I’m back, after a months’ absence. The time has flown by and it’s a shock to realize that I haven’t posted an article since July 16. So, in the spirit of giving myself a mental jolt, here I am at last!
It has been an eventful month. On July 22, I travelled to the mainland (I live on Vancouver Island) to attend my grandson’s wedding. It was a happy, exciting event and I had a wonderful time.
Back in my city, I picked up where I had left off, in the process of moving my home. This is a major change and will take an adjustment since my plan involves a move to a retirement residence. It was not an easy decision to make, and I deliberated about it for weeks. But once I made the initial arrangements, it was full steam ahead!
Over the past few days, I made some half-hearted attempts to organize my life in my new residence, things like buying some basic groceries for my usual breakfast of coffee and oatmeal, finding the nearest post office, and filling a prescription at the pharmacy across the street. I am pleased to find many convenient services within walking distance.
This is a great location for someone like me, who no longer enjoys driving. My car is parked in a secure stall in a corner of the parking area in front. It used to represent freedom and independence for me—at times when I felt restrained and confined, I knew I could always get in my car, wind down the windows, turn up the radio and take off! I can see it from where I sit at my desk, but the days of bombing around in my little Hyundai may be behind me. I’m fine with that.
I am no stranger to relocation since I have done it several times before. I know it can be a trying process, with challenges like packing, making decisions about what to keep and what to part with, transferring of services—a long list of chores that need to be done. But there is an upside to it as well, exploring new surroundings, meeting new people, and having new experiences. Whether or not the process causes pain or pleasure is up to me and depends on my outlook.
There are many advantages to being in a retirement residence. These facilities differ, with various levels of accommodation and care. I am in an independent living residence. This implies that people are ambulatory and can attend to their own personal needs. Meals, cleaning services and recreational activities are included in the monthly cost. I was happy to discover that a full library, movie theatre and hair salon are there for the use of the residents.
I have been here for three weeks, and I feel very much at home. I like my space and I love my routine. Today, I managed to walk around the neighborhood park and do a workout in my room. I have yet to graduate to the well-equipped gym here. Saying fit is important for me, so I’m planning to create a routine of walking and using the gym—something I have done for years.
As I reflect on the changes I am facing in this new way of life, I am excited that I have many opportunities for social interaction here. Aa a writer, reader, and thinker, I have always enjoyed being alone and seldom sought the company of others. My family and friends assure me that this change will be good for me, and I tend to agree. By way of example, last evening I went to a movie in the media room with others and look forward to having dinner with people I have known only three weeks. A few minutes ago, I heard a knock on my door, and a staff member handed me an invitation to a Newcomer’s Tea. How nice!1 Every day seems to be a new adventure.
I hope you enjoy this post from my new location. It is a continuation of the writing regime I have sustained for a long time. I’m not exactly back in the ‘groove’, but it is a start. I intend to post as regularly as I have done for the past eight years. Wish me well!
Glad for you Diane. I’ve been entertaining in seniors homes for years. I am contemplating moving in myself. My email is posted below. Let me know where you’ve decided to live and I will look you up when I go there to entertain. All the best to you. Enjoy the change!
Hello Peter! So nice to hear from you. I’d rather disclose the name privately, so will email you. I don’t see your email, but will look again. I’m not sure if I should post it here, but will ask my tech person. Meanwhile I will ask admin if you come here. No worries, I will sort this out, since I really want to get in touch with you! Take care, and we’ll talk soon.
For the most part, it is probably a good idea. I would have a hard time being stuck with the meals they decided to serve, as I like to do my own cooking and baking, but then there’s the plus side: you don’t have to do the grocery shopping or the kitchen cleanup. For sure there are a lot fewer worries when you live in a seniors’ residence. Wishing you all the best, Diane.
It’s very worry free here, Anneli. Everything is done for me and I feel pampered! I’m enjoying it. I’ll be posting more about this. Thanks for commenting!
Congratulations Diane. Sounds wonderful for your needs. Lynda LeBlanc
Hi Lynda,
I didn’t see your comment until this morning (Sep. 3). It was hiding in another folder, lol. Thank you for this. Glad to see you are reading my blog!
Cheers,
Diane
Happy for you Diane. I know it must be a big decision and one my husband and I have tossed around! I hope you as time goes by you will post more about your transition. I find myself being tired of keeping up the house and doing the meals so that is something I wouldn’t miss. Like you I am a reader and quite introverted so do not need a hugh social connection. I wish you well and congratulate you on making a decision and doing all the work it entails!
I hope to expand on this post, with more details about my stay here. FYI, a cleaner comes once a week, and I don’t prepare meals. So I have lots of time for reading and writing. As well, there is a workout room and many places to walk and exercise. As an introvert, I find that I can avoid or participate in social interaction according to how I feel. So it’s ideal. Thanks Linda. Nice to hear from you!
I’m so glad for you, Diane. I live in a 55+ community, but when we made the decision to buy, the small size of the yard gave me anxiety. Would I feel caged? Instead, it is all I can keep up with, and I can see and appreciate each plant instead of forgetting about them in a bigger yard. So, our perspective changes. Enjoy your new location.
Lynne, it’s great to hear from you. Perspective does change, for sure. I surprised myself (and everyone else!) when I decided to go into a residence. I think what did it, ultimately, was the loneliness I experienced when my good friend moved into one herself. It got me thinking. Yes, I do miss gardening, but the companionship and social life more than makes up for it. Life is good here!
I am glad for you Diane, it sounds lovely!
Yes, Maggie, it is lovely here. Beautiful décor, great meals, and good cleaning services. I’m very glad I did it!.
Sounds like a good move, Diane. May you enjoy this new phase of your life for many many years!
CM, thanks for your best wishes! I’m new here, but I can’t see why I wouldn’t be happy here for the duration. It’s great!
Diane, I am so happy for you. I envy you are such a decision maker and welcome change. My, they move my sourdough at the market and I am all flustered!
Wishing you Sunshine and deserved happiness every step!
Brenda
It sounds like you have found the perfect place!
Thank you, Lisa. It may not be for everyone, but it is exactly right for me! Best wishes,
Diane
Brenda, it’s ages since I was in touch with you. As you can tell from my post, I’ve moved again. Here to stay, I hope. I trust everything is good with you. Best wishes, Brenda. So nice to hear from you!
Congratulations on making a successful change, Diane.
Best regards
LaVerne
Hello Laverne! Great to hear from you. The change has been wonderful. Al the best,
Diane
Congratulations! ❤️
Thank you, CM. So nice to be appreciated!
I’ve been in an over-55s for 15 years! In fact, I was underage when we moved here. I rode my husband’s coat-tails. There is a long story to how it came about, and of course, I was way too young, but as each year passes the decision makes more sense.
Your set-up sounds halfway between what we have here, which are independent living two and three bedroom apartments, or a room in the aged care section which is categorised according to need. There was a vision to have assisted living (similar to what you describe), but that didn’t come to fruition. Yours sounds ideal and you are obviously embracing it to suit yourself. Enjoy!
Even a one bedroom apartment, which is what I have, is sufficient. My reasoning is that we are downsizing, hence need much less space. It’s easier on the budget as well, which leaves more money to spend on things we like to do. Yes, this is ideal for me, and it’s great when people like you acknowledge that. Aged care services, on the other hand, may be necessary for all of us as we lose our abilities and independence. Thanks, Gwendoline!
sounds like you’ve enjoying the new freedom and life – and yes a community is what we often lack as we grow older – I’m still at x-roads on certain matters to do with my life, even though I’m still in my early 70s. It’s just that I’ve no family support…although I do have “other support”
Congratulations. This looks a good choice and I wish you well.
Well, thank you, Derrick! I’m glad you dropped in for a glance at this post!
Great to know that everything has gone so well with your move and that, above all, you are happy 😊
Moving is never easy for me, but as moving goes, this one has been not too bad. Thanks!
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