The Redwoods is certainly special – with an incredible sense of place and community. Still, even when folks have been ready and wanting to make the move, when it comes down to it, it is a big transition and moving is never easy, although sometimes we are lucky and blessed to have a few supportive people in our lives who help make that move a little easier.
Talking with your family is important. Leaving one’s home and making a big move can be an emotional subject. A range of feelings and reactions to the prospect of moving are completely normal, and you don’t have to handle them on your own. We are happy to help you connect with all kinds of resources to help you navigate the journey, addressing your questions and helping to facilitate a process that we are honored to be part of.
Make the Most of Your Community Tour. One of the most important steps you can do before making the decision to move is to attend an in-person tour at several communities. We hope you’ll enjoy our tour, not only for what you learn about our particular community, but because we also understand the importance of asking the right questions. A tour at The Redwoods often helps prospective residents and their families prioritize what is most important to them in senior living.
A few “quick tips” we’re glad to share with you here include:
- Get a ‘feel’ for the environment. In finding a place where you will feel at home, what does that mean? What is the environment like? Getting a feel for the community in person is essential.
- Meet the people who work there. At the end of a call or tour, guests sometimes ask, “What am I not asking?” And very often, they have not asked about the staff. How long as the average employee worked at the community? What kind of relationship do staff have with residents? The people who work at a community are an important part of the decision-making process. Meeting them gives you a chance to see what it might be like to interact with staff on a day-to-day basis after moving in.
- Taste the Food! Food is central to daily life. We invite you come for a visit and taste the food. Look at the menu options and have a meal if you can. Find out if the Dining Services of a given community accommodates special dietary needs, if there’s flexibility in meal times, and if the dining room has any formality guidelines.
- Meet Other Residents. To the extent that you are able to connect with other residents, do so! This is a valuable way to hear multiple perspectives on what day-to-day living at the community is like. These are the folks who will be your new neighbors! Are they friendly and welcoming? You’re more likely to have a clear understanding of that if you come for a visit and meet other residents.
- Ask more questions. There are so many questions when it comes to senior living, from nutrition and fitness, to nursing services and long term care options. Touring in person will naturally trigger additional questions and help you learn more about the community that will potentially serve you or your loved one for many happy years.