Alexandria-based Goodwin House Inc., a non-profit organization built around senior living, has acquired the West End senior living community Hermitage Northern Virginia with plans to undergo an expansion in the coming years.
While the current operator of Hermitage will remain in place until August 1, after that the facility will become part of Goodwin House.
Rob Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin House, said the acquisition of one not-for-profit of another is unusual for fortuitous because Goodwin House plans to keep staffing and pricing at Hermitage intact.
“It’s unusual for two non-profits to have this interaction,” Liebreich said. “[Hermitage] could have been bought by a developer or sold to a for-profit, but as not for profit, we can keep those residents in mind.”
There are currently around 100 residents in Hermitage, but Liebreich said the plan is to increase that to around 135.
“Going to take a good amount of work, but it’s a good product already and we think we can elevate that in the market,” Liebreich said.
Liebreich said talk about the acquisition started around three years ago. For Hermitage, it will be a chance to take advantage of the deeper well of resources available from the larger Goodwin House organization, which operates facilities in Alexandria and Bailey’s Crossroads. Meanwhile, Liebreich said the acquisition also gives Goodwin House Inc. a chance to expand its mission into middle-income residents.
“We’ll be able to serve more older adults in ways we haven’t been able to,” Liebreich said. “[Hermitage] is at a price point lower than what we currently offer and they offer a different amenity package. We’re excited to learn that model.”
Liebreich said many seniors are stuck in a “middle market” where they don’t qualify for government assistance programs but can’t afford the expenses of many senior living facilities.
Current monthly rates at The Hermitage are:
- Assisted living rental rates range from $3,675 to $7,660
- Long term care rental rates range from $9,900 to $13,100
- Some residents pay additional fees for extra services.
Those rates represent an increase by the current operator, which will take effect in June, but Liebreich said there are no plans to increase the rates above that.
Liebreich said Goodwin House also plans to increase the pay structure for Hermitage staff to offer a “competitive living wage” and offer additional benefits, like an educational program.
The full press release is available below the jump:
Growing older hasn’t improved Dr. Robert Wallace’s memory, and he’s doing something about it.
For the last two months, the resident of Alexandria’s Goodwin House Incorporated has participated in StrongerMemory, a memory care program designed to combat memory loss in seniors. Goodwin House started the program in January 2020, with a handful of daily activities that encourage working memory and triggering brain activity in the prefrontal cortex.
“I never felt I had a strong memory,” said Wallace. “This deficit progressed a bit with age. So when the program became available, I thought it was worth trying.”
Wallace said reading the newspaper and doing math exercises helps, and that subjectively he noticed changes between when he was and wasn’t doing the memory care exercises.
The program has even received the endorsement of U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), who virtually celebrated Goodwin House’s work in being dementia-friendly at an event today (Friday).
City Council member Amy Jackson said that Alexandria will need more memory care-type programs in the coming years.
“[With my mother-in-law] I saw a decline in cognitive abilities,” said Jackson. “Stronger Memory would have helped her longevity. Our city’s senior population is growing every day, and as our senior population grows, we’re relying more on programs such as these so we can have important human interactions to continue to relate to each other on a personal level.”
There are nearly 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and 5.6 million of them are seniors, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Photo via Goodwin House Inc./Facebook
Alexandria’s Noah Lyles tweets that upcoming 200 meter Olympic trial will be ‘disgusting’ — “For everyone who is worrying about my mental don’t worry I’m good. I gave my all and am healthy. Of corse I wanted to make the 100 but it wasn’t meant to be this year. But I will tell you this 200 will be disgusting.” [Twitter]
City Council approves outdoor dining area for Chadwicks — “Yesterday council approved our new outdoor dining area. Now we’ve just got to build it. We’ll see you later this summer for drinks on our new balcony.” [Facebook]
Goodwin House Incorporated named a 2021 Top Washington-Area Workplace — This is the third year in a row that Goodwin House received the honor. [Washington Post]
Lost Boy Cider turns 2 — “A special thank you to everyone who was able to join us for our 2yr anniversary party. We are so grateful to be able to do what we love and to be surrounded by the friends who are sharing in this journey.” [Facebook]
Rock It Grill brings back karaoke on Wednesday nights — “Karaoke Karaoke Karaoke!!! We are now adding Wednesdays… Every Wednesday through Saturday nights… Karaoke 9:30 PM ’til 1:30 AM” [Facebook]
Today’s weather — “A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 73F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%… A few clouds from time to time (in the evening). Low around 55F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Seasonal marina dock assistant — “The Marina Dock Assistant performs journey-level tasks of more than ordinary difficulty and must be able to perform heavy physical labor safely and efficiently. This position works under the immediate supervision of a lead worker who lays out the details of each specific assignment and constantly checks the work in process and upon completion; or performs routine tasks independently after initial instruction. This position performs duties under the general supervision of the Dock Master and Assistant Dock Master.” [Indeed]
ACPS enrollment goes down — “In September 2020 — the start of this school year — enrollment was at just 15,588, a decrease of 3 percent. Since September, ACPS has gained about 300 students, but had ACPS enrollment continued at its average growth rate of 2.86 percent per year (since 2014), enrollment would have been 16,521 students this academic year.” [Alexandria Living]
Goodwin House and George Mason University partner for memory study — “The study will involve Goodwin House Alexandria and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads residents, as well as seniors who participate in Goodwin House at Home.” [Zebra]
Simon Pearce Store to open in Alexandria — “Vermont-based glassware-maker Simon Pearce is opening a store at 721 King St., according to signs posted on the building. The space was formerly home to Papyrus, the greeting cards and gift wrap store.” [Alexandria Living]
Today’s weather — “Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 69F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph… Cloudy skies early (in the evening), followed by partial clearing. Low near 45F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Tour Guide — “The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia, is seeking a Tour Guide. The Memorial is a National Historic Landmark and one of the region’s most memorable museums. Our tours are one hour in length, and explore the many rooms and galleries of the museum while explaining important aspects of George Washington’s history and the American Masonic heritage. Tours are learned from a script, so memory skills are important. Also essential are good customer service skills, comfort speaking before large groups, and cash register skills. The shift is 8:30 to 5:30 with a half hour lunch break. Both weekday and weekend shifts are available.” [Indeed]
Alexandria and Bailey’s Crossroads-based Goodwin House Incorporated has partnered with George Mason University (GMU) to help improve memory retrieval and other cognitive abilities for seniors.
According to a press release, GMU is initiating a study of Goodwin House’s StrongerMemory program, which specializes in delaying or slowing the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia.
The press release noted some strong findings in the initial portion of testing.
- Participants were motivated to participate in the program due to fear of memory loss because of experiences of family members and friends. Others indicated that they had observed themselves becoming forgetful, whether due to normal aging or another reason.
- Participants perceived “being cognitively fit” as just as important as being “physically fit” to prevent cognitive impairment and reported a self-perception of being “less foggy” and able to remember things differently than they could before starting the program.
- Participants were eager to continue the program and have begun integrating what they have learned from the StrongerMemory program into their daily lives.
“Participants in the initial study were highly motivated to integrate StrongerMemory into their daily lives and showed willingness to complete the activities to stay cognitively fit,” said Catherine Tompkins, associate dean for faculty affairs at George Mason University. “Our initial interviews show satisfaction, enthusiasm and commitment to the StrongerMemory program.”
Photo courtesy Goodwin House
Usain Bolt compliments Alexandria’s running phenom Noah Lyles — “He talks the talk, but I’m looking forward to seeing how he’s going to match up – because he’s proven that he has the speed, just throughout the circuit and the way he’s running.” [USA Today]
City Council votes against Braddock West development — “A request by West Street Acquisitions, LLC to build a large multifamily residential building across the street from the Braddock Road Metro Station were denied in a 4-3 vote by City Council on Saturday.” [Alexandria Living]
Goodwin House residents recall activism — “As a college student, Dr. Drue Shropshire Guy was immediately inspired when he heard the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They drove him to take part in campus sit-ins while studying at Ohio St. University. These demonstrations were meant to shed light on segregation in the local community.” [Zebra]
City collecting mulch orders for April delivery — “Remember all those Christmas Trees collected in January and the leaves collected in the fall? Orders for wood and leaf mulch are being accepted for April delivery. Visit alexandriava.gov/Mulch to place your order.” [Twitter]
Today’s weather — “Rain (during the day). High near 60F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch… Thunderstorms during the evening giving way to periods of light rain overnight. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%.” [Weather.com]
New job: Server — “HomeGrown Restaurant Group is a family-owned group and initially established its roots in Alexandria in the early 1990s. We currently have six locations spanning five different concepts. We are looking for servers to join our team that are well organized, customer service oriented, and have an overall positive attitude.” [Indeed]
Bilbo Baggins Now for Sale — “Longtime Alexandria restaurant and pub Bilbo Baggins has closed its doors for good. The cozy eatery, which opened in 1980, closed in the spring when COVID-19 first struck. Since then, the family-owned restaurant has not reopened and the nearly 4,000-square foot property is now for sale for $2.8 million.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Reminder: Illegal Starting Jan. 1 to Hold Cell Phone While Driving — “Starting January 1st, the ‘Hands-Free’ law will go into effect. The law makes it illegal to hold a cell phone while driving.” [Twitter]
Goodwin House Residents and Staff Receive Vaccine — “Earlier today, some residents and staff at Goodwin House Alexandria received the vaccine. Before the end of 2020, it is estimated that 125 residents and employees will be vaccinated.” [Zebra]
What’s Open and Closed on New Year’s? — “A week after Christmas, residents will get another holiday with the arrival of 2021. Some services in Alexandria will be closed or modified for the New Year’s holiday.” [Patch]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Virginia Tech Students Help Design Oakville Triangle — “A group of local Virginia Tech students in an architecture studio class got the opportunity to reimagine a small section of Alexandria this semester.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Carolers Serenade Goodwin House Staff — “The carolers arrived in Dickensian costumes as a trio and sang classic as well as beautiful newer arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, well-known winter favorites, and gems of Channukah pieces with gorgeous harmonies.” [Zebra]
Expected Snow Closes ACPS, but Virtual Learning Continues — “On Dec. 16, virtual learning will continue, but ACPS buildings and grounds are closed. All programs and services at ACPS school buildings and facilities are canceled, including meal distribution, child care programs offered by ACPS partners, and the Tech Help Desk.” [Patch]
Del Ray Street Goes Big for Holidays — “Just take a walk down East Luray Avenue. For a few blocks on East Luray west of Mount Vernon Avenue, more than two dozen houses are decorated not only with lights but also with brightly painted 4-by-6-foot plywood sheets.” [Washington Post]
City Seeking Assistant City Manager for Public-Private Partnerships — “As a member of the City Manager’s Senior Leadership Team, the Assistant City Manager for Public- Private Partnerships reports to the City Manager and a Deputy City Manager and is responsible for leading the overall public private partnership initiatives for the City primarily via capital project planning and financing…” [Glassdoor]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Dominion Says Sunday Power Outage Caused by Broken Pole/Cross Arm — “Update: A broken pole/cross arm caused the failure. We have been able to isolate the problem and are hoping to everyone back on line very soon.” [Twitter]
Retro Candy Shop Opening in Fairlington — “If you’re into nostalgic candy that will take you back to your childhood days, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the opening of Rocket Fizz, Soda Pop & Candy Shop at Fairlington Centre in Alexandria, according to signs posted in the windows.” [Alexandria Living]
Alexandria Film Festival Unveils 2020 Program — “The Alexandria Film Festival, which will debut virtually this year Nov. 12-15, announced on Tuesday its 2020 programming of 45 short and feature length fiction and nonfiction films.” [Gazette]
The Following Bills Are Due This Month — “Bills for the 2020 second half real estate tax, refuse fees and stormwater utility fees are due Nov. 16. Make payments online, by phone or mail, or in person. Those unable to pay due to COVID-19 may be eligible for payment arrangements.” [Twitter]
Check Out These Cool Pumpkin Carvings in Alexandria — “For some 20 years, Rick and Lynne White have carved the humble pumpkin into a work of art. Their festive Halloween display on Emerald Drive in Alexandria’s Waynewood neighborhood draws a crowd every year.” [Zebra]
Today’s Weather — “Abundant sunshine (during the day). High 49F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Clear skies (in the evening). Low 38F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Move-In Coordinator at Goodwin House — “The move-in coordinator is responsible for the move-in process; provides support to marketing director and marketing associate. Establishes a professional, supportive and caring relationship with the independent living residents. Coordinates necessary paperwork and support services to ensure that the move-process is as pleasant an experience as possible for the resident. Serves as a resource person during the move-in process.” [Indeed]
Updated 9:30 p.m. — A UMDGC representative noted that the program is available for staff, not for residents. The article and headline have been updated
Alexandria senior care facility Goodwin House — a non-profit organization offering housing for seniors — has announced a new partnership with the University of Maryland Global Campus that will allow staff and their families access to affordable college degrees.
“The alliance brings together [University of Maryland’s] pioneering online degree programs and commitment to low cost, accessible higher education and [Goodwin House’s] commitment to expand support for staff who want to grow their skills and credentials,” Goodwin House said in a press release.
Goodwin House manages two locations: one in Alexandria’s West End at 4800 Fillmore Ave and one at Bailey’s Crossroads in Fairfax County.
The partnership is the first of its kind for UMDGC. The program will allow the nearly 1,000 employees at Goodwin House, along with their spouses and dependents, to waive the university’s application fee and take classes at discounted tuition rates.
“Goodwin House’s mission focuses on older adults and also on those who support their success – our employees,” said Rob Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin House, in the press release. “As part of our growing dedication to our staff to enhance their skills, we are ecstatic to align with the world-renowned University of Maryland Global Campus and make online college education more affordable for our staff.”
The classes will be available entirely online, UMD said, with discounts on digital resources.
Photo courtesy Goodwin House
