Thanks Lon. The assisted living (only) facility I'm most familiar with here has only 2 staff at night for 40 apartments, nearly all occupied. The staff were very helpful, but only paid $8/hr (four years ago). No professionals on duty. I was just curious if that was the norm.
Good morning Lon, Yes, cooking for one is a challenge. I don’t think I would miss cooking, if I moved to Retirement Residence. You said that sometimes it can feel isolating living there, but I have days where I feel that way living in my condo. Finding like minded people is the key to overcoming that. That, I find, is not easy. Enjoy your day. Eileen
Here it is 7 AM and I am enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the morning news on TV. At 9AM one of the staff will come to my apartment to STAND BY in my bedroom as I shower & dress. Even though there is a chair and grab bars in my shower to prevent a fall, my LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE POLICY requires STAND BY for me to collect benefits. I will go down to the dining room for breakfast at 9:45 AM and have Eggs Benedict and a bowl of fresh fruit.
Hi Lon, That sounds like a good start to your day with a nourishing breakfast. I am sitting out on my condo balcony and the temperature is the same as Florida today. Our summers can be hot and humid. Lovely to sit out with shade and watch the world go by. I plan to cook a pepper(sweet) dish today, like a stir fry, a favourite. Enjoy breakfast. Eileen
Stir Fry Meals were one of my specialties when I was doing my own cooking. I love different Curries and enjoyed experimenting. I'll finish up a John Grisham novel today.
My pepper dish turned out well. The sweet yellow, orange and red peppers are more in season and have much flavour, yum! I read most days, a good past time. I’m debating with myself as to my direction in life right now. The weather is so lovely that a week in cottage country at a resort May be nice or stay home and check out Retirement Residences. A resort and spa holiday is appealing. I will see what is available. It’s our busy season and most people book in advance of summer. Enjoy your book. Eileen
I have been married twice. First was short marriage and I divorced. Second was long marriage 22 years and my husband passed away in 2000. I had a friend for 7 years and he passed away 8 years ago. We went on 4 cruises but I prefer dry land to cruising. I am very prone to motion sickness. How was the ending on your book?
There are many online forums and chat groups for carers to discuss with each other what they think we residents need and want. I understand that in most cases it's the carers that make all the arrangements for their loved one or family member and the potential resident has no input. Even after one becomes a resident, no one really asks for input from us. I have searched unsuccessfully for a forum or chat group specifically for residents of AL facilities. It would be nice to compare notes and exchange ideas that just might even be helpful to carers. I realize that maybe I am a bit different because I am the one that chose where I live and made all the arrangements for it and because of that, management must deal with me while I am mentally and physically able. When I am no longer able THEN they can deal with my daughter carer.
It is obviously different than living alone in your own home or with a spouse. It takes time to learn the schedules and procedures. I am still independent but don't miss the household chores associated with living in your own home or the shopping and meal planning. My apartment is comfortable and my lap top and internet makes it possible to order many things that I want or need and have them delivered to my apartment at modest cost via Amazon. One of the staff just made my bed and picked up my used bath towels to wash later with my other laundry. I am looking at the meal menu for the day and have decided that I will have the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich when I go to the dining room for lunch. After lunch I will return to my apartment and continue reading a novel for a couple of hours. AND THEN A brief nap. Earlier this morning I went TARGET in the Limo with three other residents. I was looking for a small table but couldn't find what I wanted. My big purchase was some cheese and a extension cord.
@Lon Tanner , it sounds like you have the best of both options; maintain your independence and still live well.