The plan is to avoid live-in health care centers. But if I wind up in one out of necessity, I’d hope for the standards of a facility I’m familiar with. The new head honcho is one of my favorite ladies and she sets the bar high.

Pomperaug Woods is a LifeCare senior living community that offers its residents every aspect of good aging care. From independent living to hands-on medical assistance, this residence, nestled in a bucolic New England setting, has it all.

This past summer Vicki Gyba-Marshall (my daughter-in-law) was named executive director of Pomperaug Woods. Starting as social service and admissions coordinator, moving on to director of executive services, to associate executive director while also assisting with sales and marketing, Vicki has devoted her entire career to the facility. In a recent interview for their newsletter she said, “I’m happy to share my unique insights on senior living with those researching options for the next phase of their life.”  I wanted to know her insights and other thoughts she might have on elder group living.

“Having worked in this field for over 30 years, I see the huge benefit of living in a continuing care retirement community,” Vicki said. “Studies show that living in this type of community extends your lifespan and adds so much to quality of life. Many of my residents will say that the only regret they have is that they waited too long to make the move.”

Throughout your long career you’ve seen residents move from independent living to assisted living to hospice. How do you deal with the process of declining health in your Pomperaug Woods family?

“Seeing the decline of any of my residents is always difficult but knowing that we can care for them here under one roof is a comfort. We offer a full continuum of care here. Once my residents qualify medically and financially to live here they don’t ever have to worry about having to leave based on their financial and/or medical status. We offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.”

Have you learned anything about life from your residents? “My residents have taught me through their stories and experiences to enjoy every day and to take that vacation. What I’ve also learned is to downsize now and get rid of all that clutter and junk. Many families are burdened with having to clean out their loved one’s home after they pass. It’s amazing how much we hang on to that sadly means nothing to anyone else.”

With a 30-year career dedicated to aging citizens, I was curious to find out if one memorable moment stood out. Vicki didn’t disappoint. “This past winter we had a bad snowstorm, my receptionist wasn’t able to make it in, so I covered the front desk. One of the residents stopped by to chat and reminisce about her family and the many ski trips they would take and how she loved the snow. With tears in her eyes, she then said she would give anything to be able to go out and make a snow angel. I told her to go back to her apartment, put on her boots and jacket, and meet me at the back door. I then called one of our staff, who is always up for anything, to also meet me at the back door with her coat on. I called for this backup because I wasn’t quite sure how easy it was going to be to help a 92-year-old get back on her feet. Within no time, Mrs. A. was on the ground with a huge smile on her face making her snow angel. Those are the days that truly bring me so much joy to know that such a simple act can mean so much.”

While I remain fiercely independent, I’m not a seer. For all of us I hope there’s an effort on the part of every senior living facility to strive for the highest possible standards, and maintaining those standards rests largely on the staff. When someone like Vicki Gyba-Marshall is at the helm, residents and their families can breathe easy — warm, quality, professional care is a given.

Carole Marshall is a former columnist and feature writer for a national magazine. She’s had stories published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books and has written two novels and one fitness book. cmkstudio2@gmail.com