Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
Tips on choosing your senior living destination
Your children are grown and on their own, you are enjoying retirement, and now it is time to consider simplifying your living situation. Is a senior living community the right choice for you? What factors should you consider in choosing a senior living destination? Who do you ask for advice?
Undoubtedly, the best advice comes from those who have already made those decisions. Here are the stories from residents at White Horse Village in Edgmont Township, Delaware County.
Ginna Clark: amenities, activities and action
When her husband, Jim, passed away in 2008, Ginna Clark found herself living alone in her spacious home in Swarthmore, Delaware County.
“I didn’t expect to move to a senior living community,” she said. “It wasn’t until my daughter suggested we stop by White Horse Village for a quick visit that I began to consider a move.”
Ginna wanted a fireplace, a garden and lots of activities. Within a short time, she moved into her Garden apartment, complete with that fireplace she wanted, a day planner packed with lots of social and volunteer activities and a fitness schedule that would make the immortal Richard Simmons tired.
Nancy Gerber: continuing care options
Nancy Gerber returned to her native New York after raising her children in the Philadelphia area. Four years ago, she decided the time was right to move back. She had friends at White Horse Village and knew she would be happy returning to the area.
What really sold Gerber on the community was the knowledge that when the
day comes that she needs more assistance, as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), White Horse Village will be there for her.
“The concept of knowing my healthcare needs will be met for life is wonderful,” she said. “I wanted to make sure my children wouldn’t need to worry about me in the years ahead. Living here enables adult children to both have a life and be attentive to their parents in ways that are not caretaking; that’s very important!”
Bob Bruce: variety of housing options
Bob Bruce and his nowdeceased wife, Judy, moved to White Horse Village after living in Wallingford, Delaware County, for more than 30 years.
Bob had retired as President of Widener University, and Judy was having health challenges. Finding a community that was spacious and not a high-rise appealed, but being within walking distance of the heartbeat of the community activities was important. Having a variety of options was key.
“People in their mid-60s decide it’s time to get rid of the big house, and because of the many housing options here, it attracts a lot of different people,” he said. “There is something for everyone.”
Ursula Siebeneich: good neighbors
Ursula Sienbeneich knew as she was picking a senior community that she needed a place where she would fit in and feel comfortable.
“It’s important to have a sense of place within the community: Will I fit in here? Will I like the people? Will people like me?” she said.
With the pandemic, that need for being part of a community of “family” was all the more critical.
“I like the fact there’s a sense of community,” she said. “This became even more evident during the pandemic as residents walked the hallways just being friendly, smiling and greeting each other. White Horse Village is just the right size for me; you get to know many of the residents.”
Whether it is the people, the activities, the amenities or the healthcare services, the key is to talk to others who have already navigated the process and who can help answer questions, ease fears, and help you turn the page to the next chapter of your best life.
About White Horse Village: Situated on 96 acres in southeastern Pennsylvania, White Horse Village is an active senior living community offering a full range of living options and healthcare services. The community intentionally creates opportunities for extraordinary living in a vibrant, diverse community through personal growth, connectedness, and relationships. As a nonprofit organization, White Horse Village reinvests earnings back into the organization to further the mission and vision. For more information, visit www.whitehorsevillage.org.