Elevated elder care from the Updyke Family for over 35 years
By: Johanna Elattar, Follow Updyke Willow Ridge on Facebook
Updyke Willow Ridge Adult Care Facility in Hornell, NY, has been a cornerstone of elder care since its founding in 1989. Beginning as a small Level I Adult Care Facility with just two beds and a modest room for a boarder, the facility was the vision of Joann Updyke, a single mother seeking to provide care for her family while meeting a growing community need. Over the decades, the facility has grown steadily into a 40-bed Level II adult care home, now under the stewardship of Todd Updyke, with strong support from his sister, Trixie Flint-McMindes, and a dedicated team of administrators and staff.
During my visit, Todd and Trixie personally guided me through the expansive and thoughtfully arranged facility. Residents have the choice of sharing a room or enjoying the privacy of a full private room, with accommodations designed for both comfort and functionality. The common areas are bright and welcoming, filled with natural light and adorned with thoughtful touches, from cozy seating to framed artwork that contributes to a homelike atmosphere.
The facility features a chapel where Sunday services are led by Deacon Bob McCormick, with pews graciously donated from St. Paul’s Church, fostering a spiritual environment that residents value deeply. Birthdays are celebrated with special attention, offering residents their favorite foods along with cake, making personal milestones meaningful and memorable.
Updyke Willow Ridge is a private pay facility, and admission requires that residents be able to eat independently, not be bedridden, and not present a flight risk, as some patients with Alzheimer’s may. Within this framework, the home emphasizes safety, structure, and independence, providing an environment where residents can thrive while remaining engaged with both staff and fellow residents.
Amenities include an on-site beauty salon, where residents enjoy hair care and grooming, adding to a sense of normalcy and daily routine. The greenhouse, a hallmark of the facility’s farm-to-table program, provides a direct source of fresh vegetables. Planting begins each June, and produce is vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness throughout the year. Todd’s initiative extends to sourcing local, organic, and sustainably raised meats and dairy products, which are incorporated into daily meals. Residents have already reported feeling healthier and more energetic as the kitchen staff transition from canned and processed foods to fresh, made-from-scratch dishes.
During the tour, Todd emphasized the personal connection the staff cultivate with residents. Office managers Brenda, Renee, and Trixie oversee operations with care and precision, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Trixie describes the work environment as “a family,” and it’s evident that the team’s cohesion directly benefits residents. Todd characterizes the home as a “security blanket for the residents,” capturing the balance of warmth, comfort, and safety that defines the facility.
Meals are a centerpiece of life at Updyke Willow Ridge. With a commitment to nutrition and quality, the kitchen staff prepares breads, jams, soups, applesauce, and desserts from scratch. Local farmers supply grass-fed beef, free-range chickens, pork, eggs, and fresh vegetables, meeting stringent USDA inspection and labeling requirements. Todd personally coordinates with these suppliers, ensuring the farm-to-table program aligns with both regulatory standards and the residents’ dietary needs.
The facility’s design encourages community interaction. Common rooms are expansive yet inviting, allowing residents to gather for social activities, games, or quiet reflection. Subtle details, such as floral arrangements, artwork, and comfortable seating, contribute to a sense of hominess. Even small interactions provide residents with moments of agency and engagement in their daily lives.
Updyke Willow Ridge continues to evolve while maintaining the foundational principles laid by Joann Updyke decades ago. The combination of family-led management, professional oversight, thoughtfully designed amenities, and a commitment to fresh, nutritious meals demonstrates a model of elder care that blends tradition, innovation, and community values. Families seeking a private pay facility in Hornell will find a home that prioritizes safety, comfort, and the well-being of every resident.
For more information or to schedule a tour, call 607-324-5417 or visit www.updykeswillowridge.com.
Johanna Elattar is a journalist and writer, featured in the upcoming 4th edition of Race & Racisms by Oxford University Press. She covers social justice, local history, and marginalized communities with precision and clarity. You can email her at Americangrrl70@gmail.com
