These real stories from Holiday Senior Living residents explain how they’re enjoying a higher quality of life, new friends and great value at Holiday.
Older adults move to independent living communities for a variety of reasons. Living a simplified life in retirement usually tops the list, along with a need to downsize and let go of the responsibilities of maintaining a home.
If you’re considering a move to a retirement community, it’s helpful to hear about the independent living experiences of real residents.
Martha, Holiday by Atria Resident
Quality of life
Retired doctor “adopts” a new family.
Martha is a retired pediatrician. Several years ago, a serious illness left her wheelchair dependent. Thanks to help from her husband, she was able to continue living in their home.
“It was easy for us to live independently,” said Martha. “My husband had the ability to do the things I couldn’t. Once he passed away, that’s when I needed more help.”
Martha decided to move 200 miles south to be near her sons. That’s when she became a Holiday resident.
“Family means support, love, caring, engagement,” said Martha. “I see my sons on a fairly regular basis, but their jobs keep us from seeing more of each other. They work long hours, and one travels for work several times a month.
“I’ve really come to love a lot of the people here at Holiday. They’re like my adopted family.”
Martha says living in a community setting with scheduled events and dining three times daily offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy an active social life, which she values. And she no longer worries about the responsibilities that go along with home ownership.
“The services here are stellar,” she said. “The housekeeping staff is just wonderful. They really care about the residents.
“If someone isn’t familiar with independent living for seniors, they should come visit this community. They may be pleasantly surprised.
“It’s afforded me a great quality of life.”
Deanne, Holiday by Atria Resident
Social life
Quiet resident makes new friends easily.
When asked the secret to her 45-year marriage, Deanne winks and says “being able to put up with each other” while taking the good with the bad.
Today, the couple lives at Holiday, where Deanne’s husband receives personal assistance from an on-site, third-party care provider, and Deanne enjoys the vibrant social life she craves.
“I think staying social is what keeps you young,” said Deanne. “It’s probably the most important thing. You can make friends here and go places, play games or just sit and talk.
“I am very quiet, and it takes a long time to get to know me. I’m not the kind of person who just walks up and says hello. Well, I do now! They’ve made it easy for me here.”
Speaking of easy, Deanne also values all-inclusive services like housekeeping.
“I love that I don’t have to clean my apartment,” she said. “They do such a good job, and they want you to be pleased. The management and staff are amazing. They’ll do anything for you.
“Really and truly, this is not someone asking me to say these things. I’m saying all this because I really like it here.”
As for Zoey, her furry four-legged companion?
“She loves it here,” said Deanne. “She’s the community’s dog now, not just mine!”
Terry, Holiday by Atria Resident
All-inclusive living
Resident recommends Holiday to his friends.
After the rent on his apartment increased, Terry knew he needed an alternate living option.
“I started looking into retirement communities because they included everything I needed: food, electricity, transportation to doctors’ appointments and to buy groceries,” said Terry. “It seemed like a better option for me.”
When he walked into a nearby Holiday community, he was impressed.
“It was like a hotel, like something you would see on TV, and I said, ‘Wow!’”
Eight years after moving, Terry says he’s found a true home at Holiday.
“There are a lot of people the same age, and we like to do the same things,” said Terry. “We play games and go out to see baseball games, that sort of thing. It’s a good community.
“I’ve made friends at the dining table, too. Everyone wants to sit at our table. So, we either have to expand our table or find some way to include more people. It’s a very friendly group.
“I think friends are important. We connect when we’re sad, when we’re happy. There’s a need to come together.
“We also clown around with one another, just being funny. That seems to be a draw.”
Whether it’s a resident or a staff member, Terry says he loves them all.
“They’re great,” he said. “Jennifer, our General Manager, keeps things rolling. She has that spark. We have one server, Lily, who comes in every morning and calls out ‘Good morning!’ at breakfast, and it brightens our day.
“Living here makes me feel good. I would wholeheartedly recommend Holiday to any of my friends.
“Come live here and be as happy as I am.”
If you or someone you know needs help understanding senior living options, we’ll help guide you. Find a Holiday by Atria community near you and schedule a visit today.
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