Former educator finds assistance at The Cottages of Green Valley

Illinois native and former educator Helen Eustice moved to Henderson four months ago to be near family. She is a resident of The Cottages of Green Valley, an assisted living and memory care facility.

"I needed assisted living and had no family in Illinois," Eustice said.

"My son, who lives in Henderson, found The Cottages of Green Valley for me. He and his wife and children are only 2 1/2 miles from me."

She said the level of care and the social activities are excellent.

"They really want to please you here," Eustice said. "We have a full schedule of activities starting with exercise at 9:30 in the morning every day. We have bus rides that take us shopping and entertainment at Rose Hall. Another lady and I started a crochet club. We're also going to start a puzzle club."

Eustice also plays piano, an activity she has enjoyed for more than 80 years.

"They have a beautiful piano here; I play at least twice a week. Once a week, there's also a group that wants to dance. We have a good time."

Eustice, who was a schoolteacher and an administrator during her career, looks forward to visits by medical personnel, as well as hairdressers.

"We have a nurse available at all times. If I have any problems with my diabetes, the staff is very helpful."

Trudy Andrews, administrator at The Cottages, said Eustice is a joy.

"Helen is fun-loving and loves to be involved in whatever is going on in the community," Andrews said. "She lends us her techniques for many activities here."

The residents, whose average age is 83.5 years, are provided three meals a day. Two activity directors are available for the community's fewer than 100 residents.

The Cottages, which opened in 2002, features five memory care cottages and four assisted living cottages, all of which are single story. It is located at 2620 Robindale Road, between Eastern Avenue and Pecos Road. Visitors are welcome from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and by appointment.