The Baby Boomers are starting to enter into retirement.  Retirement is the point where a person stops employment completely. Most people choose to retire at the point they become eligible for retirement benefits but some people are forced to retire when physical conditions don’t allow the person to work anymore or as a result of legislation concerning their position.

The idea of retirement is a fairly recent idea, starting in the 19 century because people began living longer. When life expectancy was low and there was no pension or social security people often worked until death. Germany was the first country to introduce retirement in the 1880’s.

Most developed countries today have some sort of system to provide pensions for retirement in old age. In poor countries support for the old is still mainly provided by the family. Every country has their own formula and age when a person is eligible to receive benefits.  In the United States the longer you work and wait to collect social security the more money you get monthly when you do collect.  People who have greater wealth tend to retire earlier since they do not have to rely solely on the social security benefits. 

It is important to have a financial plan for retirement. But what about the psychological part of retiring?  So many people have their identity wrapped up in their jobs.   There are days, on the job, when we think retirement is going to be the best thing that ever happened to us. The idea of not needing to be at the job every day seems to be just what you wanted.  Then retirement comes and many people find themselves complaining about being bored. Now all those hours spent at work need to be filled.  Daily rounds of golf can get old quickly, especially if your usual golfing buddies still have jobs. Most people need some type of structure for retired life, some reason to get up in the morning. Maybe finding someplace to volunteer can give you a new sense of identity and self-worth.  There are numerous places where one can volunteer but look at your interests and ask around for opportunities that fit your talents.  Retirement is a time to look at what interests you. There may be a hobby you might like to try. Maybe there was something that interested you many years ago.  Finding ways to socialize is important: retirees won’t find happiness sitting at home.   The ability to find balance between being busy and having time to pursue your own interests may take some practice. Keeping your mind and physical self well will help you enjoy the later years of life.

 Since I have not retired myself, I talked to a few people about the first months after retiring and the adjustment. David Hasagawa said he and his wife made a decision that they would quit what they were doing and move on to other interests if they ever got tired of what they were doing. When that happened for both of them they realized that they could retire. The hard part, recalls David, is that everybody thinks you have time to volunteer.  It is easy to become busier then you ever were while you worked.  The 6 months after he retired. David said no to most every request. “That gave me time to look at volunteer opportunities and decide how I wanted to be busy. I now feel I have a pretty good balance between fun time, personal time and volunteering.”

Jay Huchabay told me that he has retired several times since his first retirement.  His first retirement ended a career that spanned two decades. Shortly after this retirement he met and married his sweetheart. Together they have had many adventures. They managed a hotel, a mobile home park, and took on several other projects for two to three years apiece. Along with these jobs came several moves. Once settled at Sierra View Homes Jay reports they now enjoy the activities and opportunities a retirement community offers.

Cathy Ratmeyer explained that 8 years ago she made the decision to retire from teaching. She loved the job but felt the stress was too much and so she chose to leave the job. Cathy remembers those first few days feeling exhilarated being able to drink coffee any time she wanted to.  Soon after her retirement she made plans for extended visits with her children and grandchildren living in several different states. She reports, “It was wonderful to become more connected with my family.”  Retirement for Cathy has meant she can volunteer with organizations that mean a lot to her. “It is important to stay close to friends and socialize regularly through church and activities.”

 Depression is a problem in retirement if we feel we are of no use anymore.  Even if you must leave the job early due to health problems planning ahead and looking at how you want to fill the days of your retirement will help you be better able to make the transition from being part of the work force to being retired.  From these stories we see it is important not only to have a plan for our finances but to also have plans for keeping our mind and spirit stimulated.  Look at your interests and see where you have an opportunity to share your skills. Find ways to connect with people. Join a coffee group, find a place to volunteer, become more connected with your church, take time to be with family and look at hobbies that could give you hours of entertainment.  Retirement can be the start of something wonderful.

There are a number of senior retirement facilities in my area. Why would I want to live in a retirement community?  K.A. of  Reedley

Retirement communities are set up to provide an option for seniors when the maintenance and care of owning a home becomes overwhelming.  As people age, the ability to physically keep up with a yard and house maintenance becomes more and more daunting.  Projects that were, at one time, fairly easy can become difficult and sometimes next to impossible to complete.  If one spouse has passed away or has the need to be in a long term care facility the task of keeping up the house falls to the one remaining at home.

 Retirement communities are also set up for residents who wish to enjoy the freedom of a private home, but still remain free of the many responsibilities of home ownership and maintenance. Most retirement communities try to have a variety in living arrangements to offer some choice to the resident.  There are communities with apartments varying in size and amenities, some have duplexes and some have single family houses.  Either covered carports or garages are usually available where a resident can park a vehicle.

 Some retirement communities offer varying meal plans. Other communities include one or more meals in the rent. Usually there is a main dining room where the meal is served. This helps the residents of the community have chance to get together and socialize with others during a meal.  Having at least one nutritious meal during the day can help the resident maintain his or her health and energy.

 As we age our ability to drive safely can diminish. Retirement communities typically have a van or a bus to provide transportation for grocery shopping, general shopping trips and outings. The activity director plans outings and activities of interest. These outings could include going to a see movie, visiting local attractions, attending a local play or musical concert.  For example, as I’m writing this article today, the bus at Sierra View Homes took 15 residents to the cheese factory in Traver. They enjoyed a tour of the factory, had lunch at the restaurant and finished with ice cream all in the company of good friends.

 Retirement communities vary in the housekeeping services that they provide.  Some include housekeeping services in the rent, others offer services for an additional cost, and some offer no housekeeping services at all for those in an independent living setting. Some facilities allow the resident to hire someone from outside the community, which may include off-duty staff members.

 Health care services for residents in independent living facilities are quite minimal. The expectation is that the residents are able to care for themselves and maintain their own health needs. There are communities that offer weekly or monthly blood pressure checks and some facilities have a nurse designated to help residents with short term dressing changes or other short term needs.

 Most facilities offer beauty and barber shop services on the premises. The shops can be run independently or through the company. The opportunity to get one’s hair or nails done helps seniors maintain a positive self esteem and enjoy a little pampering without ever leaving the campus.

 More and more seniors are looking for retirement communities that offer opportunities to exercise, which will enable them to stay healthy and maintain independence. For instance, most mornings you will find a room full of residents peddling on stationary bikes, walking on treadmills, swimming or doing general exercise in theWellnessCenterat Sierra View Homes.  Most facilities are looking to provide opportunities to exercise that are geared toward seniors so the residents do not need to travel away from the community to work out.

 In the future, retirement facilities will continue to evolve in order to meet the needs and interests of the next generation coming in.  Each generation brings new interests and desires and facilities are seeing more and more seniors who want computer and Internet access, cable T.V. as a standard, and various entertainment options.

 The benefits of living in a congregate arrangement have been well documented in scientific studies done throughout the world.  So if you want to live a longer, happier and more fulfilled life, consider living in the company of friends in a retirement community.

Our ability to live independently becomes jeopardized when we have trouble walking. Sometimes using a cane or a walker can make a huge difference.  Walking aids allow many older adults to keep active and independent. They can reduce pain while walking or compensate for balance problems. The problem with using a cane or a walker is if they are used improperly they can cause a fall, and that’s the very thing we were trying to avoid in the first place!

 A six year government study shows that falls with walkers/canes are an under recognized health problem.  It was remarkable how many older adult falls were attributed to walking aids.  In 2006 more than 47,000 seniors went to an emergency room due to a fall that involved a walker or a cane. The government study showed people were seven times more likely to be injured by a fall if they were using a walker than those using a cane.   People who are using a walker could be more fragile thus needing a walker instead of a cane. Also, the fall risk increases with age. The highest rate of falls was in the 85 and older age group.

 When someone has a walking or balance problem the doctor will often recommend a walking aid. There should be a Physical Therapy order as well. The person needs the training of how to use the walking aid properly. The therapist’s job is to make sure the walking aid is the correct one for the problem and the right size. A number of people will borrow a cane or a walker from a relative or a friend and not have it fitted to them or be trained on how to use the aid properly. Many accidents happen when the cane or the walker is not the right height or type, or they have not been shown the proper way to use it.

 In the search for the walking aid it important to have a conversation with your doctor or physical therapist as to what type of aid is best for you.  Canes are used to help with balance, or to help stabilize your walking gait if one side is weaker than the other. There are different types of canes. Canes can have a single tip on the bottom or they can have four prongs. The four prongs offer more stability if you need to put a lot of weight on the cane. Then the height of the cane is important. If the cane is too high or too low it will not allow you to balance properly thus putting you at risk for falls. Walkers provide more stability than canes. They let you shift more weight to your arms. There are pick up walkers, walkers with front wheels and walkers with four wheels. The type of walker to choose depends on how much need there is to put weight on your arms as you walk. The pick up walker is placed in front of you and you walk into it. Then you pick it up and place it further out in front and walk into it again. The two wheel walker allows the walker to slide forward. The person using it does not need to pick it up. At Sierra View Homes Retirement Community we find the two wheel walker the safest for our residents to use. The four wheel walker is the least stable. The four wheel walker rolls along, although most have brakes, the person using it needs to understand how to use the brakes and how to control the movement of the wheels. Using a four wheel walker is like pushing a grocery cart it gives you something to hold on to but does not offer much support.

 The selection of walking aids can be daunting. There are so many styles and models to choose from. It is important to choose a cane or walker that suits you in terms of support, design, fit and feel. If you go to a medical supply store ask the clerk to show you how the aid can be adjusted for height. Then have a physical therapist check it out for size and instruct you how to use it safely.  

 Aging brings along with it the fear of loosing one’s independence. Using a walking aid can help maintain that independence. It is important to choose the right aid and follow safety instructions from your doctor and/ or a physical therapist to keep that independence for as long as possible.

One of the reasons I chose to live in a retirement community was because I checked out the nursing home on campus, just in case. You hear a lot about boredom and even overmedication. How do you safeguard from that?  E.E. of Reedley.

When nursing homes first came on line in the 1960’s it was all too common to find over-medicated residents. The funding was minimal and therefore staffing inadequate.

Often you would go into a nursing home and see the residents lined up in their wheel chairs, sleeping or just staring off into space.  They would not respond well to the activity program. They did not have a desire to participate in much of anything.

Better knowledge for treatment and care of our senior citizens and more government funding through Medicaid brought about changes in the nursing home care. Today, there is training so the staff, who take care of the nursing home residents, are competent and have all sorts of ideas on how to provide care both efficiently and allowing dignity. The classes provide the students with both hands on and class room learning.  Emphasis is given to how to assess the resident and make them feel comfortable. Nursing assistants are required to take a state directed class with 50 hours of class time and 100 hours of hands on. They are required to have 24 hours of in-service each year.

Nursing homes have come a long way in the last 15 years. More and more emphasis is being placed on creating as much of a home like environment as is possible. There are inviting and pleasant places to hang out, windows that look out over flower beds,  grass and trees, aromas coming from the activity room such as bread baking, and places to be outside to feel the breeze. There is a staff of activity people whose job is to find out what each person did for entertainment or enjoyment at home and try to help that person do some of those very things to keep the resident motivated and encouraged.

All staff are responsible for stimulating the mind of the residents, helping them achieve a sense of well being. The staff gives a listening ear or a helping hand to allow the resident to feel heard and successful.  There is assistance by the staff so the resident can use the common areas. When you come into nursing care centers you will see more chairs and couches for residents to sit on. There are large screen TVs in common areas so residents can watch their favorite programs. These areas also allow for visiting, people watching, or meditating.

The job of the activity director has become an important part of the resident’s care. The director assesses the resident’s interests and then plans activities to meet those interests. There is group time, game time, activities that allow residents to work with their 5 senses; the activity staff visit residents one on one, take the time to go for walks indoors and outdoors with the resident, celebrate birthdays and holidays, and more.

The wellbeing and stimulation of each resident is the responsibility of more than just the activity staff. The licensed nurses are constantly assessing resident’s mood and behavior. They watch for changes in mood. This often can signal a health change. Residents and resident family members are encouraged to share what the resident has done in the past to give staff some clues as to what activities to try and encourage the resident to attend.  We all have times of anxiety and feeling agitated. It is the job of the nursing home staff to help the resident get through those feelings.

The residents have a couple of advocates these days who come from outside the facility staff. One is the Department of Health. The State Department of Health sends out trained staff to survey every nursing home in the state at least every 9-15 months. These individuals are trained to look for any one who is over medicated or placed in a situation that is not in their best interest.  The other advocate for the resident is the Ombudsman. These are volunteers who are trained to spot potential problems or abuse. The Ombudsman often comes to the nursing home just to walk through, talk to residents and ask questions of staff. They work with residents, resident’s families and staff to find a solution to any problem reported to them. Anyone can report concerns to the Ombudsman.

The residents that experience a feeling of being cared for have a sense of wellbeing which lessens the anxiety and anxiousness that can be part of a resident’s life.  The nursing home staff have classes every week centering on how to make the resident’s stay as positive as it can possibly be. The Certified Nursing Assistants give the resident the ability to look good and feel good by being clean and tidy. All staff members are encouraged to interact with the resident in a meaningful way, keeping the resident motivated and engaged, and still continue to monitor for changes in behavior to see if there is a health change. The extra edge, for nursing home residents living in a retirement community like Sierra View Homes, is the frequent visits from residents from the independent apartments. The goal is for the resident to have as pleasant a stay as possible, not be over medicated and to have the highest quality of life they can have.

As we age we start to become more aware of the aches and pains. We all hope we can age gracefully but too often we are faced with some type of calamity. Disaster can come in many forms. A stroke, heart attack, a broken bone or a disease like Parkinson’s is a small list of what could go wrong. When things go wrong it is good to know that there are good people who will step up to help. A family member or a good friend coordinating or providing care is a true blessing.  It is also good to know that there are places to go to receive help like Sierra View Homes Retirement Community. It is easy to ruminate about our aches and pains. Maybe you will count your blessings as I introduce you to a lady who has met disaster after disaster and still smiles every day.

I want to introduce you to Betty Majors. Betty resides at our Nursing Care Center at Sierra View Homes Retirement Community. Her story starts out with her working in a bank as a teller; a handsome young man brags to her that he was going moose hunting. She told him “if you get a moose I will cook it for you”.  She thought he was a show off but he did show up one day and said “I got a moose”.  Betty held up her end of the bargain and cooked the moose for him.  They were soon married. She told me it was a very happy marriage.

 When they retired they purchased a ranch near Reedley. “We had a wonderful marriage until 2009 when he had a fall off a haystack and hit his head on cement.” He did not survive.  Since they had no children they agreed that if something should happen to one of them the other would sell the ranch and move to town.  After her husband’s death Betty did sell the ranch and bought a new home in Reedley. That is when Betty’s health issues became more overwhelming the point of disastrous.

 Betty’s health story begins back in the 70s. She and her husband were hit from behind by a drunk driver. This accident caused a neck injury. Her neck is fused so turning or tipping her head back is impossible. In 2002   Betty had knee surgery. Betty did not wake up and her breathing became labored. The neck injury made intubation impossible so she ended up with a tracheotomy in the ICU fighting for her life.She survived but had to go through a long period of rehab and use a feeding tube. The tracheotomy did damage to Betty’s vocal cords. So she had to give up singing opera, something she trained for and loved to do.  Betty was eventually able to get rid of the feeding tube and life continued until her husband died.

 Betty lost her will to thrive after her husband’s accidental death in 2009. As a result she lost a large amount of weight. In 2010 she had internal bleeding while she was on a blood thinner. This caused her to become extremely weak. She was hospitalized and in a rehab through the fall of 2010.  Being at her home for Christmas that year was a wonderful result of her time in rehab. It seemed like she was going to do alright with 24 hour caregivers. That was not to be. 10 days after she got home Betty had a massive seizure. Since she was still on a blood thinner she lost a great deal of blood because she bit her tongue. The caregiver called an ambulance and Betty is taken to the nearest hospital in critical condition. She had another stay in the hospital ICU, another seizure, and another tracheotomy, and was back on a feeding tube.  Betty stayed in the ICU for over a month. Then she needed a special rehabilitation facility to help her get back on track.  After ICU she headed south to Los Angles to begin the arduous task of rehabilitation. Her health slowly improved. Once again, she regained her strength and began to breathe on her own, to eat on her own, and her will to live became strong again. The goal to come back to Reedley became a reality when Sierra View Homes said she could come to theNursingCareCenter. Going to live in her own home is her current goal.

 In her conversation and style there is absolutely no hint of resentment. Indeed she continues to encourage the staff and other residents around her. Betty feels blessed by having friends who stand by her even during the most difficult of times. She feels fortunate to be back in Reedley and works through her struggles graciously.

First of all, the distinction between dementia and Alzheimer’s is a very important one. “Dementia” is a term used to describe several different diseases and disorders of the brain. It is characterized by the progressive deterioration of mental abilities such as thinking and memory, changes in behavior, and a decline in skill levels and functioning. There are a number of different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is the most common. Dementia is a set of symptoms, while Alzheimer’s is a specific disease of the brain.

    Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type is caused by a neurological degeneration. Chemical and structural changes in the brain slowly destroy the ability to learn, remember, and relate to others. It is appropriately known as a late-life disease. About 5-8% of people over the age of 65 have some form of dementia and this number doubles every five years above that age. A dementia diagnosis in a person below the age of 65 is known as an “early onset” case. Age is a prevalent risk factor, but it is not the cause of the disease. Other risk factors include family history, genetics, and overall health.

     What is important to remember about Alzheimer’s is that it is not simply a natural part of aging, nor is it the only cause of forgetfulness and memory loss. Having a few “senior-moments” is not necessarily cause for alarm. Other possible causes of dementia-like symptoms include normal age-related cognitive decline, side-effects of medication, depression, chronic stress, metabolic ailments, infections, and hearing loss.

    Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease with different stages progressing from mild forgetfulness to widespread brain impairment. Breaking this process down into three stages can help provide general guidelines for understanding the progression of the disease and planning appropriate care. The three stages are early, middle and late.

    Characteristics of the early stage include memory loss of recent conversations or events, repeated questions, mild coordination problems, and mild word-finding difficulties, and difficulty performing familiar tasks. They also may show change in their social interactions such as isolating and taking less initiative. Their overall judgment and decision-making is compromised and reminders to do activities of daily living (ADLs) are needed. The duration of this stage usually lasts two to four years.

    The middle stage shows increased progression of these symptoms. Then, the late stage usually brings the inability to perform daily care independently. They may need assistance with feeding and may become mute or exhibit limited ability to communicate. They will often become immobile and may experience weight loss due to swallowing and eating difficulties.

     An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be a confusing, frustrating, and scary experience. While there is currently no cure, there are treatments available for the symptoms. An early diagnosis can prolong independence, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you see warning signs. Just like any other major change, you need time to adapt. Also, reach out for support. Continuing to live a socially connected and leading an active life will be beneficial. Communicate with your family and loved ones about your wishes and desires as you start down this journey.

     If you have a loved one that has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s you may be dealing with a host of emotions yourself. You may feel like the person you knew is now a stranger and this can be overwhelming. I would encourage you to learn as much as you can about this disease so that you will understand what to expect and will be more able to plan for effective care. This knowledge will help you to focus on and honor the strengths and abilities that your loved one still has throughout the stages. Also, do not take on the caregiving journey alone. Don’t forget to take care of your own health. Caregivers often experience a decline in health as a result of self-neglect.

     What you can do to practically help someone living with Alzheimer’s is provide an environment that is as stress-free and calm as possible. Daily routines should be maintained and emphasis should be on maintaining abilities, not on teaching new skills. Some adjustments to consider within the living environment to reduce confusion are having solid, one color flooring, pictures and signs to help a person find their way around the house, and the covering or removing of mirrors, approach from the front and establish eye-contact, but do not stare, speak clearly, slowly, and simply. It is important to give them plenty of time to respond. Be aware of gestures that could be received as threatening, and never shout or rush the person.

         A very valuable way to spend time with a person with dementia is reminiscing. Long-term memories are retained further into the disease than short-term recall. Involve people who knew the person before the disease and be encouraged: that person remains, though it becomes harder to reach them.

      For reliable information and support, you can call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.com.

      As we age I often hear talk about our aches and pains, how much medication we are taking and how tired we feel.  We all understand the need for exercise and eating well to maintain a healthy life style.  But are there things we should be considering to help us live our senior years as well as we can?

      Medications and treatment have come a long way in your life time. It is easy to get into the mentality of “I don’t feel well so I will go to the doctor and hopefully he/she will have a pill for what is wrong.”  Life styles have become more sedentary. Modern conveniences have made it easy to do less physical exertion. Technology has given us entertainment that we can do from our easy or computer chair. In order to age in a healthy way it is important we look at different dimensions in our lives to see how we can take charge of our health and well being.

       First look at the emotional stress in your life. Managing stress can be a difficult thing. All our lives we have dealt with stress or our emotions in certain ways.  Some people see “the glass as half empty and others see it as half full.”    Stress can break down our immune system, causing weight gain and giving you an overall ill feeling. When you retire your routine changes and how you deal with the change can have long term effects. If there is a particular issue causing stress you might try journaling. Writing down ideas, possible solutions to try, or pros and cons of a decision can help bring the problem into perspective. Stress reduction is important in healthy aging. 

      Staying physically active is a large component of aging in a healthy way.  Exercising regularly helps keep blood pressure down, helps with weight management, helps to keep your bones strong by warding off osteoporosis and gives you a sense of well being.  Exercising provides release for stress by increasing endorphins which increase your feelings of overall wellbeing.  Walking is a good form of exercise. There are a number of places in Reedley to walk or ride your bike. Joining one of the various gyms or participate in water aerobics at theWellnessCenterat Sierra View Homes gives you a place to exercise.  

     Sleep is important for health and wellbeing?  Sleeping well at night gives us the ability to deal with the issues of the day. If you find you are not sleeping well at night look at your bedtime routine. Do things right before bed that relax you like take a warm bath, read, and listen to relaxing music.

      What we eat also makes a difference in how we age. The food that gives the body the fuel to deal with the day is important. Unfortunately most processed easy to fix food is loaded with calories and salt. Food rich in nutrients often take a while to prepare. Thought and preparation are a must in eating a nutricous diet.

      Staying alert by keeping your mind sharp is important. Seek out ways to be involved. Being connected to people and tasks you enjoy helps to keep a positive train of thought. Keep learning and trying new things. It is exciting to be able to accomplish something new.  You might find a talent that has been hidden all these years. Read for knowledge or just for fun. It is important to challenge your mind. Some people enjoy jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles or other types of puzzles. Maybe there is a class at the college that intrigues you. There are many options of things to keep intellectual stimulation going. The challenge in needing to think and to figure things out helps the brain to stay focused and sharp.

        Just because you are retired does not mean you don’t have a lot to offer in society. Some retired people look for jobs that will give them a sense of purpose.  Becoming a volunteer with various organizations gives you an opportunity to be productive and make a difference. Volunteer jobs can be found in helping organizations, schools, retirement communities and churches to name a few. Look for jobs doing things you are interested in. Part time jobs give a sense of structure and yet some flexibility of time you may have been looking for as you retired.  When you feel like you can contribute and make a difference you feel able to deal with the stresses of the day.

      Maintaining friendships gives a sense of belonging.  Getting out of the house, being socially connected with others keeps us feeling part of the greater community. Staying home and watching television can cause feels of isolation. There are a number of different groups throughout Reedley who get together for coffee at various places.  Some friends go for walks together, or just get together to sit and visit. Maintaining friendships helps when life gets tough giving and receiving friendship helps give quality in our lives.

      Believing in something greater than ourselves gives you another avenue for learning and being involved.  Meditation and worship help to bring peace and purpose in a time of many distractions.   Allowing time to enjoy nature, to take the time to watch the changing seasons and to be aware of the birds or animals around us gives a sense there is something greater than we are.

      Working at these dimensions gives all of us ways to enjoy the “golden years”.  When you retire and move into a new schedule of life. Being involved with social groups, be a part of a spiritual group, participate in something you are interested in, keep learning, take care of yourself, and most importantly keep moving. Follow these simple directions and you will lead a healthier life.

     We live in a generation where people are living longer. We pay more attention to what we eat and exercise more. As a result we are living longer.  As the baby boomers retire we will soon have more seniors living in our communities than ever before.  Many are choosing to live in Retirement Communities.  This simply means that they are choosing to live near other retired people close to their same age and with interests that are similar.  Living with peers offers friendship, companionship and a sense of community where you are looking out for each other.

     Retirement communities are full of folks in the same age demographic yet the age variance maybe up to 35 years. The events and activities can indeed vary to the degree that it caters to all individuals. Bingo, movies, exercise class, swimming, bus trips and featured programs increase the level of social activity and provides entertaining ways to socialize. Retirement communities have an age requirement of 55 and older. Most retirement communities enjoy a level of peace and quiet that cannot be found out in the general community. Living in a retirement community allows seniors to be friends with people who have like interests. People have become traveling companions, friends who share a cup of coffee and some fellowship and a support group in times of sorrow.

     After devoting years to work and family, many seniors have a desire to experience traveling, deepening relationships or simply enjoy doing the things that interest them. There is a sense of freedom when you leave on a trip and know the staff and friends of the retirement community are watching your place. For many people, becoming a resident of a retirement community is a wonderful thing because many of the worries and burdens of life are gone. You do not have to worry about who will water the lawn or what if the water heater springs a leak. The chores of keeping up a house and the need to keep up with the yard are gone. Shopping can be done independently or with the group that choose to take the facility bus for the weekly shopping trip. 

      There are often choices for housing in these communities. The ability to know what your rent will be and what your extra payments are help with budgeting for the future. Retirement communities are marketing to the senior population and have a better understanding of a senior’s fixed income.

      I recently asked the folks living in the independent living of Sierra View Homes Residential Community to tell me what is good about living here. One person responded “I moved here with much fear because I had never lived on my own in my life. Not sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by the welcome I got. As I was sorting through my moving boxes, a new neighbor stopped by with a plate of cookies and welcomed me to the neighborhood.  Then a day or so later I received some oranges from another neighbor, a few days later another person brought by more goodies. Wow, I thought, what do I have to give? I did not have much money to buy gifts but I thought I could share my music and I am a good listener.  I have been listening and playing the piano for awhile now and I can’t begin to tell you how blessed I feel. Living here, I am living alone with my friends around me so I don’t really feel alone.”

     Mary Lou Martens, a more recent resident, said” One of the best decisions in my life was coming to live at Sierra View Homes Retirement Community. On the day I arrived and moved into my apartment I was welcomed by many of my neighbors. One of my neighbors even brought over some cupcakes to enjoy with my coffee. My doorbell rang quite often during that first week. Though I didn’t know them, they’ve since become good friends. It’s so nice to know that I’ll always have someone to talk to, someone who notices when I’m away, and always someone who will help when it is needed. The whole staff has been so friendly, available and courteous. And, there are so many opportunities here for those of us who enjoy volunteering.  It’s the best place to live as a retiree.”

     We are all looking forward to the days when we have the freedom to lead a more leisurely lifestyle.  It is important to remember that friendships, the ability to leave your home for periods of time to visit your kids, the availability of dong interesting activities and ways to volunteer are just some of the things that can make a retirement community a wonderful place to be.

     What happens when the kids are grown, you have reached the age of retirement and the house becomes too big? Through the years you have accumulated lots of “stuff” thinking someday your kids or grandkids will need it. Maybe it is time to downsize and possibly move to a smaller place. The thought of no yard work, no upkeep on the house, and being able to travel and not worry about what is happening at home are all factors in the decision to downsize.  

        The hard part of downsizing is where to begin.  So many of our belongings have not only monetary value but more likely have sentimental value. The reality of throwing something away that has sentimental value can be extremely stressful. But hanging onto a place that is too big to care for or items that no longer are useful can be harmful too. During my years doing admissions at Sierra View Homes Retirement Community I have visited people at their home where more than 50% of their stuff was being held for others. It can become a health hazard when too much “stuff” is kept. Downsizing although difficult can be a healthy way to deal with the retirement years.

      If you have decided the time has come to downsize it is important to look at your options. Whether you are looking to move or stay where you are, ridding yourself of unneeded or unnecessary things can be a healthy and a way to simplify your life. If you plan to move to a smaller place you need to ask some important questions.  Do you want to rent or own the next place you live in? Do you want a house or an apartment?  Looking at the retirement communities is a good place to start planning to downsize. Retirement communities offer apartments or houses with many opportunities for entertainment, food, friendship and security.

      I asked a few residents of Sierra View Homes Retirement Community how difficult it was for them to downsize and how did they do it? Caroll and Jerry Strader said they downsized several times before they came to Sierra View. They had a few things they decided they must keep and then they called their children and grandchildren to come and take what they wanted. They had a yard sale and the rest they gave to the Salavation Army. Their hope was to help someone else with their donation. Caroll and Jerry moved and downsized three times before they came to Sierra View.

      Agnes Jantz arrived at Sierra View with many of her house hold belongings. She worked with her family to see what pieces worked in her apartment and what did not. She suggests making a list of what you want to accomplish and check off as you accomplish the items on the list. Agnes decided to rent a storage space and has decided to slowly let go of items that she does not need or do not fit.  “Giving items away can be a very freeing experience when you let go of the attachment you have to it” she states.

     The experts suggest you assess your actual needs as you plan to downsize. What furniture do you actually use all the time? Look at your daily life and prioritize the activities and items that are part of your lifestyle. Walk through your house and evaluate everything you see. Go through each room and identify the things you must take with you. Ask the question about each item on your list “have I used the item in the past year or how important is this item to me?” Think about, where your items came from and who gave you that something special? Consider all the things you have hung on to for reading or doing at a later date. You might want to put some things in storage and then check back in 6 months to re-evaluate the items. If you do not need or use them within 6 months it might be time to give, sell or throw them away.

      If you are moving to a smaller place, measure your furniture to see how or if it will fit. Also, get the room measurements and floor plans to know the shape and size of the rooms establish where the windows and doors are. Plan out where you will put the furniture you plan to take. The furniture that does not fit in the new smaller place will need to be given way or sold. You have the opportunity to give items to family and friends. Or you may want to sell items to raise extra money.

      Research suggests that you move your largest pieces of furniture into your new place first. Then work on the smaller items. Assess walking spaces and the availability of doorways. It is important there are no tripping hazards.

      Parting with long kept belongings presents a significant change that can be both physically and emotionally draining. It can be especially difficult if you are older.  Downsizing may mean you are moving from the beloved family home or from a home that has many memories from years of living there.  Look for support from family and friends. Allow yourself to grieve over the changes that are being made but also look to the future. Downsizing can give you freedom to do more activities you find interesting. It can give you opportunity to share important memories with your family.  Downsizing to a retirement community can offer friendships, possibilities for nutritious meals, exercise opportunities and the freedom to live your retirement years with fewer worries.

February 23,2012

Sierra View Homes Retirement Community in Reedley held the grand opening for its new 52 unit apartment building, the Sierra View Terraces, on Thursday morning. The new one and two bedroom apartments in the Sierra View Terraces feature energy efficient construction, emergency alert systems, handicap accessible bathrooms, private balconies, and kitchens with modern appliances and granite countertops. This project was the completion of a 13.2 million bond issue that was issued at the end of 2009 through the State of California Mortgage Program.

The grand opening ceremony celebrated the ways in which the addition of the Sierra View Terraces will serve Reedley and the broader Central Valley community. Judith Case from the County Board of Supervisors presented Sierra View with a certificate of achievement. Shannon Major from the office of Senator Tom Berryhill presented Sierra View with a certificate of recognition to commemorate and celebrate the occasion. Speakers at the ceremony included Reedley Mayor Mary Fast, City Manager Nicole Zieba, and Sierra View Homes Board Chair Irvin Isaak. Speakers highlighted the fact that numerous Central Valley businesses benefitted from the construction of the building. Pickett and Sons of Fresno was the construction contractor, Kimberly’s of Kingsburg did the flooring, and all of the furniture was purchased in local stores.

Thirteen residents or couples have already made the Sierra View Terraces their home. Residents are arriving from Selma and Fresno and as far away as Chula Vista. Once the 52 Sierra View Terrace apartments are rented, Sierra View will swell to a community providing care and housing for 280 people.

The new three story apartment building fulfills a major part of Sierra View Homes’ strategic plan to add to the senior living options available on its 13 acre campus. Founded in 1960 by the First Mennonite Church of Reedley, Sierra View Homes has grown from a 26 bed skilled nursing facility to a retirement community with four levels of care. The Sierra View Terrace apartments join a campus composed of 65 other independent living apartments, a residential care facility, a 59 bed skilled nursing facility, and a new memory care center that opened in August. While the campus of Sierra View Homes has changed over the past 50 years, staff members were quick to note that Sierra View’s core values of friendliness, hospitality, and hope remained central to the vision of the community. Vito Genna, Executive Director of Sierra View Homes remarked, “The founding fathers’ spirit of humility, compassion and hopefulness that has defined Sierra View Homes for over 50 years remains essential and it always will.”