Belmont Village Quarterly Newsletter
on Senior Living

First Belmont Village Community Turns 10 in 2008

Happy Birthday to Belmont Village at West University
in Houston!

The 10th anniversary celebration at Belmont Village West University in November 2008 was a dream come true for Patricia Will, co-founder and “mother” of Belmont Village Senior Living. Disappointed in her search for a community that could meet the needs of her mother-in-law and her family’s expectations for quality care, she decided to use her experience in healthcare development to improve the situation. Starting with a blank parcel of land and equipped with a vision for addressing the needs of seniors as they age, plus the guidance of experts in the fields of gerontology, architecture, hospitality, dining and healthcare, Belmont Village was “born.”  The community was designed from the ground up to be sensitive to senior living. Today, Ms. Will says she is “blessed to be part of so many fantastic Belmont families.”

One Belmont Village West University resident, Lucille Brown, has been a part of the community from the beginning. Ms. Brown’s doctor had just advised her that she should not live alone, when she opened the paper and saw an advertisement for Belmont Village West University. She was 88 years young at the time and was not sure about abandoning the apartment that had been her home for 17 years and the birds she enjoyed feeding. But at the encouragement of her doctor, Ms. Brown moved along with 13 others into Belmont Village. “We watched the buildings go up around us,” she comments. As a retired Federal employee who for 30 years traveled around the world with her job, Ms. Brown still enjoys classical music and poetry.  She was honored at the celebratory event and shared a poem on “Wisdom” with guests.  
         
Seven employees of Belmont Village at West U have also been a part of the community since the doors opened 10 years ago.

*Lola Adebo, who is originally from Nigeria, moved to the United States in 1985, and began working at Belmont Village on December 7, 1998 as a Personal Assistance Liaison (PAL). Ms. Adebo says she enjoys working with the elderly, and enjoys shopping when she is not working. She is married and has four children, the youngest of which was born after she started working for Belmont Village.

* Stella Colwell began working at Belmont on September 28, 1998. She has worked as a cook the entire time of her employment. She likes the residents and her co-workers, and stated, “Everyone is like family.” Stella works all shifts. She has three children. When not working, she enjoys shopping and an occasional trip to Louisiana and Mississippi.

* Daisy Davis started her career at Belmont Village on November 30, 1998. She currently works as a PAL on the second floor during the second shift. She says she enjoys working with the elderly. In fact, she took care of her grandmother as she aged. When not working, Ms. Davis enjoys sewing, baking, fishing and gardening.

* Sheila Green began working at Belmont Village on September 28, 1998. She started as a cook and was promoted to sous chef. She likes the people and her co-workers, and says, “I feel like Belmont Village is my second home.” Ms. Green enjoys going to the movies and watching movies at home with her three children.

* Brenda Rubin says that when she started working for Belmont Village on November 2, 1998, “everyone pitched in and did everything.” Currently, she works the early shift as a PAL, which means she wakes residents, gives them their baths, helps them get dressed and whatever else is required in the morning. She likes her job because of its variety. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and son.

* Vivian Walker began her employment on November 2, 1998. She says Belmont Village is one big family, just like home. She plans to stay with Belmont Village and devote attention to those who need help. She works in the Alzheimer’s Neighborhood. She is married with one child, and was praised by her co-workers as a woman with a heart full of love.

*Baraka George started with Belmont Village on October 26, 1998 and works as a PAL. Due to scheduling conflicts, Ms. George was unavailable for an interview prior to our newsletter deadline, but was recognized along with her co-workers as a part of the 10-year celebration at the community.

Belmont Village now operates 18 communities in six states, with two more scheduled to open in California in 2009.  For more information about Belmont Village and our locations, please visit www.belmontvillage.com

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