“I love it here,” says Roselyn Fisher. “The people are fantastic.” 

Roz is referring to Cedarbrook, where she and her husband Harry live. Cedarbrook, Sitrin’s enriched housing complex, has 44 individual apartments in one-bedroom, two-bedroom and luxury styles. Residents can receive as much or as little assistance as they need with things like meal preparation, medication management, bill paying, laundry and more. There is even a “guest suite” for out-of-town family members coming to visit. 

David Wallace, vice president of assisted living services at Sitrin, gets to know all the residents and their families. 

“Our goal is to keep our residents healthy and active, and to provide them with the feel of independent living, with help when and where they need it,” he says. Residents can choose their activities, and the facility has a very active residents’ council. 

Wallace’s first job in healthcare was as a transportation aide. He knew then that he had found his calling and would be a healthcare professional, so he became an LPN and then obtained his nursing home administration license. 

He says, “I am so lucky. I love all the residents and their families. We’re just the right size, so that it’s easy for the residents to make friends and find companionship.” 

And there are always fun things to do! Activities director Kathie Beaton provides a full schedule of choices every month – things like community outings, movies, bowling, arts and crafts, fly fishing, and much more. 

Roz, a Cedarbrook resident since April 2023, is no stranger to Sitrin’s corporations. She worked at the Sitrin Health Care Center for 27 years, served on the Sitrin Board of Trustees and was later made an honorary trustee. She retired from Sitrin in 1999, just prior to major back surgery. She and Harry sold their Utica home and moved to the Wedgewood Apartments, where the management was so impressed with her warm and gracious manner that they asked her to be their leasing agent. But in recent years, both Roz and Harry have experienced some health complications. 

“I am so grateful to have Cedarbrook and the terrific staff take great of my parents. They watch over them, but at the same time give them their privacy and independence while keeping them safe,” says Andi Dinerstein, Roz’s daughter. “I can sleep better at night knowing the staff is there for any emergencies. My mom, who cooked for over 70 years, is thrilled to have three healthy meals provided for her and her husband, Harry. The care, the cleanliness and the support for my parents and me is second to none. I would highly recommend Cedarbrook to seniors looking for extra care and a secure place to live.” 

There is a beauty salon and gym on site for the residents as well, Wallace said, as well as a sunroom and a huge balcony overlooking the Mohawk Valley. The facility offers case management services, home health aide and nursing services, emergency call system, scheduled medical transportation, and is staffed 24 hours a day. If health problems should arise, residents can receive inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient physical and occupational therapy right at Sitrin. 

Garages are available for residents who drive, but transportation is readily available for those who don’t. 

One of the most striking things about Cedarbrook is its beautiful, peaceful location. Every apartment has lots of windows, and there is a spacious patio and large deck off the dining room. 

“I feel safe and protected here,” Roz said. “I’m really happy.”