Most people aren’t quite sure what to expect when they start researching senior living communities. Oftentimes, the best way to learn more about community life is to hear from the residents themselves. In this article, we’ll explore five things that Newcastle Place residents told us they wish they knew before moving. Some of their insights might even surprise you!
1. There’s an Option Out There for You
There are more senior living options available now than ever before. Because of this, you’re more likely to find a community that fits your specific lifestyle preferences and needs.
“I really had no idea what senior living was all about,” resident Marlene Lauwasser says. “Then we came here and I was just so impressed.”
Luxury senior living communities like Newcastle Place even offer an abundance of resort-style services and amenities. It is worth looking into and comparing these special benefits.
2. You Still Have Freedom to Explore
Moving into a senior living community doesn’t mean spending all of your days in your home or on the campus. You can also get out and experience all the local community has to offer.
“We enjoy taking advantage of the trips that are available to us: A lot of sightseeing kinds of activities,” resident Ed Agnew says. “We’ve been to places we wouldn’t have probably gone on our own! We took a great trip down to Lambeau Field.”
Depending on your personal preferences, you can even schedule transportation ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about driving yourself to or from an activity.
3. Making Friends Happens Naturally
Making friends is easier when you’re part of a community. Conversations flow naturally over a nice meal and glass of wine in a senior living community’s on-site restaurants. The same is true while enjoying on-site amenities, entertainment, or even stepping outside for a walk.
“New people that are looking at moving here ask, “‘How do you make friends?’” resident Kathy Rigterink says. “You come… and it happens! From the first day we moved in, people were stopping us in the hall talking to us, and arranging to have dinner together.”
Special events and activities also make meeting new people easier.
“The festivities and the events they have here are a wonderful way to meet other people,” resident Marlene Lauwasser says. “And we have a welcome committee. They reach out and try to get [new residents] as involved as possible.”
4. There’s Always Something to Do
When you move into the right senior living community, every day brings with it new experiences. Whether you’re pampering yourself at the spa, enjoying an orchestral performance, or joining friends for a painting class, there’s always some type of fun to be had and people to enjoy it with.
“At first, I wondered, ‘What am I going to do [in senior living]? How am I going to spend my time?’” resident Ralph Bayard says. “But once I got here there were so many things going on… and you can attend or not attend depending on whether you want to or not. There’s no shortage of things to keep us occupied and [ways to stay] busy from day to day!”
Another perk of senior living is that there’s always a special occasion to celebrate.
“I like the pool and water aerobics,” Newcastle Place resident Ann Agnew says. “I like a lot of the music that they bring in. And it usually involves a party where we have hors d’oeuvres and a beverage! We do have a lot of parties [within our community]. That part is fun.”
5. Downsizing Can Be Freeing
If you’ve lived in the same home for decades, you have likely filled it with a number of treasures. However, while some material possessions may hold great emotional weight, there are likely plenty of other things filed away in storage, closets, and elsewhere that do not.
“We accumulate [so much] over a bunch of years, but when you really stop to look at it piece by piece, you don’t use most of that stuff,” resident Connie Pukaite says. “It’s just there. [Sure], it looks nice, but you don’t need it. It was such a relief [to get rid of it], honestly.”
Beyond downsizing, moving to a senior community can also present an opportunity to liven up your living space and start fresh.
“I was so excited [to move in],” resident Gail Johnson says. “I saw this as a new opportunity for me. I got rid of almost all my furniture. I set my apartment [in Newcastle Place] up differently than how I’d been living [before]. And it was a whole new exciting stage for me.”
Learn More About Community Living at Newcastle Place
Now that you’ve heard some of the things senior living residents wish they knew before moving in, we invite you to schedule an in-person visit to explore community living for yourself. At Newcastle Place, we provide opportunities for our residents to connect with others, enhance their well-being, and experience new adventures. Live your best life and pursue your passions. Contact us or complete the form below to learn more about life at Newcastle Place.
