Day Three...an interesting insight

Last night I ate dinner with Betty. She shared with me a realization she had years ago before she moved into Rockwood. Her entire adult life she had been told by friends and family when events in life occurred she should get whatever she wanted because as they said to her "you deserve it" So she set about buying "things" to help her through issues in her life. It could be a happy event or the saddest when she lost her husband that would spur on the purchase She would turn to the things in her life to find peace and fulfillment. Every one always told her it is OK to have it because "you deserve it". She shared with me about coming home one day and looking at everything she had accumulated. What she said she saw was a house full of "I deserve its". At that moment she realized all of the "I deserve its" she owned were really no more than things. She set about releasing herself of the burden of all the stuff and found a true sense of peace to replace it with. She now lives here at Rockwood Hawthorne surrounded by the items and memories that truly mean something to her. Betty finds comfort in knowing the things she looks at on a daily basis now really mean everything to her.

Day two...some observations

After a restful night in my wonderful room I woke to birds chirping outside my window. After taking Willie for a walk around the grounds I went to breakfast. Today I enjoyed my meal with 4 lovely talkative women. Two of them are recent residents and the other two have lived here for years. Margaret (not the one I wrote about yesterday) has lived here with her husband for 8 years. They moved in together and until recently had a nice 2 bedroom unit on the second floor. When he fell ill and could no longer be on the second floor he moved to the the health care area and she moved to the first floor. She shared with me how she appreciates the fact that no matter the situation the people here at Rockwood have helped transition the couple to whatever new living area was needed. She finds comfort and security in the knowledge that they will never be asked to leave regardless of if they run out of money. Yes, you read that right! The Rockwood communities will let you stay even if your funds are fully depleted. This is a rarity in the industry and needs to be applauded.

The other ladies at the table were in different stages of transition into the community. One came from a small town North of here and feels like it is a great fit for her. She is active and happy with her choice. It seems in the six short weeks she has lived here she has made many friends and keeps doing all the things she wants. She appreciates having the staff here to help her as needed, but enjoys the Independence of being able to do for herself as she is able. One of the ladies moved in 3 months ago and although she is happy here she is having a more difficult time adjusting. She shared that she was not quite ready to let go of her house and so she still misses it dearly. However, she is already very involved in the actives and is making many new friends.

Once again I am struck by the family that develops among the residents in the community. Everyone is checking on each other to make sure they have come down for breakfast or gone to the exercise class. It has to be a reassuring feeling to know there is someone watching out for you.

It was heartwarming to hear the banter and humor among these ladies. They start their day together around a large table discussing world events, classes they are taking and books they have read. And they are left with  the feeling of true caring and lasting friendship and yes; a new and different type of family.

Lunch today.

I was fortunate enough to be able to sit with a past client of mine named Margaret. She is doing well and we enjoyed the chance to catch up. Margaret is very happy at Rockwood and says the staff all take very good care of her needs. I remember when she moved here about 4 years ago and although she was open to the move there was a bit of fear and uncertainty about what life would be like. I have gone to visit her over the years and have been so pleased to see how well she has transitioned into her new life at Rockwood. From the first time I met Margaret until now I have always been so impressed with how she takes such pride in her appearance. Her make up is always perfect and her hair consistently styled in the way she likes. Even today she looks great and she shared with me during our lunch the name of the lady who does her hair at Rockwood. So guess who I am making appointment with to have my hair done! I will let you know how it goes. More later...

Day one...my room

Check out the new room I will be staying in this week. Very comfortable room with a great view of the courtyard. Kathy

Some thoughts on my next move

Here are some of my thoughts of my next move. I will be moving into Rockwood Hawthorne for the week of the 21st of March. I am looking forward to sharing what the culture of this community is like. check back with me this week to see what I find out. Thanks for keeping up with my journey. Kathy

Good Samaritan Marketing Director Interview

The following is a wonderfully insightful interview I had with Jacki the Marketing and Housing Director of Good Samaritan. She helped me get a true feeling for the culture of the community of the staff and the residents.  Enjoy!

The Good Samaritan Community Center

Check out the wonderful center that Good Sam has for all the residents. It is a well thought out and vital area of this community. They have everything from balance exercise classes to line dancing to special dinners. This community has a strong focus on the activities of its residents and make every attempt to evaluate the needs of each resident and have programs for all levels and desires.

Activity Director Good Sam

Here is the video from Carol Ann and her amazing philosophy for her residents care. Listen to how she goes about her job on a daily basis.

I spent the morning with Carol Ann and 6 of her residents in an exercise class. This was not your typical sit down class, but there was strength training, balance, some yoga, weight work involved. It was a lively group of highly motivated folks. Really enjoyed the class!