Community Celebrated at Gladeview Health Care Center in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

OLD SAYBROOK - A facility built to serve as a community for those with short and long term health needs has shown throughout its 20 years that it wants to reach out to its community.

The late Dr. Morton Silberstein developed the vision for the Gladeview Health Care Center.

"In the 1960's he had the courage to build his own facility, a facility that embodies the fullness of his vision to make every day of life full and precious," said Linda Silberstein, Morton Silberstein's widow and the current owner of the facility.

Morton and Linda, both conservationists, sought out to be a good neighbor to Old Saybrook residents by preserving a nearby three-acre pristine pond with fish.
To enjoy nature's "community", the facility has a canopied patio area and wheelchair accessible gardening.

According to Athena Health Care Systems Web site, which manages the facility, "the center's design takes full advantage of the panorama of the estuary, the Ragged Rock Marina, and Long Island Sound," which allows residents to enjoy the aesthetics of their community.

Some 132 residents call the community of Gladeview their home and while most receive long-term care, some come for rehabilitation services.

For both types of residents, the facility's values have remained constant over the past 20 years.

Athena reports that the facility's values include providing "balanced attention to the medical, physical, emotional, social, and family needs of each individual."

The facility has programs both inside and outside of its doors.

"We have many inter-generational activities here, the residents love the youth of this community," Linda Silberstein said, adding that the facility has hosted community trick-or-treat activities for the past 18 years.

This allows area children to come in during the late afternoon on Halloween to get candy from the various residents and allows the residents some youthful visitors from the community.

Community Liaison Cynthia Straub said the children and the elderly look forward to this fun Halloween event which attracts between 300 and 400 kids.