The ANRC: A Jewel in Our Community

By Lalig J. Musserian

Just a few short miles away from Watertown, nestled among beautifully landscaped gardens, is the home of the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, a little known treasure and resource for the Armenian community. For more than 60 years, the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, an independent, 83-bed, non-profit skilled nursing facility, has provided short-term rehabilitative and long-term care to men and women of all ethnicities.

Nine first-generation Armenian women, who were passionately interested in the physical and social wellbeing of the Armenian people, created an organization called the Armenian Patriotic Society, which later became the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA). In 1948, the AWWA opened the doors to a facility they called “Home for the Aged.” Over the years, as the number and the needs of Armenians grew, the Armenian Nursing Home was built and was later renamed the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center to more accurately reflect the kind of care this outstanding facility provides. The AWWA continues its close involvement in and strong financial support of the center.

I visited the center recently, to speak to the staff and the residents and to observe some of the activities and events. I interacted with several long-term and short-term residents and inquired about their experience. I wanted to hear through their own words about their daily life. I was curious to learn more about what they did every day, what they ate, and their favorite pastimes.

As I was driving along the beautiful Jamaica Way, past the pond and the estates, I was struck by how close the center actually was to Watertown and the surrounding communities. I had always imagined it being so far away, but I was there in 15 minutes. As I parked my car in the spacious and well-maintained parking lot, and walked across the large, flower-laden patio, I braced myself for what lay ahead. I had not been to the center for many years, and was wondering if things had changed.

I was immediately greeted by a smiling nurse and directed to the Dining Room where the residents were about to have lunch. I could hear Armenian dance music playing. I looked at the residents sitting around their dining tables, surrounded by many caregivers attending to their every need. Where residents might not be able to eat on their own, I could see gently lifted spoons feeding them. A young aide’s hand cradled an old, wrinkled, and shaky hand, encouraging “mama” to eat. The love and concern toward every resident was abundantly clear. It actually was very heartwarming to know that we have in our community such a treasure for our seniors.

After lunch was cleared, I approached some of the patients and residents and asked to hear their life story: how long had they been there, where they were before they came to this center, and what they liked or disliked about being here. My first conversation was with a resident named Ida, a very quiet and soft spoken 84-year-old lady. We talked about a busy life leading up to old age, and about her comfortable sun-setting years here. Ida was mostly observing the other residents as I began a dialogue with Azadouhi, 90, who has been a resident for two years. She came here from another facility, following a debilitating broken arm which has left her right arm very difficult to use. Azadouhi was a graduate of the American University of Beirut and a certified trained nurse. An avid Bingo fan, she receives therapy and exercise for her arm. I asked her how this center compared to the other nursing home she lived in. She said she gets so much more loving care here, and feels like it is her home now.

Azadouhi spoke about Siran Salibian, the director of activities, who has worked at the center for 38 years and who is the adoptive daughter of all the seniors here. I was touched by the love in her voice when Azadouhi spoke about the center and the people who serve there.

Yetvart, a 99-year-old gentleman with piercing brown eyes and a gentle smile, was my next interviewee. He spoke about his life in Constantinople where he was a celebrated and very well-know architect, honored by the Turkish government for his accomplishments. A resident for six years, Yetvart also spoke about the kind of attentive care he needs and amply receives at the homey environment of this center.

Sitting patiently on the sofa was Adrine, who came three years ago, after having tried no fewer than four different homes. Adrine spoke English fluently, and her family lives in Belmont, so I was curious to know why she had chosen the center. She said she was getting such poor care everywhere else, and she felt neglected. After spending a few days at the center, she finally felt like she had found the right place for her. She said her family comes to see her, but they cannot come every day, which was OK for her, because she had her own family at the center. I was very touched by the sincerity in her voice when she said how thankful she was for the way they treated her well here.

My last conversation was with Araxi, 90, an absolutely charming and delightful lady. She spoke so eloquently about the importance of this center as a great destination for Armenian seniors who wanted to be with other Armenians, enjoy Armenian food, and get the best loving care around. We spoke at length about what it meant to be Armenian and how critical it was for us to stick together, and help and support each other to ensure our survival. Her words echoed in my mind long after I had parted with her.

My visit reminded me about how lucky we are to have this jewel in our community. The building is sparkling clean, bright, and airy, with beautiful landscapes of trees and flowers. Delicious and on-site freshly prepared Armenian food is served regularly. Activities are designed for the residents based on their capabilities and tailored as needed to make sure everyone is able to participate. Activities range from cooking and bingo, to ice cream parties, trips to the Jamaica Pond and local restaurants, monthly birthday parties, religious services, and musical entertainment, just to name a few.

Some people might feel the Armenian nursing home is “so far away,” but truthfully, it is not. When you know you have found the best place for your loved one, you know you have found the right place. No wonder 98 percent of the families who have loved ones at this center say they would highly recommend it to anyone.

While I am certain everyone I met on this visit would jump at the chance to be young again, I have absolutely no doubt that these seniors feel they are in the best place for them, because they get the attention, love, and care they could not get if they lived alone or with busy family members. With our hectic lives, we cannot go to visit a loved one on a daily or even weekly basis. But at least we can rest assured that this Armenian facility is a wonderful home away from home, and we are leaving our mother or father or loved ones in the loving care of dedicated staff. If you are not familiar with this facility, I urge you to take a drive there someday. Volunteers are always welcome. To schedule a tour, contact Karla Fleming, the executive director, by calling (617) 522-2600.