A Godsend to the Community

Life Enrichment Director Daisy Godbee, who has been at American House Fort Myers since before the building opened, often brags about the very first resident to move in over seven years ago. His name is Art and he likes to say he’s from a “small town called Brooklyn, New York.”

“One day I was in a bind and needed help,” Daisy said. “I asked Art if he would lead an exercise class and he didn’t hesitate. He started with one class a week, but it was so popular it quickly became three classes per week. Then one day Art asked if he could help the residents in memory care. It really touched my heart. Art now conducts five classes a week for our residents. He’s amazing.”

It's no wonder Art is a Resident Ambassador at American House.

“I believe the exercise program works for two reasons,” Art said. “You know that old saying, no pain, no gain? Well, we don’t do that here. If it hurts, we stop. The residents like that. The second reason is I live with them. I’m not someone who comes in just to do it. I have a good time and we all laugh a lot. I believe in fun and if we’re not having fun then it’s not worth doing.”

All the classes are conducted in a sitting position. Many of the residents have issues with strength, balance and coordination.

“I make sure we get all the major muscles of the body used. Some of the residents look at me like I’m crazy. What can I say? I’m from Brooklyn and have a big mouth.”

Art now has between 12 and 20 people in each class.

“I think the residents are getting a lot out of it. Many used to come with walkers or wheelchairs but lately most of them haven’t needed an aid to get to class. But who am I kidding? I’m the one who’s getting the most out of it.”

According to Daisy, Art has only missed five classes in seven years and he had good reasons: knee replacement surgery, bypass heart surgery and a heart attack last July.

“I know what it’s like to be sick. It helps me teach the classes to the residents because many of them have had the same problems.”

Art has been retired for 10 years but was a licensed physical therapist in New York City and Florida for over 50 years.

“If a resident asks me about a specific problem, I refer to them to our third-party therapy department here. They’re great and when they ask me to do things, I do them.”

Art attended college at the State University of New York at Cortland, earning a degree in physical education with a minor in science, and graduate school at Columbia University, where he earned a degree in physical therapy.

“I got my first job as a physical therapist at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center,” Art said. “I took some time off to serve in the New York National Guard, but the age groups I’ve worked with literally range from three months to a 105-years old. People would say to me: how can you work on such a large scale? I told them I went to the best physical therapy school around so that’s what I did.”

Art initially wanted to train athletes because he was one himself, having swam competitively in high school and college. But when he met his future wife Barbara while she was at Hofstra University, also studying to become a physical therapist, he decided he only wanted to work with people who really needed help.

“I told Barbara we were going to get married the first time we met. Eleven months later, we tied the knot. I’ve been a widower for almost 15 years now, but my wife Barbara and I were married for 46 wonderful years and had three children.”

One of Art’s sons works in the insurance industry and was recently promoted to an Executive Vice President. His daughter works for a huge international company and has a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. His youngest son works as a banker in Yulee, Florida.

Asked what he loves most about American House Fort Myers, Art said the community is 100 percent, totally clean.

“They keep this place in beautiful condition. I’ve been here seven years and I’m not going anywhere. If there’s any issue with my apartment, it’s fixed right away. I love it here. You know, living in a community like this, if you want respect, you have to give respect.”

Art certainly has the respect of his fellow residents. Daisy pointed out that the memory care residents all recognize Art and even clap for him when the class is over. Daisy summed up Art’s impact on the community very simply.

“I say it all the time,” she said, “having Art here is truly a godsend.”

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. Our seniors have amazing stories that hold a wealth of wisdom. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.