Carol’s Story
Carol was extremely reluctant to leave her home of 48 years where she and her husband, Bob, had raised their three daughters. But when Bob passed away suddenly, Carol started to feel overwhelmed by the upkeep needed on the family home. And in the intervening two years since Bob passed, the old neighborhood started changing—Carol didn’t know most of her neighbors any more, and didn’t feel comfortable asking for help.
Her Daughters’ Concerns
But most worrisome to both Carol and her daughters was Carol’s loneliness and inability to keep up with housework, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Plus, Carol didn’t feel comfortable driving, and was having some issues with her balance—and had been spending more and more time alone in the house.
Briana, Carol’s oldest daughter, and her sisters knew that their mother deserved more from life than sitting alone watching daytime TV. But their work obligations and family responsibilities made caring for their mother challenging, especially during the workday. Their childhood memories of a vibrant mother, talented artist, and community volunteer stood in sharp contrast with their mother now, who seemed despondent and rarely wore anything but her nightgown and bathrobe.
When Briana mentioned the idea of Assisted Living at a Life Plan Community, Carol was hesitant: she didn’t want to leave her home. “Let’s go check it out, Mom,” Briana encouraged. “We can at least see what they have to offer.”
Exploring Possibilities
After discussion with her sisters and her mother, Briana made arrangements for a private tour of a community that was nearest her, but within an hour’s drive of her sisters. Briana would pick up Carol, and everyone would meet at the Life Plan Community for the private tour, then have lunch together in the community dining room.
Carol and her daughters were impressed by the Assisted Living apartment homes—and Carol was glad that the apartments offered privacy but were close to the Community Center. Her daughters were relieved that not only would their mom be cared for, with medical staff available 24/7, but that she would have an extraordinary array of activities to keep her physically, mentally, and socially engaged.
During lunch, Carol and her daughters reviewed the list of amenities and activities, with Carol noting her favorites.
- Art Studio/Gallery and Crafting Room
- Woodworking Shop
- Movie Theater
- Coffee Shop and Bistro
- International Language and Culture Classes
- Lectures and Educational Presentations
- Library
- Day Spa and Beauty Shop
- Concerts
- Bridge Club
- Holiday Events
- Friday Happy Hour
- Indoor heated pool and pool parties
- Trivia Night
- Trips and Excursions
- Fitness Classes, including yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, and dancing
- Monthly Dances
- Balance Classes
- Game Night
- Shopping Trips
- Book Club
- Community Cares School Partnership
- Community Raised-Bed Garden
- Walking trails
Briana couldn’t help but notice the sparkle in her mother’s eyes when their tour guide had taken them into the Art Studio. Huge picture windows overlooked terraced flower gardens, and the studio held the aroma of oil paints and clay. Easels with charcoal-, pastel-, and paint-covered canvases dotted the room. A hallway between the Studio and Craft Room displayed residents’ artwork.
Briana also noted that her mother asked their guide numerous questions about the Community’s partnership with a local elementary school, helping to provide supplies for children and teachers. The Community also hosts a luncheon for third graders, organizes a pen-pal program, and provides transportation for residents to attend a Holiday Sing-Along at the school every December.
Mom is Back
Briana and her sister agree that the Life Plan Community tour was the beginning of the re-emergence of the mom they know and love: a smartly-dressed, community-oriented woman of compassion and talent. They are delighted that her balance is improving and that they don’t have to worry about her sitting alone all day watching TV. But they say it’s not just the great care mom is receiving at her new community: It’s the activities that have their mom living life to the fullest!
