WALLINGFORD, Conn. — It’s that time of year—where students are packing their bags and moving back to campus.
That includes a couple of Quinnipiac Bobcats who are ditching the dorm for an assisted living facility.
“I feel like I’m among my people, I love it,” said Grace Miceli, a Quinnipiac graduate student studying occupational therapy. “It’s the most invaluable experience ever. I’ve been telling all of my classmates they should do it.”
Miceli is one of two students selected to be involved in the Students in Residence program, a partnership between Quinnipiac University and Masonicare.
The initiative started in 2016 but was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now in its sixth year, the students live at the assisted living facility for the school year, host events with the residents, and integrate themselves in the community.
“Ultimately, this pulls our residents out of their shells sometimes and to have that interaction,” said JP Venoit, president and CEO of Masonicare. “They’re very vibrant people, and when these students come in, really it just shines a bigger light.”
Venoit said the concept has evolved over the years, after first being inspired by another program just like it in another state. In the beginning, he said the focus was on students working in healthcare. Since then, he said those who are selected run the gamut.
“It’s something we thought was the right thing to do to really combat anti-aging, you know, and making sure that people really looked at individuals really as who they are. Great people that want to continue to contribute,” Venoit said.
While Miceli moved into the facility back in May, another student, Quinnipiac sophomore Leigha Scheman, just moved in this week.
“Personally, growing up, I was always with my grandmother in a community similar to Masonicare. And then when I realized I wanted to go into the field of social work, this was a great opportunity,” Scheman said.
The opportunity has already brought both students lots of new friends.
“It’s been amazing, kind of getting to run activities and just kind of build those meaningful relationships with the residents has been awesome,” Miceli said.
The program is especially beneficial for residents who don’t have too many visitors.
“You know a lot of people come here, and they’re put here. And very seldom do they get visitors, so it’s nice that these young kids can come in and visit with them,” said Marion Bloom, who has been a Masonicare resident for nearly five years.
Bloom said she’s lucky to have children who come over quite often, but the students add to her experience.
“Because it’s the young people, it’s a different attitude, it’s a different outlook on things. they’re not quite as bleak as we are,” Bloom said, laughing.
But the benefits impact both parties, no matter the age.
“They’re so fun, the residents here are so fun. I love talking to them and hanging out with them,” Miceli said.
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Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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