A Former Caregiver Finds Care of Her Own
When Barbara first came to Vista on 5th, an assisted living community in Manhattan, she wasn’t a resident. She was part of the team. “I worked here for 11 years,” she recalled. “I accompanied people to appointments and worked one-on-one with some of the residents.” As a former dancer and dance therapist, Barbara brought compassion and movement to her work, helping others find joy and purpose.
But life took a turn. “I got sick two years ago, and I was in the hospital for a while. I went into the nursing home for recovery,” Barbara shared. “A social worker asked me, ‘Where are you going to go after this?’ I said, ‘Vista.’ I knew people here. I knew I’d be comfortable and safe.”
Now a resident, Barbara has found a renewed sense of independence and connection. “I’m pretty independent. I use a walker, but I can go across town on my own,” she said. “Vista supports you, especially the activities department. They support your different interests and goals.”
What sets Vista on 5th, an agency of Catholic Charities of New York, apart for Barbara is more than just its location across from Central Park. “I’m a very social person. I like to start my day early,” Barbara said. “I believe I have a mission here, like I did when I was helping people.”
One of her favorite parts of life at Vista on 5th is the daily physical and occupational therapy, which she attends five times a week. “Because I was a dance therapist and a movement person, I believe in that. It helps me a lot,” she said.
Barbara acknowledges that community living comes with its challenges. “We’re 127 people all with different needs and opinions. It’s not always easy,” she said honestly. “But I still feel like it’s the best place for me. I lived for 40 years in an apartment by myself. This is a big adjustment, but it’s supportive. People really try to help each other here.”
Staff Who Create Family
For Janicia, Vista on 5th’s Life Enrichment Supervisor, the atmosphere is more than just professional. It’s personal.
“Vista is a family to me. It’s very welcoming. We’re close-knit,” Janicia said. “We create relationships with the residents. I feel that it helps them in the transition to living alone.”
Janicia’s background in social services includes working with children and the homeless, but she was drawn to senior care because of her own family. “I have elderly parents. I’ve always envisioned myself growing old one day, and I want to contribute to that demographic,” she said.
At Vista on 5th, that contribution shows up in everyday moments and special ones. “Our courtyard barbecues stand out. Even residents who usually don’t come out of their apartments join. The food, the music, the energy, just being together. I think that’s a good impact,” Janicia said.
Popular programs like Bingo and trivia offer more than just entertainment. “Bingo is on the calendar twice a week, and if it’s not, they’re not happy! Another activity is trivia! These activities contribute to residents’ memory care,” Janicia said.
Janicia emphasizes the strong partnership with Catholic Charities of New York. “I have a great relationship with Catholic Charities. They are very supportive,” Janicia shared. “If I need anything, I send an email and they’re there. They contribute so much. They’re the organization I work with the most.”
Volunteers Who Make a Difference and Learn in Return
For Katherine, a volunteer with KPMG, spending the day at Vista on 5th was an eye-opening experience.
“It’s been enlightening to see what senior living looks like in New York. There’s more independence and autonomy than I expected,” Katherine said. “I think that is evident in how residents are treating each other, and how they are more engaged in different ways — which has been very enjoyable.”
“Our firm has a deep sense of respect for our community. It’s ingrained in our culture — doing what’s right and being there for our community,” Katherine explained.
Though her experience was brief, the impact was lasting. “A resident told me about his conversation with one of my colleagues was far more important than any chess game. That was so sweet,” Katherine said. “I would love to come back.”
Katherine believes Vista on 5th’s uniqueness lies in its residents. “I think the residents have so much insight. They have a lot of perspective as well that can be worthwhile,” she said. “It may seem selfish, but I feel like I learned a lot as well in terms of how they’re approaching life and what their experiences are.”
She encourages others to consider volunteering with Catholic Charities and Vista on 5th. “It’s been one of the smoothest and most seamless volunteer experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend it.”
A Model of Compassionate Senior Care
Vista on 5th is unique. Its blend of independence and support, connection and care, makes it more than just a residence. It’s a home. Whether you’re a longtime staff member, a resident-turned-client, or a corporate volunteer spending the day, the experience leaves a mark.
As Barbara shared, “I still feel like it’s the best place for me. I don’t have to do everything by myself. People are supportive of me.”
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