Anyone looking for somewhere to move their older loved ones into should take note of one community located in Providence, The Highlands on the East Side. With spacious living areas, plenty of activities, and numerous ways to make friends, it is one of the premiere senior living destinations for seniors in Rhode Island.
One of the reasons for their success is its staff. They ensure residents are well cared for and are happy. This is led by Highlands’ executive director, Karen Van Gorden. She has worked with its parent company, HallKeen Management, for a decade. She previously worked as its director of marketing before working her way into the most recent position in 2021.
Karen brings a youthful vitality and enthusiasm, along with maturity and a dedicated sense of purpose to her position. Her hope is displaying its benefits to incoming families.
“My dedication to the growth of our team, families, and most importantly, our residents, has proven true in my 25 years of experience in assisted living,” she said.
In addition to earning her bachelor’s degree in health administration from Quinnipiac University, Karen brings extensive expertise regarding sales and marketing, as well as working closely with families to ensure the best possible outcome for their loved ones.
Born and raised in Smithfield, RI, Karen is the mother of two active sons, 13 and 18 years of age. Whenever she’s not assisting families with the important details and considerations of quality senior living, she can be found at an ice rink or traveling with her family for hockey tournaments.
Some residents are here solely for socialization and programming, while others may need help with activities of daily living, such as medication management, showering, etc. Additionally, The Highlands provides three freshly-prepared meals daily that are approved by a dietician.
One such activity centered around one of its residents celebrating a milestone. Leonard “Lenny” Cohen recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Along with his family and friends, Providence’s mayor, Brett Smiley, made a special appearance to honor the centenarian. They discussed Lenny’s life, which included serving in the army during World War II, and Mayor Smiley presented him with a proclamation commemorating the achievement.
Cohen not only served his country working as a radio operator, but he also played drums until a couple of years ago. He played jazz and swing music with several bands and has several drum kits in storage. Lenny has been married to his sweetheart, Bunny, for 72 years.
Their staff consists of members who have been there over a decade, which says a lot given its grand opening in 2012.
Assisted Living can help to improve the quality of lives of aging loved ones, as well as make life easier for the main caregiver, who is usually a loved one. For residents that transition into assisted living, their loved ones are able to enjoy their time together once again, instead of worrying about being a caregiver.
“Friends are the sunshine of life.”
That quote of famed American statesman and Brown University alumnus, John Hay, sums up The Highlands’ lifestyle, for this is a place of uncommon friendliness and hospitality. From their inviting porte-cochere entrance and relaxing lounges, to their gracious dining rooms and recreational spaces, you’ll be welcomed by a tapestry of friendly, smiling faces that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of its historic neighborhood.
Their modern, cheerful community features all the comforts of home, in a nurturing and engaging environment, offering exceptional personalized services and round-the-clock staffing. And, there are no long-term commitments or expensive investments to make.
The Highlands on the East Side Assisted Living and Memory Care is a cozy and quaint community located in the historical East Side of Providence. They are several blocks away from Miriam Hospital. With a total of 78 apartments, (27 Memory Care and 51 Assisted Living), they are smaller, which helps to ensure no one gets lost in the shuffle. They take pride in their staff, as well as the care provided to their residents.
Part of the renowned family of HallKeen Assisted Living and Memory Care communities, The Highlands embraces you with a warmth and charm that puts loved ones and families immediately at ease. Choose from a variety of spacious, feature-filled floor plans. Outside every door, your loved ones will discover all that they need to remain fit, feel involved, and enjoy the cheerful company of others. They also provide transportation to medical appointments and regular excursions to area attractions, and to fun shopping destinations.
The Highlands on the East Side was recently recognized as a finalist in the Providence Journal 2023 Official Community’s Choice Awards.
The community is located on 101 Highland Ave., in Providence. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days per week. For any family whose loved one becomes a resident before December 31, they will be locked in at the 2023 rate.
For additional information about The Highlands on the East Side, please call (401) 654-5259, or visit their website at https://highlandsri.com/.
