I have been out of touch during the past few weeks preparing to move headquarters (and myself) to a new location. My Parkinson's made me uncomfortable with the idea of living by myself in my small studio apartment I'd been in since 1972 (although I was getting along reasonably well), so I have moved to an assisted living facility. I currently don't require any actual "extra" assistance (dressing, showering, medication management, "memory care") aside from what every other tenant here receives. Some of the other residents are here just because they like the apartments and the services—three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, endless planned activities (movies, concerts, games, exercise classes, and so on). It might sound like a dream come true . . . in some respects.
Most of the residents are Reform Jews, although there are enough Catholics for Mass to be said here on Sundays.
More later when I have settled in. At the moment I don't even have a computer desk or chair (or any chair—I'm sitting uncomfortably on my Rollator, which I don't yet use, but which over half of the others here need).
As someone who spent much of his life helping organizational headquarters plan, I am very glad to see that our organizational headquarters is in good hands.
ReplyDeleteOn both the organizational and personal level planning is really much better when it is proactive rather than reactive. Looks like you will have a lot of opportunities to get to know your new location before it needs to respond to your specific needs.
Rollators are great things. My father and his sister were both very resistant to using canes, walking sticks etc. However, when I brought home a Rollator for my dad, he really took to it and used it all the time.
His is really flexible. I kept it after he died and I now not only use it I have bought two more. I have another one like dads for my basement, and more recently bought one with inflatable tires for use outside. It can go on the grass, but I use it mostly on my long L shaped driveway. They are really great for getting my steps in. As one person pointed out, they may slow you down, but they enable you to get in more steps but going longer distances without tiring.
I am currently building sidewalks around my house so that I will be able to walk around the house and access all my garden areas in safety with it.
Sounds like you have made a smart move. Keep us informed about your new surroundings, and the advantages and disadvantages of assisted living.
Thanks for the update, David! I know it is a really hard decision to make when you need to move from a place where you have lived for a long time. Best of luck in your new living quarters. Keep us posted on how things are going.
ReplyDeleteDavid, that sounds like a really smart move. I am sure it is hard to leave a place where you have spent most of your life. I hope you have a bit more room in the new place, and hope your new neighbors are friendly.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, David.
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