There is a risk faced by people that reach old age. They can find themselves living independently (a good thing generally), but at the same time face the realization that they “have no one.” This is particularly true when they are widowed.
Remaining social is an important part of the lives of older people, whose need for belonging ranks up there with a need to “stay healthy.”
The ideal life for a senior includes a balance between the feeling of independence of having your own place and the opportunity to conveniently be around friends, family, and neighbors.
The lifestyle which goes with apartment living at Community Homes of Lebanon County meets that ideal criteria and then some. This may explain the fact that there is a long waiting list to get into the community.
Each Community Homes building in Lebanon County has a “community room” which gives residents opportunities to gather socially from time to time. Guest speakers with expertise of interest meet with groups of residents, Also, residents and staff organize occasions to share a meal together in the community room.
The plan works best when residents are directly involved. As an example, Oak Terrace resident Dorothy Shank thought it would be a good idea if residents could share a meal together in the community room once a month. So she used her culinary experience to prepare a nice meal. This resulted in an enjoyable community event, which will now continue each month at Oak Terrace.
Without realizing it. Dorothy has done her part in offsetting the problem of helping to avoid loneliness.
Resident Services Coordinator Lori Weise, who attended the luncheon, remarked, “I noticed one resident in particular, who spends perhaps too much time alone, made the effort to be at the luncheon. She spent her time relaxing and enjoying time with her neighbors. This goes beyond just having lunch with friends.”
For more information about Community Homes of Lebanon County, visit https://communityhomespa.org, or call 717-273-1711 x 100.
Community Homes of Lebanon Valley, in partnership with others, provides housing, related facilities, and supportive services so that each person, whose life we touch, may realize more fully his or her potential for physical, social, and spiritual well-being.
