Friday, March 29, 2013

Resurrection within a Community of Seniors


  "The resurrection witness is to the power of life that cannot be defeated. Even death is not able to stop the living. The power of life is manifest in the Resurrected One who lives in the community that witnesses to Christ and life itself...The miracle of resurrection is recognized each time someone rises from death to defeat terror, to take a breath and utter a cry. To remember the resurrection is to affirm human resistance and resilience and agency." - Flora Keshgegian
 
Today is Friday. Good Friday. The day upon which Christians around the world remember the passion of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is a day for quiet reflection, prayer and gratitude. Special services are being held on each of our Redstone campuses in commemoration of this holiest of weeks in the Christian year.
 
But if this is Good Friday, we also remember that on the third day comes Easter Sunday. The Day of Resurrection. The day that fills all other days with hope, and promise, and light, and life.
 
Within our Redstone Communities, we see signs of resurrection each and every day. Some, who may be unfamiliar with the special blessings of a community like Redstone, find this to be surprising. How can there be resurrection in a community of seniors? How can there be resurrection in a skilled nursing facility? How can a community like Redstone witness to the resurrection?
 
We see it every day. Here are but a few of our stories…we’ve changed the names, but the experiences are real…
 
Anne – who was sure that her life was over when she fell and broke her hip. But after a few weeks of rehab at Redstone she is ready to get home to the life she has enjoyed… including babysitting her grandchildren on a regular basis. Resurrection.
 
Phyllis – who begrudgingly acquiesced to her children’s wishes that she move to a retirement community. But instead of mournfully passing her days as she expected, she is enjoying every moment of lunches shared with new friends, evening card parties, and a good cardio workout in the senior fit program. Resurrection.
 
Bill – who thought the sadness of losing his beloved wife would never ease… until he met that special someone here at Redstone with whom he can share the precious memories of the spouses they have lost, while making new memories of their life shared together. Resurrection.
 
Louise – who came into hospice care frightened by what this closing chapter would be like for her and her family, and found herself surrounded by loving care, comfort, and peace. Resurrection.
 
In this season of Easter, we rejoice in a God who continually makes things new. And we rejoice in our Redstone Communities, which help to bring new life, hope, and joy for the living of all of our days.
 
Life cannot be defeated. Happy Easter, everyone!
 
Helpful links:
Coping with Grief and Loss http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm

Learning to Love Again https://www.achievesolutions.net/achievesolutions/en/Content.do?contentId=9389
How to Find a Friend http://www.helpguide.org/life/how-find-friend.htm






Friday, March 15, 2013

Downsizing in Your Retirement Years

The majority of today’s retirees are living in the home in which they raised their family. Many of those homes have two stories, rooms no longer in use and, unfortunately, far too many require maintenance or costly repairs. When the home that served you well for so many years becomes a burden, or even a liability, it’s time to consider other options.
Condominium living is popular because it eliminates outside maintenance and offers a larger space than an apartment. Keep in mind that if the community is not age restricted (an active adult community), you may have families with young children or teenagers as your neighbors. As investments are concerned, it’s advisable to do your homework, as some condominium communities struggle to maintain their value in the current real estate market.

Apartments are a good choice for those looking for a no-maintenance lifestyle since repairs and upkeep are the landlord’s responsibility. Since neighbors live closer together, you might want to research what is available in your community that is age restricted.

A retirement community if often preferred by retirees looking ahead to their future. Continuing Care Resident Communities (CCRC’s) offer independent living options in addition to access to care and services residents may want now or need in the future. Redstone Highlands offers two styles of independent living. Villa homes and senior apartments both include a service package, priority access into other levels of care in addition to clubs and free events.

If moving seems like too much work now, consider how much harder it will be as you get older. Putting off the decision to downsize while you’re able often times passes the unintended responsibility to adult children or other family members. When considering downsizing in your retirement years, sooner is definitely better than later.


Call one of our Redstone Highlands campuses to speak with our community liaisons who are ready to help develop a downsizing plan for you:
Greensburg – 724-832-8400
Murrysville – 724-733-9494
North Huntingdon – 724-864-5811

Visit the Redstone Highlands website at:  http://www.redstonehighlands.org/index.html


Helpful moving articles:
How to Hold a Garage Sale http://www.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Garage-Sale