Hurricane Michael changed everything for Portia and her daughter Danna in 2018. The storm damaged Portia’s Panama City home, creating mold that made it uninhabitable. But what seemed like a crisis became the catalyst for discovering something better than either of them imagined – a community where 87-year-old Portia, an accomplished artist, would find not just care, but also genuine appreciation for who she is.
What is assisted living and how do you know it’s time?
Assisted living provides personalized support services while maintaining independence. For Danna, living in New York City while her mother lived in Florida, the signs became clear after Hurricane Michael struck.
“Mom really couldn’t live all by herself anymore,” Danna explains. “She needed help with a few things, and it was too difficult being all the way up here while she was down there.”
After spending an unexpected year in Florida during COVID helping her mother, Danna made the decision to bring Portia north. “After that, I was like, okay, you’re moving up to New York with me.”
How to find assisted living that feels like home
Danna’s search began with A Place for Mom online, but the real work happened during community visits. She toured several options in Queens, looking for the right combination of accessibility, atmosphere and care.
“I looked at two other places, but they were sort of dark inside,” she recalls. “I just didn’t like the feeling. And I really liked the neighborhood in Atria Forest Hills. Walking into the building, there were lots of windows. There was a lot of light, and it just seemed more uplifting. I just had a good feeling about it.”
The practical things mattered too. “Plus, it was right on the train line, so it was easy to get there to visit Mom,” Danna laughs.
What makes the best assisted living company stand out?
Four years later, Portia thrives at Atria Forest Hills – a community that has earned three prestigious Q Awards in just three and a half years. As Executive Director Bill Deignan explains, “You can’t win something like that alone. It takes everyone buying in – from department leaders to every team member working behind the scenes. One person doesn’t win a Q Award. The entire community does.”
This culture of excellence at Atria Forest Hills creates an environment where residents like Portia don’t just receive care – they’re celebrated for who they are.
Independent living vs. assisted living: Finding the right fit
While Portia maintains her independence – “She likes to feed the birds. I’m always buying her bird seed.” – she receives support when needed. The award-winning community provides:
- On-site nursing staff and weekly physician visits
- 24/7 emergency response systems
- Personalized care plans
- Medication management assistance
“I really like that there are nurses there and there’s a doctor who comes by once a week,” Danna says. “That puts me at ease to know that there are people there in case she needs anything health-wise.”
The communication particularly impresses her. “Any time that she has had anything happen, Atria always calls me and lets me know. And they’re like, ‘It’s fine, it’s fine. We just want you to know.’ And I appreciate that.”
Memory care and specialized senior living services
Though Portia doesn’t require memory care, Danna appreciates the comprehensive services available. What stands out most is how the staff connects personally with residents.
“I have to say, most of the people who work there are really nice,” Danna reflects. “Racquel, who’s at front the desk, she’s wonderful. And Sherice, the Engage Life Director, who does the entertainment, the activities and the art room, she’s been really great.”
Why families choose award-winning senior living communities
The Q Awards Atria Forest Hills has earned aren’t just certificates – they represent measurable excellence that translates into resident experiences. For Portia, an artist whose sculptures are displayed in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, this meant finding an audience that truly values her work.
“They’ve done some art shows for her. I thought that was really nice,” Danna shares. “And then afterwards people were coming up to her and saying, ‘Oh, your artwork is so lovely!’ and it really made her feel good.”
The appreciation extends beyond art shows. “During Women’s History Month, she was selected to be featured on a poster they created. She really liked that honor.”
These aren’t isolated gestures – they reflect the systematic approach to resident engagement that earns Q Award recognition.
From crisis to community: The transformation that matters most
Today, Portia embodies the transformation that quality senior living can create. “She’s doing just fine. She has slowed down a bit; she’ll be 88 in July. But she’s happy. She likes it there,” Danna observes.
For Portia – who as Danna describes, “was an orphan, has lost two husbands and a son, and she just keeps going” – finding a community that celebrates her artistic legacy while providing security represents something profound.
“It’s better than I expected,” Danna admits about the entire experience.
As Deignan notes about residents’ transformations, “After a few months, they become familiar with the team and connect with other residents. Suddenly they’re saying, ‘I can’t believe I ever didn’t live like this.’”
Ready to discover your family’s senior living solution?
Like Danna, you might be facing unexpected changes that require new solutions. The peace of mind she found didn’t come from the building’s windows or convenient location, though those helped. It came from witnessing her mother flourish in an award-winning environment designed around individual needs and interests.
“I really have to say I’m very happy with the people who work there – they’re very kind and caring,” Danna reflects. “I visit my mom frequently, so I’ve gotten to know many of the staff members.”
Discover how we can support your family’s unique story with the same award-winning excellence that transformed Portia’s life. Explore Atria communities across the US and Canada.
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