50+ Lifestyles

The Benefits of Moving to Ridgecrest Village

By Karen McCoy
Marketing Consultant
Ridgecrest Village

What are the benefits to moving into Ridgecrest Village?
A Resident shares her thoughts.

When you are considering a move to a Senior Residence, sometimes it can be difficult to come up with the questions you want to ask. You may realize that it is time to move and know the answers to the logical questions like how much does it cost, where is it located and what size apartment you want or need. But there are other questions that don’t come to mind as quickly. Questions that you don’t think of right away. One of our resident’s shared the following reasons that she feels are the benefits to living here at Ridgecrest.

Friendships: As we age, our life can become lonely. We often lose roles, spouses and friends. Living with peers offers friendship, companionship and a sense of community.  Neighbors become traveling companions, friends who share a cup of coffee and often a fellowship and support group in times of need. In the first week that I moved into my apartment, I was welcomed by many of my new neighbors. One of my neighbors even brought over a coffee cake to enjoy with my coffee! I opened my door time and time again to find people with welcoming wishes and offers of assistance to make my transition easier. Even though I didn’t know them at the time, they’ve since become good friends. It’s so nice to know that I’ll always have someone to talk to, someone who notices when I’m away, and always someone who will help when it is needed. We look out for each other! Now I am one of those welcoming neighbors. I want to be sure that everyone that moves in feels welcome and included.

Safety and Peace of Mind:  Living at Ridgecrest offers freedom and safety. The many security measures make me feel secure. From our 24/7 security guards to our life lines, our daily checks to our key entry system for all of the locked doors, even our mail is in the building so I don’t have to go outside and get it. Not to mention that our friends check on each other, noticing when someone is missing from dinner.  Additionally, in case of some sort of medical emergency, nursing staff are right here in the building. All of this gives me a great peace of mind.

Less Home Maintenance: It was getting harder and harder to take care of my home, Things seemed to be needing repair more often, and my family was not around here to help with it. So I had to hire from outside and with all of the scams you hear about, it was becoming more and more difficult to get things done.  Even things that were simple when my husband was alive seemed mountainous to take care of, like gutters, the lawn and leaky hot water heaters. I realized just how much he took care of things when it became my responsibility to handle it. Here at Ridgecrest, I just pick up the phone and things are taken care of,  and the grounds are so beautifully maintained, it looks like a park all summer long. And the Gazebo is an added benefit, I didn’t have one at my home.

Lower Financial Burden: Moving to Ridgecrest has given me peace knowing what my rent will be, and what my extra payments are. This helps me with budgeting for the future, and the access to additional care without relocating takes the guilt away. I have made sure that my children do not have to worry about my well-being in the future. It is all taken care of right here. The Lifecare program is here just in case I run out of funds. I can stay here with the same care.

Less Cooking:  I have to admit cooking was never my favorite thing to do, so I never really became really good at it. Here at Ridgecrest, the meals are tasty and nutritious. Our chef does a wonderful job of creating yummy meals. They even ask for our recipes to try out.  If they are well-received, they add them to the menu.  It also helps that you eat with friends, so the food tastes even better. The Dieticians work with you if you have special diet needs.

Interesting Activities: There are so many opportunities to get out of your apartment and enjoy yourself. We have a very diverse range of activities to choose from, and you can either interact or you can stay in your apartment. Me, I choose to go as often as I can. Even if it sounds different that anything I have done before, I give it a chance. Usually I find it enjoyable and interesting. If for no other reason, that I was able to socialize with friends and even make new friends with the new people that are just moving in. We have activities that range from adult coloring (the new craze) to off-campus activities such as Circa 21.

Transportation: I’ll admit I was driving when I probably shouldn’t have been. Although many of my friends here still drive, I utilize the transportation service that they offer.  I just feel safer, and they take us to so many places it is easy for me to take care of all of my business. Plus, the weekly shopping trip is always another opportunity to visit with friends. It is especially nice in the winter when the roads are bad; we have wonderful drivers that safely take us where we need to go.

Volunteer Opportunities:  Sitting at home and being fearful of driving, I had found myself becoming secluded. At Ridgecrest, they offer a wealth of opportunities to volunteer, to make a difference.  At first I thought, what do I have to give?  I realized I do have a lot to offer, I can share my talents. I have found ways to volunteer that I really enjoy. Living at Ridgecrest has given me a new outlook on life. I wake up every morning wondering “what wonderful experiences am I going to have today.” If you want to have a more fulfilling life and enjoy all of the amenities that I have mentioned, I recommend that you contact Karen or Mary in our Marketing Department. They will show you how you can change your life by moving to Ridgecrest.

Submitted by: Karen McCoy, Marketing Consultant

Karen McCoy is Marketing Consultant for Ridgecrest Village in Davenport, Iowa. For more information about Ridgecrest Village, contact Karen at (563) 391-3430.