Concord Royale’s staff tenure ranges from one to six years—and longer in a few cases. One staff member boasted that it is “a top place to work.” The administrator, activity director and chef have all worked together prior to joining the team at Concord Royale. Clearly, the staff is a major asset to the facility. Our guide, the activity director, introduced us to everyone we came across, including one female resident who is 104! The resident is a natural historian who enjoys sharing stories from her past, which includes a dramatic escape from Nazi Germany. Remarkably, she is still quite active, being able to walk without aid and engage in numerous activities.
All year long, residents look forward to the “Senior Prom” and an annual luau. They also love playing bingo for cash prizes. A number of residents volunteer their time to manage the residents’ council and plan activities. Some of the outings include lunch, museums and—a runaway favorite—shopping! The hallways host many great conversations; “Walking Through Memory Lane” is an activity that utilizes sections of wall decorated according to geographical regions. A Gone with the Wind movie poster graces the Hollywood area, while photographs of the Statue of Liberty adorn the New York region. Historical photographs of Concord and the surrounding area are popular among local residents.
One gracious resident invited us to visit her cozy studio. Residents choose from three floor plans that include small to medium-sized studios. The bathrooms feature practical touches, such as grab bars and bathtubs with low sides. Each room opens to a balcony or small grassy patio. Comfortable patio furnishings and canopies create intimate seating areas in the interior courtyard, which features simple yet attractive landscaping with
colorful blooms.
The home’s furnishings are an appealing blend of European and American design. Silk flowers, artwork and numerous lamps amplify the homey feeling. Strategically placed armchairs and couches encourage socialization. The furniture is comfortable with the exception of a soft couch, which might be difficult for less agile residents to use. In the dining room, a beautiful mural of a Parisian marketplace colors one wall, while a second mural, which depicts a Tuscan vineyard, decorates another. Residents readily voice their opinions in regard to meals during a monthly food service meeting. Dinner boasts twelve options; residents’ favorite is the fried captain’s seafood platter. The tan stucco building also houses a 1950s-themed activity room and a sports room, which includes various sports memorabilia, a big-screen TV and handsome dark furnishings. Afternoon sunlight gilded the beautiful flowers and shrubs outside the home as we took our leave, imparting a lasting impression.
