QUICK HITTER # 14

Quick Hitters are brief responses to Questions posed by author Fred Colby to his fellow WSN contributors. They offer a variety of perspectives on some of the most challenging questions facing new widowers. Enjoy.

Quick Hitter Question #14: As a New Widower Should I Consider Senior Living

Nyle Kardatzke:

After a man’s wife dies, many men think about moving to a smaller place. I thought of moving soon after my wife died, but I didn’t move until twelve years later.

I am now 84 years old, and I live alone in a one-bedroom apartment in a senior living facility. This apartment has enough space for my belongings, and I have a separate locked place down the hall for things that don’t fit here.

There is a dining room where I can eat with my fellow residents. I have a full kitchen, and I’m a pretty good cook, but I eat most of my meals in the dining room. In the dining room, I eat with a variety of people, including some married couples who live here. Sometimes I sit at a small table alone with my thoughts and my cell phone.

I have an emergency button that I push if I have a sudden health issue, start a fire, or injure myself. So far, I haven’t had to push the button. Besides the emergency button, there are smoke detectors that will alert the staff, and I suppose they might automatically call the fire department. (I haven’t set off the smoke detectors, so I don’t know what would happen.)

A Sunday morning worship is available for residents, and their family members are welcome to attend. The worship services are Protestant in style, but some Catholic residents attend the services.

In addition to this large, three-story building, there are separate cottages on this campus. Some single people live in the cottages, as well as married couples.

The residents here lead their own lives, but they make friends in the dining room and any of the many recreational activities in the building. Residents may ride the community bus to shopping areas, and there is transportation for doctor’s appointments.

The people who live here are in various states of repair. Many use walkers or canes. A few have motorized carts that zip them around the building easily. Some are on oxygen, but most are not. On the same campus, there is an assisted living building and a facility that provides more extensive care.

This place is costly, but there are probably less expensive places near where you live now. Any senior living place will provide most of the features this place offers.

You may not be ready for senior living. Don’t rush things, but think about your safety, your meals, and your social life. If you have adult children, think about their peace of mind when you choose a place to live. You will arrive at the right decision at the right time.

Fred Colby:

For anyone thinking about moving into a Senior Living facility, I recommend you read:

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen 83 ¼ Years Old written by Hendrik Groen

It is humorous, entertaining, and informative on many aspects of living in these types of facilities.