sale.
I conceived of a home for elderly women that would include my mother and myself, provide jobs for younger working women, and use my social worker skills, my business skills and my carpentry skills all together.
So I created Elm Street Assisted Living. It has been wonderful.
3. Please talk about the services you offer your residents?
We provide a family-style home for six frail, elderly women. That means that we do all the cooking and housekeeping, as well as support for dressing, bathing, grooming and medication management.
We have activities geared to the interests of the ladies who live here — card games, puzzles, outings, music and just general socializing.
The staff really enjoys working here as they build meaningful relationships with each resident, and the residents enjoy hearing about our lives and seeing the children and grandchildren of staff as well as seeing their own families.
We have lovely gardens and a deck out back, with birds and squirrels and neighboring cats and dogs who visit regularly.
4. What makes Elm Street Assisted Living so special?
The best thing about Elm Street Assisted Living is the size. We are small enough to be a family, to be truly personal in our care and support of the residents.
Our activities are tailor-made and supported. Our meals are often made according to the favorite recipes of the ladies. My grocery shopping includes requests from residents for favorite food items.
The staff really gets to know each resident, and can tailor their care and support to each lady’s unique preferences.
5. What is your contact information so people can learn more about Elm Street Assisted Living?
Our telephone number is (207) 725- 1134; you can call anytime.
Our address is 56 Elm St. in Topsham and we welcome visitors.
The email address is jill@elmstassistedliving.com.
The website is www.elmstassistedliving.com.
I live here, upstairs in the manager’s apartment. I can often be found out in the gardens and yard, creating beautiful spaces.
More information
• Elm Street Assisted Living
Telephone number: (207) 725-1134
Address: 56 Elm St., Topsham
Email address: jill@elmstassistedliving.com
Website: www.elmstassistedliving.com
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