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.
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