Submitted by Teri Saxton, Executive Director at Meadows at Mercy Creek
My name is Jane, and I am a resident of an assisted living community. I have lived here for three years now, and I am proud to call this community my home. I made the decision to look for a senior living community when I realized I was no longer thriving at home. After losing my husband of 51 years, I was insistent on staying in our home on the family farm, where we’d raised our five children and enjoyed our life together. I got by, but I soon realized that I was lonely in that big house by myself. I kept busy taking care of the house, but I missed being around people. My children are wonderful, checking in on me throughout the day and visiting as often as possible, but I knew they were concerned for my well-being. They needed to know that I was safe and happy.
So I began the search for a senior living community, and my children were there to help. We visited several communities, gathering information about each one, and selected the community we felt best met my needs. Of course, I struggled a bit with leaving the home I’d been in for so many years and downsizing to an apartment, but my family helped me make decisions about what to take. I even splurged on a few new things for my new home! I was able to bring the things that meant the most to me, and it was amazing how quickly my apartment felt like home. I have everything I need, and I’m comfortable now. In fact, I love my apartment, and I’m relieved not having to worry about taking care of a big house.
Now that I am a resident of a senior living community, my daily routine is a little bit different—in a good way! Most days start by meeting friends in the dining room for breakfast. Our meals are made to order and served, just like a restaurant! On occasion, I choose to sleep in and opt for a light breakfast in my apartment instead. After breakfast, I like to check the community calendar to see what’s happening in the community that day. There are always activities, entertainment, and outings scheduled, and I love that I can choose to participate in the things that interest me. Some days I like to keep busy and active, and other days I choose to relax in my apartment. It’s nice to have options! Craft Club, playing cards, and Bible study are a few of my favorite things to do in the community, but there is so much more. My daughter likes to join me for dinner and a movie in the theater room on Thursday evenings. And this spring, I look forward to planting flowers and vegetables in the community’s raised garden beds. While I didn’t know anyone when I moved in, I’ve made several very good friends, and all of the residents at the community are kind and look out for one another—like family.
While the decision to move is never an easy one, I have no regrets about moving to a senior living community—I only wish I’d come sooner! I feel safe, comfortable, and happy. What more could I ask for?
Meadows offers a full range of senior living options: Independent Living, Independent Living—Plus!, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite Care, and Achieve! Wellness and Rehab Therapy. Meadows has two locations: Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa and Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal. To learn more about senior living options at Meadows, visit www.meadowscommunities.org, or contact Holly Hall at 309-268-1501.
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