The Arbors & The Ivy

Our Story - A Family Business | Assisted Living Near You In CT & MA

The Arbors Assisted Living’s 25th Anniversary as part of the senior living industry is on the horizon— but twenty-five years isn’t the entire story. Our story actually began in 1966, when our grandparents founded E.A. Gralia Construction. They built more than 5,500 housing units, as well as schools, hotels, nursing homes and several elderly housing developments. Years later, our parents, the family business’ second generation, founded The Arbors Assisted Living Communities and took our company head on into the emergent senior living industry.

As a family, we all grew up in the business, and were all born and raised in East Longmeadow and Longmeadow, MA. We started young, working summers at our various senior housing properties doing landscaping, office work, and activities with the residents. As we advanced into college, we all worked in every single department of our family’s business, spending months upon months learning the ins and outs of every aspect of what we do in our communities. We spent time working at every site and every business. Our business skills evolved over the years, and in 2016, our generation took the reins.

We are Family

While assisted living has evolved immensely over the years, we have held true to who we are. Our goal is to welcome our residents into that family, treat them like family, and give them a truly wonderful experience in their golden years.

At The Arbors and The Ivy, we offer assisted living, independent living, respite stays and memory care support

Our buildings are warm, inviting and home-like. Each of our residents has their own private apartment with a full kitchenette, private bathroom, living room and bedroom.

Assisted living needs are diverse

Assisted living needs are diverse and vary from person to person, so each resident receives an individualized service care plan designed for them. Assisted living is a smart option for those who could benefit from assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals and managing medications offered. efits the mind, body and soul of our residents. We promote a lifestyle of health and wellness, with programs that benefit brain health, physical fitness and more. Our residents create friendships and find cama-

We know how overwhelming and stressful caregiving can be There are so many options these days for seniors, and it can be challenging to know where to begin, what is most important, what questions to ask, how to afford it, how to have the conversation with your loved one, amongst so many other questions and concerns. We have spent years fine-tuning answers to all of these questions and creating processes to make this confusing and foreign experience easier on you and your loved one.

Doing your research and comparing options is a key part of the process

Our website is a great resource filled with blogs, guides and educational resources to answer any questions you may have. Our communities have educated and experienced Marketing Directors to assist you through all aspects of the process.

Our staff members are dedicated to meeting the individualized needs of each resident 24/7. Our communities are designed to provide opportunities for residents to enjoy a life they choose, while still experiencing the comforts of home. We provide a variety of living options, amenities, assistance, services, dining options, social programs, and customized care.

There is a lot to be said for socialization

We believe in creating an engaging, stimulating environment that ben- raderie, which provides a quality of life that they might not otherwise experience.

The Arbors and The Ivy also offer respite services for short-term or trial stays

Whether you need a break from caregiving, need somewhere safe after a rehabilitation stay, or are just unsure if assisted living is right for you, we have fully furnished apartments that are move-in ready!

Most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has proven difficult for all individuals and all industries. The lockdown was especially hard on the elderly and their loved ones. Families being unable to see each other during such a critical time in life was hard to endure for both the residents and their loved ones. At times, it was absolutely heartbreaking. The pandemic has changed so much about our world and how we navigate it now. It has created obstacles we could never have seen coming with supply and demand issues, the industry staffing crisis, as well as increased costs of living and ongoing confusion about how to go about our day-to-day. One thing that holds true is the fact that hard times are best endured in community with others. Our family’s pursuit of quality, home-like care in each of our assisted living communities aligns with that fact.

We’ve experienced it all

After a lifetime spent in the family business and in the senior living industry, it feels we have seen and experienced everything. Our goal is to use what we have learned, along with our strong family values and determined work ethic, to help other families in need. Being there for your loved one in the later stages of their life is so important, but it looks different for each family.

Fifty six years later, the passion our grandparents and parents had for this family business still carries strong through each one of us. We have dedicated our lives to perfecting this craft and we believe our love and dedication for what we do can be felt in our communities. We have not only solidified our company’s place in the ever-growing senior living industry, but we have also left our mark as the rare third generation of a family business. For that, we couldn’t be more proud.

Learn More About The Arbors and The Ivy

Request information, schedule a tour or contact us at (860) 483-8141 ivyassistedliving.com