July 31, 2014
Yet Another Lesson Learned
By Mary Huebbe
Marketing Consultant
Ridgecrest Village
I live three states away from my parents. They live on a farm and always seem so independent to me. I call regularly to check in with them, and they give me the impression they are doing fine. My mom talks about the things they have been doing, and their life always seems “normal.”
My brother (who also lives a few states away) had the opportunity to visit them recently and gave me a full update on the truth. I am finding out that the “normal” isn’t normal; they have been having many health issues and refuse to get the proper help they need. I hear especially about my dad, who isn’t able to do a lot of the activities of daily living by himself. My mom does her best to help, but she has her own problems. It is hard for her to keep the house clean or take care of her “daily duties,” let alone try to fill in for him.
Thinking back, I always hear them tell me about yet another friend that has passed away, and how hardly any of the old group that they did things with were alive anymore. They have lost one of the most important things for a senior, as well as for anyone, “socialization.” Having a healthy connection with friends is what keeps us young, sharing experiences with others, and a community sharing their experiences with us. Our most vibrant time was when we were in school. That’s when we were around people our own age, and sharing our experiences.
Working in the field that I do, I get to work with seniors. That gives me the desire to get them off the farm and into a retirement village such as ours. I want them to experience the quality of life that my residents describe to me. Instead of
constantly harming their bodies by trying to do more than their body allows, they could let someone else do the things they need, and save their energy for something more fun. Stop mowing, cleaning, and worrying. It is time for them to have someone clean their house, cook their food, take them to entertainment they would enjoy, and socialize with like-minded people again. They could do that and not have to worry about their future needs! Their needs would all be taken care of so, that they could just relax and enjoy. After all, they are supposed to be enjoying their golden years!
I can’t count the number of times I hear my residents tell others that are coming to tour our facility, “Don’t wait too long.” That is their biggest regret, and they don’t want others to feel the same way. They didn’t realize that moving into a retirement village doesn’t mean they were getting older, it means they are entering a new phase which entitles them to enjoy life instead of worrying about it.
Barb, one of our residents, told me with a smile that every time she talks to her daughter on the phone, her daughter thanks her. Her daughter appreciates the fact that her mom is safe and enjoying her life at Ridgecrest. I agree with her daughter,. If my parents were to move into a retirement
village, I would be thanking them as well.
