with a Personal Touch FRIENDSHIP
Social connections in senior living are often life-changing. Before moving to a retirement community, older adults sometimes feel varying degrees of loneliness and isolation. However, when individuals relocate to a senior living community, they find people in the same age group, and it is often easier to meet neighbors who share interests, experiences, and ways of life.
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esidents living at Landis Homes Personal Care often form relationships based on shared experiences. Fred Husson moved
to Personal Care in August 2022, after his wife passed away. Jim Schreiber moved in shortly after he lost his wife, Judy. Fred shares, “One day, the nurses told me that they had someone they would like me to meet, and they introduced me to Jim.” Jim and Fred sat together for lunch that day, and then again for supper. Tey bonded over the loss of their loved ones. “Both of our wives passed away within the past nine months, so we are a help to each other,” says Jim. “Since the first time we met, we have been sitting together at meals every day. We’re both similar ages, and we have a good amount in common.”
Fred, who is a ‘foodie,’ due to traveling all over the world with his wife in their earlier years, suggested the two attend an off-campus lunch trip, offered by Landis Homes. “We love going on the dining trips as much as we can,” says Jim. “It’s great to order a meal and talk to all different types of people.”
Community-building is also very prevalent among the residents. Sue Henkel has lived at Landis Homes for almost three years and has made an assortment of new friends. “I go to the pool every day and meet some friends there,” she shares. “And on Monday nights, we meet to play Bridge in the Owl Hill Bistro.” Sue is
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Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2023
also an avid Canasta player, so when she met a group of ladies who were interested in learning more about the game, she formed a group. Tey get together regularly over lunch to play and practice.
Sue has also started relationships by sharing her love of gardening and bountiful harvests. Te Personal Care team was able to designate a small plot of land on the property for Sue to grow some tasty vegetables. “Vanessa Boyer [a previous team member at Landis Homes] first gave me a tomato plant, and as it grew, she suggested I plant it outside in the plot.” Te tomato plant flourished, and Sue was able to share the delicious fruit with her neighbors – gaining her even more friends, including her next-door neighbor, Lois. “We do many activities together,” says Sue, about Lois. “When the weather is nice, we also like to go to the pond to watch the ducks and swans.” Sue also enjoys encouraging her friends to get outside when able.
Residents are always looking to build new and lasting friendships at Landis Homes. “There are many opportunities to stay active and meet people here on campus,” says Jim. “One just needs to take advantage of them!”
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
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