When the question arises about the ability of a loved one to care for themselves it is a delicate situation. They don’t think they need to transition to assisted living yet their well being is in jeopardy. The elderly often view leaving their home as giving up or losing. When the elderly transition to assisted living, professionals encourage visiting different places and sharing positive experiences of others. These true stories exemplify positive transitions to assisted living  

Married Couple

After they both retired from military careers, Eileen and Harry moved to South Carolina. They were active in church, social organizations, volunteer groups and maintained a wide circle of friends, and then a broken hip relegated him permanently to a wheel chair. She was a devoted caregiver but it became too much for her. Although very reluctant, they moved into an age in place community.

Harry is in the nursing section and Eileen lives in a duplex on the campus. He motors over in his specially designed wheelchair to see her every day and they enjoy meals together in the dining room. Harry participates in daily physical therapy and is greatly improved. Eileen is a social butterfly, swimming, exercising and going on group outings. They often say they don’t know how they managed before.

Single Woman

As a retired divorced school teacher, Katherine became lonely and depressed when her only child moved to Atlanta so she decided to move to a local assisted living facility. She enjoyed the companionship and freedom but she still wanted to be closer to her daughter who found an affordable luxury assisted living high rise on Peachtree Street and Katherine moved in.

She adjusted quickly and started writing for the newsletter, going to plays, restaurants and day trips. She is on the go so much that her daughter is jealous. The dining room and meals are so enjoyable that the family often dines with Katherine especially on holidays. She tells everyone she is having the best time of her life.

Single Man

Bill was the sole caregiver for his sick wife until she died but it took its toll on him. None of his relatives were able to help and when dementia set in he moved into a special wing of an assisted living facility.

After a short period of adjustment Bill is dancing, going on group outings, participating in specially designed activities, walking and enjoying the companionship of many friends. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when he and a caregiver traveled to Hawaii. Bill says he enjoys his schedule and activities and is always asking “what are we doing now”?