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A Day in the Life of an Independent Living Resident: Part 1
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Comments (2)I went on location this past weekend! I made my way north to one of California’s fastest growing cities, Folsom. (Yes, the town whose namesake prison solidified Johnny Cash’s rep as the man in black.) Originally a mecca for gold miners, Folsom’s rolling hills now house infinite clusters of strip malls in every possible configuration. Among the suburban sprawl sits the recently constructed Creekside Oaks, home to the reason for my road trip—Grandpa Ike!
Considering I’m part of an organization that surveys long-term care facilities and services, I thought it fitting to report (in a two-part blog) my honest, and ultimately reassuring, findings of a day in the life (actually, an entire weekend!) of an independent living resident. When he lost his wife to cancer five years ago, Grandpa faced the difficult decision of what to do next. Where does an 85-year-old man with a lifetime of memories, a full tank of gas and the literal crutch of a cane go now? Fortunately, this former pole climber for Pacific Bell had his financial ducks in a row thanks in large part to the help provided by my father and uncle. After selling his modest home in the Bay Area, Grandpa reinvested his money; coupled with his veteran’s benefits and retirement allotment, he will likely be able to afford residential care through end-of-life.
The visit began with the eager look on Grandpa’s face as he awaited my arrival in the facility lobby. He proudly ushered me upstairs—having mischievously pushed the elevator buttons with his cane to the disapproval of a female resident who deemed the action “unsanitary” —to my $50 per night guest quarters. We soon dined on cinnamon rolls, forgoing first courses of oatmeal and eggs, in the facility’s impressive dining room. (The residents at Creekside Oaks know what’s good on the menu and when to remain at the mercy of their own kitchenettes.) Unlike many facilities we review, the dining room was quite silent, absent of any mealtime music, which would have been a nice touch. Grandpa showed me the facility’s library, activity room and computer area. After spending a futile hour trying to make Grandpa a cyber senior, we observed an activity whereby several competitive female residents bounced a beach ball around a circle resulting in a high-energy rally. Not down his alley, we left the activity to meet one of Grandpa’s neighbors, Betty. A recent widow herself, Betty was clearly happy to have company and even happier to introduce me to her new companion, a year-old poodle named Peter. Betty reiterated what people in her situation often feel: though there is no substitute for living in one’s own home, it sure is nice to have company and a safe place to reside.
I liked that most of the residents we encountered, as well as management, knew Grandpa by name. Regardless of the myriad older residents milling about in motorized scooters or with the aid of a walker, these were my grandpa’s people! And, while he is still fairly mobile, and able to drive a car, it is extremely reassuring to know that he shares this facility with his peers, who have had similar life experiences.
To your health and home, wherever that may be!
Ami Icanberry
Read A Day in the Life of an Independent Living Resident Part 2
Posted in: Independent Living, Retirement & Life Care Communities, Senior Trends
Dear Ami, I’ll watch for the rest of the story in a few days. We enjoyed very much having you visit with us. Please come again any time you have a chance. Berwyn
[…] (This is the second half in a two-part series. To read part one, click here.) […]