Moving to a retirement community found to be more exhilarating than stressful

Moving to a retirement community found to be more exhilarating than stressful

By Keith Grady, Executive Director

Moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers a unique set of benefits, which is one of the reasons more seniors are choosing this residential living option. Simply stated, it is living well today, bolstered by the added protection of healthcare support, should you ever need it down the road.

Many new residents are understandably concerned about how they will fare after the move from their previous residence to their new home at Applewood.

But research, provided by a grant from the Institute for Optimal Aging, discovered that, in fact, the transition process is not actually all that difficult for most seniors after all. The study found that retired men and women adapted positively to the move, became fully indoctrinated within just a few months, and continued to thrive as time went on.

Applewood’s personalized approach to welcoming new community members

During the early days and weeks after a new resident joins us here in Freehold, we take special care to ensure the move is not just stress-free, but exhilarating and celebratory.

Many seniors hit the ground running, meeting neighbors and discovering like-minded people who enjoy pursuing the same hobbies and interests through our exclusive Engaged Living™ program. Others need a friendly helping hand to get settled.

The majority of retirees have moved on from their longtime homes and soon find themselves reveling in the close proximity of our resort-style amenities such as the indoor pool, fitness programs, dining services, cocktail parties and terrific entertainment—all just minutes from their front door—no driving required.
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Cynthia Schaechter moved to Applewood in September 2013, leaving behind a house she shared with her late husband in an active adult community. “It was a big house and very lonely,” Cynthia says. “But primarily I moved here for the sake of my children; they were worrying about me living alone all the time. I felt it was important for them to know I was safe and in good hands.”
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In fact, one of the main reasons many seniors join a CCRC is to offset social isolation, which is common with older adults. That’s quickly rectified here at Applewood since there’s always a group heading out to restaurants, a show, the boardwalk or a day trip to various destinations.

Resident Ambassadors offer peer-to-peer friendship

Everyone needs a little help settling in and learning the lay of the land in a new environment. Who better to offer a hand at Applewood than a community member who is already familiar with the ins-and-outs of retirement community living?

Our friendly and resourceful ambassadors will answer all your questions, help you find the dining rooms or pool and show you where you can pick up a few groceries, right here in the community. Most importantly, they’ll help you meet new people and discover new experiences to try, all at your own pace.

For singles, the ambassadors will gladly set-up dining arrangements so that newcomers can meet a variety of new people while enjoying a delicious meal in our dining room or bistro.

Older adults choose a CCRC for a variety of reasons—less home maintenance, more social engagement, less cooking and cleaning, more travel and intellectual engagement.

We understand that moving can be disconcerting. But when you move to Applewood, our staff and our residents will be ready to help make your new home a haven that will provide many new memories to cherish.

“Today I see younger people moving to Applewood,” says Eve Blum, who previously lived in a senior community in Manchester. “There’s a life here. You’ll be embraced. You’re not alone.”

Have you visited Applewood? If not, call us and we’ll gladly take you on a tour and answer your questions. We also have a plethora of events and special occasions where future community members are welcomed.
Call 732-303-7416 to learn more. We look forward to getting to know you.