50+ Lifestyles

Decisions That Fit

By Mary Huebbe
Marketing Director
Ridgecrest Village

Here in the Quad Cities there are many Senior Living Communities, but they are not like the “one-size-fits-all” shirts. Each facility has its own niche, and you need to check them all out to decide for yourself what fits you and your life style. What is your comfort zone when it comes to moving? What do you want your future to look like? Who do you want to spend the remainder of your life with?

Ridgecrest Village is a non-profit, Christian community an

d, in a sense, our residents are the bosses. They are able to make decisions that affect the daily management of our community through committees for all different areas in our facility. There are too many to mention but, if you can think of it, we have a committee for it. That gives our residents the empowerment and ownership of their home. Having our residents being on these committees, along with staff members, helps create the family that we have here at Ridgecrest Village.

John, one of our residents, had chosen a different facility before coming here. They were a newer facility and, as he stated, “They appeared to have all the bells and whistles.” After 2 months he was visiting me, asking if we had any openings because he didn’t feel a connection and it didn’t feel like home. John stated, “It was a very cold feeling in their dining room.” John also likes the fact that we have a buffet meal so he is able to pick what he wants, as well as how much he wants to eat. John said, “I have never regretted my decision to move here; I only wish I would have done it sooner!”

Phyllis started looking for a Senior Community in the 1990s. She looked at several different places; some in Florida and Iowa City, as well as other Iowa areas because she grew up here. After deciding that Florida wasn’t right for her because most of her friends were here in Iowa, she decided that Ridgecrest Village was a good fit. It is close to everything, yet set back in a beautiful park-like setting. On top of that, the Life Care program was extremely appealing; she felt it gave her a financial peace of mind for the remainder of her life. Phyllis said, “For me, it was a good decision. We are well cared for and there are many advantages to being here. Many times I have thanked God for making it possible. God often uses people, sometimes unknown to us, to accomplish his work and will; he definitely did that for me.”

When talking with Darlene she said, “It was the cottage with a garage that sold us. We had looked at several different places but none felt like home. You will know what you want when you see it; it will feel like home. John and I have never regretted the move. All we would say to someone is ‘the sooner the better, don’t wait too long.’ We are extremely busy but that is our choice; you can get involved and do a lot or you can decide to do nothing. Our children love it because they don’t have to worry any longer about what the future can bring. Everything is right here if we were to need any higher levels of care.”

Each of us must choose the best fit for our lives. We can decide if we want small or large. Do we want a lot of activities or none? How do I want to retire? Should I be with others my own age so I can continue to enjoy life if my mobility decreases? No one has the answer for someone else. These decisions need to be made on your own or with your spouse. Of course, let your loved ones in on the conversation but,
ultimately its best if you make the decision for yourself. My only advice would be, “Don’t wait too long so you don’t get the option to choose!”

In March we will be having a Spring Fling Dance. We would love for you to come see our family and enjoy the celebration of the upcoming spring season. Bring a friend and enjoy relaxing music by Buddy Olsen; as well as delicious hors d’oeuvres for your tummy! Please see our ad on the back cover of this magazine for more details.