“I moved here because I was lonely,” Martha says. “My neighbors were all young families, and I felt like the grandma on the block.”
At first, Martha was shy. “I didn’t know anyone, and it took me a while to get settled,” she explains. But she found her groove – plus new friends she can relate to.
“We’re all about the same age, and we talk about the things that happened in our youth – the schools we went to, the difficulties we had. Those conversations make you feel seen,” she says.
Martha has come out of her shell so much she’s become a Resident Ambassador. Ambassadors volunteer to show new residents the ropes and help them adjust to community life. They accompany newbies to meals and events, introduce them to fellow residents and answer questions.
“As a resident ambassador, I get to do what I love more than anything, and that’s to visit with people and to help them out,” Martha says.
Rediscovering joy
Living at Holiday has also allowed Martha to explore activities she didn’t have time for while working.
“I crochet a lot – baby blankets, afghans. There are several other people here who crochet, so we get together and talk, swap patterns and yarn colors. It’s more fun than people think!”
Martha also finds pleasure in doing simple things: reading mystery novels, taking walks and chatting with friends over coffee.
“Meals are a social event here. We spend an hour and a half just talking and sharing stories. It feels like family.”
Living independently, together
What Martha loves most about Holiday is the balance between independence and community. She appreciates having the freedom to do whatever she wants, whenever she wants.
“You have your own apartment and privacy, but you’re also part of a community that gets you,” she explains.
And, with services like housekeeping, three meals a day and local transportation, Holiday helps residents live more independently.
“I don’t have to worry about cleaning or cooking all the time,” says Martha. “It gives me more time to enjoy my life. And if I need help getting somewhere, I can use the transportation.”
Another perk Martha mentions is having a sense of security.
“We wear a buzzer that instantly connects us to 911. That gives my daughter peace of mind, and I still get to live life on my own terms.”
A career in care
Even in retirement, Martha hasn’t lost her caregiving spirit. “If someone’s in trouble, I march right over to help. I might not always have the answer, but I’ll sit with them.”
“I worked in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Nursing wasn’t just a job; it was my identity,” she says.
Martha’s nursing experience also gives her a unique perspective on the quality of service found at Holiday.
“I used to be an administrator, so I’ve seen it all,” she says. “The staff here is wonderful. They’re kind, attentive, and really care about the details. It’s the kind of service that makes you feel valued.”
The Holiday difference
So, what advice would Martha give to someone considering a move to Holiday?
“It’s life changing. I didn’t realize how lonely I was until I wasn’t anymore. Here, you’re surrounded by people who understand you, who share your memories. You have a life again.”
“Holiday has shown me I can still enjoy this wonderful stage of life,” she adds.
Final thoughts
Martha’s story is one of rediscovery and connection. At Holiday Senior Living, she didn’t just find a place to live – she found a place to thrive.
“We’re like a big family here,” says Martha. “We laugh, argue and take care of each other. And at this stage of life, that’s what really matters.”
Interested in learning more?
Visit a Holiday located near you, meet residents like Martha and experience firsthand what a true community looks and feels like.
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