The following story comes from one of our associate’s family members, who went through a journey familiar to many of our own residents at The Crescent. Read below for Helen’s story:
Home is more than just a place.
That thought passed through Helen’s mind after her first tour of a senior living community.
“Home” isn’t just a place. A true home is a community of love, shared experience, familiarity, friendship, and family. Helen didn’t want to lose this upon leaving her current home, where she had spent over 45 years of her life, created lasting friendships, and built a family with her late husband.
While senior care is common – 7 out of 10 people will require some form of assisted living in their lifetime – moving into a senior living community can still be a daunting decision.
“I don’t know if I had a fear,” reflects Helen’s daughter, Lori. “I just didn’t want to jump into hasty decisions. That gave me anxiety. I liked being able to say, ‘we don’t need to decide just yet, but these are some choices we have.’”
Amid their extensive search, Helen did find a home unlike her current one in all the best ways, while still preserving the fundamentals. Small, yet significant details reassured and excited her.
In the community’s lounge area, groups of friends roared with laughter. Staff showed genuine care and made it a priority to get to know Helen. There were countless reading nooks – a particular highlight for Helen, a former librarian. Residential units overlooked trees strung with birdfeeders, reminiscent of Helen’s current home.
“The residents were happy. They were having a good time. I got the sense that if you feel lonely here, it’s your own fault!” Helen jokes.
“They were with friends,” adds Lori. “We went to a happy hour. These were active people… They were doing their thing!”
Helen and her family returned a couple of weeks later to put down a deposit. Now the transition looms ahead. The primary focus moving forward is downsizing before she moves. While Helen is cautious about getting rid of things, she is fortunate to have her family’s support and the support of the downsizing and move-in coordinator provided by her new home.
Telling her friends that she’s moving away has been another challenge – one she is taking day by day. All of them have been supportive and promise to visit.
Helen will be closer to her family. She also won’t need to worry about yardwork or ascending stairs and will have easier access to resources like transportation to appointments, meals, and recreational activities. Her new community is truly a home that will allow her to live her life to the fullest as she embarks on a new beginning.
After departing from one of their visits, Helen and Lori made fast friends with a group of women gathered on the patio. One woman invited them to share a bottle of wine. All the women expressed love for their home, one being from Helen’s hometown herself.
“A lot of feelings are attached to your family… that’s still there. Now I have the feeling that this is the best thing that could ever happen to me.”
For stories from our own residents, or if you or a loved one are considering living at The Crescent, schedule your tour today!
