Helen Chang
Helen Chang and her husband built their home in Marlboro in 1970. After her son moved to New York City and her husband passed in 2005, she saved a postcard from Applewood as a future retirement community option. Over the years, she attended marketing events at the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and established a connection with her sales counselor, Matthew Mazzucca.
Helen valued her longtime social connections in Monmouth County, attending the Jireh Church in Marlboro, line dancing at the Manalapan Senior Center and friendships at a local Chinese social club.
But the advent of Covid-19 and the isolation that followed brought to light the disadvantages of living alone later in life.
“As an older person, I was concerned about my health during this time,” Helen recalls. “I called my longtime family doctor for reassurance and she told me that if I had Covid or another condition, I should go to the hospital as she was not seeing any patients.” Helen felt abandoned by her healthcare provider.
Thankfully, due to her good health and commitment to walking 6,000 steps daily, she did not face any marked illnesses or health issues during this time. Nonetheless, the experience left her feeling uneasy.
“I contacted Matthew and we toured a 1B/1BA Walnut apartment that included a separate den that I liked very much,” Helen recalls. Unfortunately, someone else claimed the apartment soon after her tour. “A few months later, Matthew said the apartment was available again and I took it as a sign the home was meant for me.”
Her Resident Ambassador, Charles Stromfeld, invited her to see his apartment since he also had the Walnut floor plan. “His apartment was beautifully decorated and I gasped when I discovered a piano in his den,” Helen recalls. She had not played the piano in her home for more than 30 years. “It was located in a large room with a high ceiling and I never felt comfortable playing there. Seeing Charles’ piano in a smaller space looked very appealing to me.”
AFTER MOVING TO APPLEWOOD IN JULY 2022, HELEN BEGAN PLAYING HER PIANO AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE LATE 1980S.
A former computer programmer and IT consultant at AT&T, Helen quickly immersed herself in Applewood’s Engaged Living™ lifestyle. “I was delighted to discover a weekly line dancing class where I don’t have to drive to attend.”
She also attends live musical performances, watches opera videos Sunday afternoons in the Performing Arts Center, attends group Bible study, uses the outdoor lighted walking path, and socializes at the resident cocktail parties and holiday events.
Most importantly, as an independent living resident, she has the peace of mind of knowing healthcare support is only a phone call away. “If I need to see a doctor, Dr. Charles Hayne is on-site several days a week and I like him very much,” Helen notes.
Helen also appreciates that the Applewood staff monitors her daily well-being through a home-based ‘all is well’ button she pushes before 11 am. If the Security Department does not receive a confirmation from her, they call or visit her apartment in person.
Most of all, Helen is grateful to be free from the drudgery of maintaining a large home.
“IT IS WONDERFUL TO BE FREE OF HOUSEKEEPING, COOKING, LAWN MAINTENANCE AND FINDING A PLUMBER OR AN ELECTRICIAN TO FIX SOMETHING.”
Today, Helen blends her previous relationships and activities in Marlboro with her new life at Applewood. “I still see old friends and look forward to attending my church in person someday soon. But now, I have the added benefit of new people in my life and more activities to try and enjoy. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”