New Horizons at Marlborough is a large, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community that's been serving seniors for nearly 30 years and sits on the historic site of the former Charles Choate Memorial Hospital. The campus has private, unique apartments that are spacious and a little different for each resident and are surrounded by wooded conservation land, so folks can enjoy some peace and nature right outside, and there are plenty of walking paths, patios, raised garden beds, and an enclosed courtyard so you see people out for a stroll most days. The residences come in studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans, with large kitchens or kitchenettes, and big bathrooms, so everyone has their own space and comfort, whether you want independent living apartments, assisted living suites, secure memory care, a mental health unit called Robbie's Place, or even hospice care on-site.
A dedicated executive director runs things, and the staff includes a dining room manager, events and activity coordinator, and friendly helpers in red shirts who give tech support and help with small daily tasks, and folks always mention the cheerful, warm, and accepting atmosphere because neighbors are friendly, social, and open to people from all backgrounds, religions, races, and life experiences. The foundation that owns New Horizons, Cummings Foundation, is a charitable group that covers increases in operational costs so residents' fees don't jump, and the property is debt-free, so everything stays steady and reliable. The food's become something of a talking point, with a dining manager making sure meals are good and varied, served in well-appointed dining rooms with options for gluten-free, vegan, low or no sugar, and other special diets, and there are restaurant-style meals, private dining rooms, and even room service if you want to eat in your own room sometimes, but if you want the conventional apartments with no meals, that's possible, too.
Everybody has access to full-service retirement living that covers meals, utilities, activities, and weekly housekeeping with nurses, a home health agency, and a 24-hour receptionist all on-site, and you can also find group transportation to shopping and events, resident parking, and help from a home care agency as needed. There are plenty of daily activities, Montessori programs, caregiver training, religious services (Protestant, Jewish, Catholic, and other devotions onsite and offsite), and programs supporting memory care with personalized plans and a secure setting for those with Alzheimer's or related conditions who need attention and activities to keep their minds active.
Recreational spaces are spread out across the campus and include things like a swimming pool and hot tub, a billiards lounge, TV and movie rooms, a golf/mini golf center, arts and crafts spots, a fitness center, a cozy lounge with a fireplace, an atrium, piano and organ, a library, game room, computer room, free Wi-Fi, and beauty salon and barber shop for when you need a trim. The building's clean, with a nice scent and comfortable, home-like spaces. The community keeps a close eye on resident comfort and safety with features like wheelchair-accessible showers and help for aging in place, and you'll see a lot of focus on keeping people independent as long as possible, but they're quick to help when it's needed, with skilled nursing and special care always within reach.
Residents and families can pay online, and the move-in process stays simple and smooth. New Horizons has won awards, including "Best of Assisted Living in Marlborough" back in 2015, and people generally speak well of the good food, clean environment, friendliness, and wide range of support, activities, and personal attention. The community's open to all, keeps things lively with lots of planned activities, and values dedication, comfort, and quality of life for its seniors.
