A PLACE ALL ITS OWN

Someday you will sit in your kitchen and suddenly realize that it is time to move into a seniors’ residence. For many Canadians, this move will be a part of their life story. Not many of us spend the end of our lives living in our own homes. For me, it was not a health problem, it was a realization that I still had the independence to make the decision myself. I did not want my children placing me in “a home.” It happens too often and usually no one ends up happy.

So, in a flurry of activity, I sold my house to my daughter, got my name moved from active to immediate at the seniors’ residence and within two weeks was settled into an altogether different way of life. For ten years, I’d eaten alone in front of the TV. Now I share the dining room with about 100 people— each of us at tables with mostly three other seniors. It is different to say the least, but oh the joy of decent meals prepared by someone else and served and cleaned up by other hands. There are activities if you are so inclined, or just quiet times in your own little space to check emails or watch TV. I have a view of large fir trees and a broad lawn leading up to a lane. It is beautiful, especially in winter laden with snow.

A walk to the dining area allows me to sit in front of a fireplace, work on puzzles, browse the library or just sit and visit with folks who have stories of yesteryear that will enchant you. Although I’ve travelled to many countries, “residential senior housing ” is a land of its own.

The folks are friendly, the food is good and the pressure of goal setting and achievements is left behind. There is finally time to read, remember and relax. Isn’t that what you’d want for your elderly parents—and for yourself ?