Parker Home's Pavilion growing as the place to meet & greet

Melissa Fleming
H.P. Mirror staff

Parker at the Pavilion
443 River Road, Highland Park

If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship, you know the trip is all about the amenities. The pool, the sauna, the games and the food! You also know how unfortunate it is when the trip comes to an end. The Francis E. Parker Memorial Home has mastered assisted living residency, and is now opening its doors up to those who just want a fun welcoming place to spend their days.

The newest addition to the Parker at Stonegate site on River Road is the Pavilion Community Center, also known as Parker at the Pavilion. This is where the “town” of the Stonegate complex is. Residents of the Stonegate residence complex can go for coffee, get their hair done, work out, or just relax at the community center.

“Studies have shown that loneliness is a front running factor for depression,” offers Parker’s Carol Davey. A place to go everyday provides for new relationships, hobbies and activities long forgotten, and a sense of newness that keeps clients happy and outgoing.

This spring at the Pavilion, a new project has kicked off: the Adult Day Health Services program. Ms. Destiny Suggs, director of the adult Day Services program, says their calendar of activities is well thought-out by a team of professionals. They take into account the necessities of the participants and follow the holistic approach to health that is ingrained in the Parker community. There is a complete activity staff, a dietitian, social worker and fully catered lunches which bring the program full circle in offering comprehensive care.

One particular activity enjoyed throughout is tending the garden. Parker has employed a professional horticulturist to aid members in gardening the various perennials, berry bushes and annuals found in their garden. There is an exercise program that caters to specific needs. Bingo is a big hit, along with day trips to the State Theatre, arts & crafts and a cooking group.

This is a great opportunity, especially in the summer time when it’s just too hot to sit at home. Parker at the Pavilion’s Adult Day Health Services will provide transportation to and from the home. The program is offered Monday through Friday in two segments in the day, 8 AM to noon, and 12 to 4 PM.

For any information regarding the assisted living residency, or the adult Day Services program, please refer to Ms. Carol Davey at 732.247-1656 or cdavey@feparker.net. You can also visit their website at www.FrancisEParker.com.