Love is in the Air at Ingersoll Place

by Ceil Mack, Freelance Writer/Blogger

In the spirit of Saint Valentine’s Day, we invited several residents, family members and staff to share their thoughts about living and working at Ingersoll Place and what makes our community special. Their responses, via phone and in-person, were from-the-heart and we are ever grateful for their kind words.

Growing up in Schenectady, Lisa Gaffney said she knew “Ingersoll was a home for men and a nice place” but never realized it had opened for women, too. “Ingersoll was a drive-by as we checked out other places,” Lisa said, “but I decided to look there, too. I’m so glad we did. We moved my mother in on July, 1, 2022 and OMG, what a godsend it has been for her and our family. This place is filled with guardian angels who treat my mother with dignity, kindness and patience.” A couple of weeks ago, Lisa’s mother celebrated her 90^th birthday surrounded by dozens of loved ones. “It was supposed to be a little open house in the library with family members stopping by for a cup of coffee,” Lisa explained, “and we ended up with people coming from four states. Everyone at Ingersoll was so understanding. That’s how they are about everything. ‘Don’t worry,’ they told me, ‘we’ll make it work.’  Since the day my mother got here,” Lisa continued, “she hasn’t had a bad word to say about anyone or anything. It’s the reason I can sleep at night. My only regret,” she adds, “is I didn’t get my father here too. He would have loved this place.”

About a year ago, resident Marie B. moved to Ingersoll Place from an assisted living community in Texas. She wanted to be closer to her 98 year old sister who resides in a nearby nursing home. “I’ve moved around quite a bit,” Marie said, “and served as a chaplain in hospitals and other healthcare facilities but nothing prepared me for this remarkable place. The personnel here are beyond ordinary. They understand your needs, pay attention to every detail and are always asking, ‘Is everything ok?’ I enjoy doing puzzles in the lobby, watching football in the TV room and following the activities calendar to see all the wonderful things going on here every day. This place is like a dream come true.”

Tiya Jones, a member of Ingersoll’s Housekeeping Department, is well known for singing, dancing and laughing her way through the workday much to the delight of residents and staff. What’s not widely known is that Tiya lost her husband 11 years ago and subsequently, moved to Schenectady looking for a new beginning and a new place to belong. “I’ve known sadness and what it’s like to be alone,” Tiya said, “Being able to bring joy to others, to make people smile has made a real difference in my life. I wake up happy. I come to work with a heart filled with love. I know if I laugh, others will laugh, too. They’ll sing with me, even dance with me. I know, without a doubt, I was meant to be here in this loving, welcoming environment. The residents and staff here at Ingersoll… they’re my new tribe.”

Moving a beloved parent from one residential community to another can be stressful, not only for the resident but the adult children, as well. “My mother is a lively 99 year old who loves being around people,” explained Patti Nicolella. “We were nervous about the transition to a new place and wanted to make sure she remained active and engaged.” Patti said she and her family were familiar with Ingersoll Place and “thrilled to know” that Claire Oliver who had assisted with their mother’s initial placement several years earlier, was Ingersoll’s new Marketing Director. “For so many reasons, this was the perfect fit for Mom and us,” Patti said. “We moved her in October, 2023 and the staff, including the entire management team, couldn’t have been more welcoming. My family and I visit often and they all go out of their way to greet us, talk to us and make us feel like we’re part of the family. Christina and her Activities staff keep my mother busy all day; Tiya, one of the housekeepers, dances and sings with her. There’s no mystery about what’s happening in her life. The staff keeps us well informed about everything and we know she’s surrounded by love.”

In one word, resident Jim Simpson summed up his view of Ingersoll Place as “impressive” and offered glowing observations about various departments, personnel, even the physical layout of the building which, he said, “makes it easy to find your way around.” He noted “the sun-filled atrium and well-stocked library and praised the chef for “tastefully prepared meals” and waitstaff for “always smiling.” Jim acknowledged the Activities Director and the many daily activities “that keep residents occupied both mentally and physically.” He expressed appreciation for the Housekeeping staff “for their courtesy and excellent work they do” and Resident Care staff for their “professionalism and attentiveness 24 hours a day.” Jim’s years of experience in construction, retail sales and management and bartending, along with a keen eye for detail, make his gracious remarks even more meaningful. Jim made the move to Ingersoll Place in 2023, following the death of his beloved wife, Chung. “I wanted to make life easier for myself, especially as I get older.” Jim, who still drives and enjoys meeting up with longtime friends, is an avid reader and an Officer with the Brotherhood of Masons. “I am very comfortable here,” he said. The staff are wonderful. It was a good decision.”

A help wanted sign prompted Taisha Fulton to apply for a Resident Care position at Ingersoll Place. She has extensive senior care experience and was invited in for an interview. “From the minute I walked through the door, I knew this place was special,” Taisha said. “I had such a warm welcome and everyone I met made me feel comfortable.” She accepted an evening position on Upper East and by the end of her first week of orientation and training, she already knew, “This is the place I’ll retire from.” Within a year’s time, Taisha was promoted to Upper West Unit Leader. “Working with older people is something I’ve always loved. I grew up hearing my grandmother’s stories; she was my best friend. Our residents are special, I appreciate them and have great respect for them. Many have lost loved ones. They may be lonely, anxious, fearful. It’s important,” she said, “to spend time with them, listen to them. If they need help with something, I help them. A few extra minutes can make a big difference. Even when I’m home, I want to check on them. They deserve our care and attention. I know I’m doing God’s work taking care of our elders.”

First impressions matter as prospective residents and their families decide which assisted living community is the right one for them. “We were referred to Ingersoll by A Place for Mom,” said Catherine Ayers, “and it was so obvious how different Ingersoll was from the other places we saw. Believe me,” she added, “we saw a lot of them. Every person we encountered, from the front desk to the maintenance workers and people doing the vacuuming, welcomed us with a smile and friendly greeting.” Catherine, who lives in Michigan and whose father has been a resident since 2022, said Ingersoll became an “instant home” for him. “He’s lost so much,” she explained, “his house, his wife, dog and car. It is comforting to know that he’s surrounded by these wonderful people.” As for staying abreast of her father’s health and wellbeing, despite the distance, Catherine said, “There are four of us girls on my dad’s call list and communication with staff and Dr. Etienne, about anything, has been outstanding.” In a recent email to Claire Oliver, Marketing Director and author of Ingersoll’s informational bulletins, Catherine wrote, “Love getting updates from you, Claire. You've become a member of our family!”

To learn more about Ingersoll Place and why it might be the right choice for your loved one, contact Claire Oliver, Director of Marketing and Sales, at 518-370-4419, ext. 303. For photos of events and activities, visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ingersollplace.