Living in a community is good for your health

“Living in a community is one of the healthiest things you can do,” exclaimed Norma Sorenson, a five-year resident of The Springs at Carman Oaks in Lake Oswego. “You don’t feel alone and isolated and that is a secret of aging well.” (see video)

Being part of a community not only enriches the lives of senior residents, but also the lives of their families. Housekeeping, transportation, medication management, meal preparation and personal assistance are all handled by the community. You have the freedom to enjoy, well, everything else. Socialize. Learn. Exercise. Walk with friends. You name it.

Like a cruise ship on land

We hear over and over again, “It’s like living on a cruise-ship on land.” Two daughters of a resident at The Springs at Mill Creek, added that their mother “deserved a chance to live pretty, like in a hotel, or on a cruise.” They also told us that their mother was so busy every day they rarely found her in her apartment.

Celebrate every day, if you like

Many of The Springs Living communities have heated swimming pools that provide lap swimming, aqua-fitness classes, or family swim time with grandchildren. A pool party is not an uncommon activity, as residents, families and friends love to celebrate anytime and anywhere!

Speaking of celebrating, where better than an on-campus pub? Named after the founder’s grandfather who loved spinning tales with friends over a drink, Fancho’s Public House is a delightful meeting place for residents, their friends and families.

How do I make “the move”

Ah, the question we are asked the most. Living in the same house for many years lends itself to accumulating treasures. How do you sort and decide what stays and what goes?

Here are a few tips that can ease some of the stress and leave you feeling accomplished, free and unburdened:

1. Know the services provided with your new living arrangements. When you are free from daily chores like cooking and cleaning, you can also free yourself of the supplies they require. If you’re moving and still plan to cook sometimes, you may want to keep a few of your favorite, most used kitchen-wares, while off-loading less used items and all the duplicates in a garage sale. If you’re moving and ready to leave virtually all of the cooking to the chef, you can gift family members with your pans, small appliances, gadgets, cookbooks, and dishes. Kitchen-wares in working order are always appreciated by thrift stores.
2. Give yourself plenty of time. When possible, give yourself a few months to go through the downsizing process. You’ll want time to decide what should be recycled, given to charity, or sold. You can also set up face-to-face time to visit with loved ones and give them treasured items that they’ll appreciate. It’s a great way to explain an item’s history and pass along its special meaning or financial value.
3. Create an “Open Me First” box, or two. Owners of Managed Moves suggest putting together a box of things that will make you comfortable during your first 24 hours in a new home, perhaps a set of your favorite bed linens, trusty clock, a familiar bedside photo, the book you’re reading, phone and charger, pajamas and toiletries. Make sure your medications are with you and that a loved one also knows where they are.

Where to find The Springs Living

Ready to see how living in a senior community can be a change for the better? In the Portland-Metro area, you’ll find The Springs Living in these communities: Tanasbourne (Hillsboro), Sherwood, Carman Oaks (Lake Oswego), Wilsonville, Clackamas Woods (Milwaukie). To see all locations or to learn more about The Springs Living visit TheSpringsLiving.com or call 503-435-2323.