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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Local politicians and community leaders gathered at the Kensington assisted living facility Tuesday night for the official ribbon cutting.
Celina Watson, the executive director of the Kensington, said she'd already noticed many of the approximately 30 residents making friends since the assisted living home opened Sept. 1.
"Tonight we are here to celebrate the culmination of a dream that began four years ago," said Watson. "It's a community that provides seniors not only a home but a place where they can age."
Deputy Commissioner Kevin Plunkett gave the Kensinton staff and Fountain Square Senior Living developers behind the project a proclamation from County Executive Robert Astorino for the facility's dedication to caring for seniors, particularly those dealing with memory loss.
The Kensington announced it would be naming its dining room after former mayor Joseph Delfino, who worked to bring in a facility that would cater to aging residents after studying the 60 to 70 facilities White Plains lacked during his "renaissance" makeover of the city in the early 2000s.
Current Mayor Thomas Roach said Delfino's efforts helped bring in an organization that is committed to serving the community.
"He's building a home here. It isn't like a development where you build it, sell it, and move on," Roach said of one of the developers.
Leases have been signed on approximately a third of the Kensington suites, which are organized in "neighborhood" communities based on their residents' memories. The fifth floor, which is locked to those without a password at all times, hosts those with severe dementia. The fourth floor, which is only secured at night, is home to residents with mild to moderate memory loss. Those without memory problems form another distinct community on the bottom three floors. All of the neighborhoods have their own kitchen, dining room, patio, and activities coordinators.
Do you know anyone who lives in the Kensington or is considering moving in? Do you think White Plains needs more facilities for seniors? Join the conversation below.
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