We hear from residents that Country Meadows Retirement Communities “feels like home.” By this they mean that their fears, reservations or concerns about the decision to move into a senior living community were assuaged after getting familiar with the community, meeting the neighbors and caregivers and seeing for themselves all that is offered. When residents and their families realize that not a lot – if anything at all – has to change because of a move, everyone is comfortable and maybe even saying, “we should have done this sooner!”
In planning a confident move into a senior living community, consider doing the research by comparing different establishments, seek support in understanding the financial and personal logistics of a move and work with the organization to make this as personalized an experience as possible.
Follow your gut
As you research to find the right fit, be sure to follow your instincts. Not all communities are created equal or one-size-fits-all and it is important to find the one that feels right to you and your family. The move into a senior living community is one of life’s biggest decisions that should be handled with care and a gut-check to confirm a particular community brings you peace and comfort or if something is just not right for you. To help with your research, our checklist guides for choosing a retirement community or a memory support program outlines questions you can ask to find the right community for your family’s needs.
Know the community before you need the community
Our campuses are filled with wonderful neighbors, caring co-workers and trusted advisors who put the life into our senior living community. They love to share their experiences living and working at Country Meadows. Individuals or family members interested in learning more about us are welcome to visit by scheduling a tour or joining us for one of the many events that are open to the public. For example, at our West Shore (Mechanicsburg) and Hershey campus locations, community groups named Friends of West Shore (Mechanicsburg) and The 459 Club (Hershey) meet monthly for different activities including themed meals or even fitness classes. At our Forks Township campus, a local church that some of our residents attend hosts a regular book club and community presenters. Spending time on the campus and meeting the people can provide peace of mind and introduce neighbors before making the move.
Managing the Logistics
Understanding the financial and personal logistics of a move can feel overwhelming, but when it comes down to the numbers and “the stuff,” it is important to take it one step at a time. Janet and Donald Herr, researched for five to 10 years before deciding to officially move to Country Meadows of Bethlehem. Donald was careful to document the couple’s expenses and time that went into maintaining the house and yard, food, activities and all other costs of living to conclude that moving into a senior living community was actually more cost-effective for them – not to mention safer. Now the couple gets to focus on what they want to do and not what they have to do to maintain the lifestyle they’ve worked all their life for.
Personalizing the Apartment
Our residents’ living spaces are personalized to them when they bring their own furniture, houseplants, photos and décor. The apartment in a retirement community can look and feel like their previous residence in no time. Whether it is a studio-style or two-bedroom apartment, personal touches (including artwork from grandchildren!) can make the transition to retirement living all the more comfortable.
Downsizing and planning the physical move to a senior living community can be daunting. A local Country Meadows advisor Ann Carr shares the Post-It test tip with families: For a day or two, keep Post-Its in your pocket: if you touch or use an item in your house, place a Post-It. This test is a physical reminder of what is really utilized in the house and what should move with you. Another resource is Senior Move Manager companies that specialize in helping seniors downsize. These experts also advise on how to best preserve keepsakes and family heirlooms.
Exploring the home-like environment
At all of our campuses, there are common areas that resemble living rooms, Country Kitchen areas that look like in-home kitchens where families can bake together and outdoor spaces, patios and porches that look and feel like backyards. The goal of our communities is to create a home-like environment that doesn’t feel institutional. That is why we don’t call ourselves a facility or a center. We are a community, and our welcoming and inviting campus spaces feel like an extension of a person’s home.
Meeting the neighbors and caretakers
Our co-workers really get to know the residents and families who call Country Meadows home. From the minute visitors, families and residents step into our buildings, they are greeted with smile and a hello. This goes a long way to make residents feel like they made the right decision. Additionally, to ensure new residents are supported, our campuses have designated resident ambassadors who check on the new residents, answer any questions they may have and show them where to go for meals and activities. These ambassadors serve as the welcome committee and the relationships often turn into genuine friendships.
We are Here to Help
Making the move to a senior living community does come with a lot of valid emotions, but the community you select will feel “right” to you. It can quickly become a place where you thrive, make new friends, are cared for and supported and have opportunities to focus on the things that bring you joy-knowing that the things that once caused stress are now taken care of. Our local advisors are here to help you navigate the maze of senior living options and help you find your next home. They will help you see it’s not necessarily the building that is the major selling point. It is the neighbors, activities, experiences and emotional connections made with a community that will help you seal the deal.
Please reach out to a local advisor at one of our communities to experience what home looks like at Country Meadows.
