Connections play big part at The Sarah Community

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Sister Odilo Brinker, a School Sister of Notre Dame, prayed in the chapel at The Sarah Community in Bridgeton. Through the collaboration off five congregations of women religious, the community provides for long-term care and retirement needs of their members and the general public in an atmosphere conducive to the expression of faith and the nurturing of spirituality.

Connections are important at The Sarah Community in Bridgeton.

There’s connections to the outside community. Connections to the five congregations of women religious who founded The Sarah Community 10 years ago. Connections to residents’ past home environment and everyday activities. And connections to an individualized care.

“Maintaining those connections is so important,” said executive director Ron Mantia. He noted that the community welcomes visitors and volunteers who help residents stay in touch and that staff is encouraged to interact with residents, from going for walks outside to playing games.

“We’re trying to encourage more of a home environment, more toward normal things in life,” Mantia said.

As an example, he cited a kitchenette at the assisted living community where residents do baking. He told of a woman with advanced dementia who showed enthusiasm about visits from her son and his wife when the three would go to there to bake cookies.