85 ... is the new 65?
When you walk through the door at The Court at Pringle Creek retirement home you are constantly greeted with SMILES. Smiles from the residents, the staff and visitors alike. To us, it felt like walking into a very large living room in someones actual house. As local Realtors when we are invited into someones house, the living room often is the pride of the home. When we we entered this establishment we found somewhere that was so pretty - not too formal, gracious not stark. It felt pleasant and comfortable just like one of our senior clients homes be it a condo or a house.
Recently we had the occasion to visit Denise Myers and some of the staff for 'dinner' at The Court at Pringle Creek", mid week as they took us on a tour of the facilities. Having been there for a second time things looked very familiar and we were able to view a large one bedroom suite that backed onto a forest... last hints of spring .. snow on the ground. It felt like a living room I might find in one of our seniors clients homes.. be it a condo or bungalow. The decor was so pleasant and "homey" for lack of a better word.. but up to date and modern.
After a tour and a video presentation Denise and her team introduced us to a couple of vibrant and enthusiastic ambassadors
to chat with us about their own experiences... Gracious is a well earned slogan - and the best description. They really seemed settled and happy to share their stories and routines. Denise and her team sent us out the door with a sample dinner for two - BBQ chicken and all the trimmings. Home made tasting is the best description. the featured meal that night. Excellent down to the smallest detail.
As a Shoppers Drug mart qualified senior ourselves, ( over 55 you can get seniors discount we now proudly admit) we start looking at these retirement places with new fresh eyes. My own mother - charming 85 year old ( 86 two weeks from now) might say .. "not sure if I am ready for that kind of a place yet". Funny at 59 it looks pretty amazing to us.
INFLUENCERS is what we are aptly called. Helping our parents make good decisions.
Boomers who are checking out the options for our parents and trusting when parents - uncles, aunts, or family friends are ready, we know where to lead them to. Hopefully NOT when they have had a fall or other emergency.
Most influencers, fear that their parents are just plain lonely or not getting the proper meals when cooking and eating for just one. As working offspring we are not always able to tend to their changing needs.It was a great comfort to me to learn they are getting Residents to their specialist appointments anywhere in Durham , or Walmart... or even out to a show, is a service provided to Pringle Creek residents. They "bus " them about town with great care and pride.
As I sat looking out the administration office window to the forest, two residents nicely bundled up for cool spring like day wandered by on their morning walk. It was like being in a park but still on the property. What a great thing to be able to do.
Denise told me if you want a HOTEL like feeling try somewhere else. If you want a RESORT like feeling - try somewhere else but if you want to feel like your parent is HOME.. come to The Court at Pringle Creek. Could not have said it better. It seems like a wonderful next step for seniors who have decided they are ready for it and we encourage you to drop by for a coffee and see the place. It might just be the perfect new home.
We laugh in the olden days we remember seniors saying " don't you to PUT me into "the HOME" - Once you visit .. it might just change a your mind... a few minds!
Dale and Patricia
Seniors Downsizing Durham
