Fountain View Village talks about when to make the decision to move to a Retirement Community.
Published in Scottsdale SENIOR Magazine
After my beloved husband passed away, I found myself alone for the first time in over 50 years. It wasn’t so bad when my children they were all surrounding me, but as they live in different states, they would soon be leaving. Each invited me to live with them but I didn’t want to interfere with their lives or add to their responsibilities as each had enough taking care of their own families.
Once the children left, I began to wonder how I was going to be able to take care of my home. My husband had always done the yard work and managed all the bills while I was responsible for cleaning the house and preparing the meals. I found it harder and harder to manage even before I would now have to do it all. Even simple things like getting to the grocery store would be difficult as he had been the driver and I was the navigator.
My big beautiful house now felt like an albatross around my neck. My well-manicured lawn was fast turning into a jungle and I didn’t have the strength or the energy to do anything about it. I thought about hiring someone to help me with chores and shopping, but I would still be alone most of the time. I decided with the blessing of my family to look at independent living as an option.
I called several communities in my area and arranged to visit them. The first two seemed a little stuffy and too formal for me as they required me to “dress for dinner” and I didn’t like that. I am retired and want to be able to wear what I choose when attending meals.
I had almost given up, but then I called Fountain View Village. The voice who answered was so cheerful, greeting me with “It’s a beautiful lifestyle at Fountain View Village, how may I help you?” I told her that I would like to talk with someone about independent living and was immediately connected me with a member of the marketing team who also answered the phone cheerfully. She began asking me questions, as the other communities had done, however these were about me and who I was. No questions about what physical ailments I might have or if I used a walker or a cane; just questions about what I did before retiring, where I lived prior to Arizona, what my hobbies are, my favorite foods, etc. It didn’t feel like an inquisition as the others had.
After talking with her a bit, I asked if I could visit Fountain View Village that very same day. When I explained that I no longer had a car, she said she would be happy to arrange for a driver pick me up. As I walked up the drive, saw the beautiful bird bath and heard the sound of the wind chimes Fountain View Village seemed so different than the other communities I had visited; it had a warm, friendly and welcoming feeling. I was shown the most beautiful apartment with a panoramic view of the mountains and the world famous Fountain Hills fountain. I didn’t need to look any further; I found my new home and was ready to begin this new chapter in my life.
I couldn’t wait for moving day. Of course, I was a little nervous, but mostly I was excited. When I arrived I was greeted with a warm welcome and a box of chocolates (she remembered how I love chocolate) on my kitchen counter. I was ready to start my new life. Nervous as I was, my nerves were soon calmed when a resident ambassador came to my door and invited me to dine with her. We were greeted by a hostess and seated at a table by the window where we could drink in the beauty of Fountain Hills. While dining, she introduced me to several other residents and I even met someone from my home state. I knew I had found my new home at Fountain View Village and that I was not alone anymore.
This simulated scenario is presented courtesy Fountain View Village, rated one of the top three Arizona retirement communities by Ranking Arizona magazine. schedule your personal appointment by call 480-836-5000
