Fear of the unknown is a powerful and uncomfortable feeling; it can make us impulsive or freeze us in our tracks. In her role as Community Relations Manager for Berwick on the Lake, Kat Theus meets many seniors who are fearful of retirement communities. But she says when it comes to retirement living, arming yourself with knowledge can go a long way to putting your mind at ease.
“Many people remember the ‘old folks homes’ or ‘care homes’ of many decades ago – perhaps they had a grandparent or parent that had to move in because there was no one available to look after them. Today, retirement living is a completely different thing, where communities focus on the ‘living’ part. From fun and diverse recreational programming to great, balanced meals and—perhaps most important—enriching social opportunities.”
Kat’s tips for touring retirement communities
Setting up tours of retirement communities in the cities and areas you’d like to live is a great way to dispel fear. Tours come with no obligation, and it takes just a simple phone call to set up.
“Take a friend or family member with you as a second set of eyes and to provide an additional opinion,” she says.
What you may find helpful is to take a list of the things that matter the most to you. Are you a reader? Then you’d enjoy a library as part of the amenities. A movie buff? Perhaps a theatre is important. How much focus is on healthy aging? What surroundings do you want to live in? What do you require in your suite/apartment?
There are no wrong questions and the more answers you receive, the more knowledge you have.
“You’ll also find it useful to tour more than one community so that you can make comparisons. Sometimes we’re not even sure what matters to us until we see it. How does it feel when you walk in? How did the other residents seem? Were they happy and engaged? Without even making a conscious effort towards this, you will ‘feel’ it,” Kat says.
“Once you’ve toured some communities and received answers to your many questions, I know that many of your concerns will be put to rest. Then, until you are ready to make a move, you’ll have peace of mind knowing where you plan to make your next home. It also helps your family if they are made aware of your wishes—and it puts you in in the driver’s seat of where you WANT to go, rather than someone else making that decision for you when crisis strikes.”
Here at Berwick on the Lake, we are always happy and proud to show off our home. If you are interested in a visit, please contact Kat, the Community Relations Manager, at 250-729-7995. To follow along with the latest adventures from community members, visit instagram.com/berwick.lake.
