After enjoying Independent Living at Applewood for 18 years, Beverly knew when it was time for some extra daily support
Brooklyn native Beverly Strauss has always had an eye on planning for the future. After her grown children settled in New Jersey, she and her husband Howard heeded the family’s invitation to join them in the suburbs. Years later, they started their retirement community journey at an Ocean County 55+ adult community.
In 2004, as they reached their 70’s, the couple planned for their later years by moving to Applewood, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), where they could enjoy the non-stop active lifestyle of Independent Living. They also had the security of knowing higher levels of care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, short-term Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing, were also available on-site, should they ever need them.
“It was important for us to be proactive and move to a CCRC while we were young enough to enjoy all of the amenities Independent Living offered,” Beverly explains.
“From the day trips and dances to college courses and painting classes, we did it all.”
Years later, after her husband’s passing, Beverly moved to a smaller apartment that suited her needs. But her involvement in the community never waned. She served as a Resident Association board member and was instrumental in facilitating several new resident experiences over the years.
An unanticipated health crisis
In late 2021, eighteen years after moving to Applewood, Beverly had a stroke.
“My neighbor saw me in distress and quickly called Security and 911 for help,” she recalls.
“She saved my life, there is no question in my mind. Had I been living alone, I may have died.”
Fortunately, Beverly had a positive recovery. After her release from the hospital, a private medical aide helped her with daily functions for a few hours each day. “Since the stroke, my right side is not as strong, so I’m concerned about falling,” she explains. “Now, in my 90s, I realized the time had come when I needed consistent help with daily activities, so I could keep doing the things that make me happy.”
The Assisted Living neighborhood at Applewood offered the personalized help she needed, including designated staff to check on her regularly.
Best of all, she would not have to leave the friends, staff and retirement community she had grown to love.
“I was able to stay at Applewood and also alleviate the worry about doing everyday tasks,” Beverly notes. Her only parameter for her new home was that it faced west, so she could see the same beautiful sunset she had watched from her Independent Living apartment.
In early 2022, Beverly moved to the Assisted Living community with the help of Applewood staff and her family, who helped decorate her west-facing studio with happy mementos, cherished pictures of her beloved family, a desktop computer and a television.
Beverly’s smooth move to Assisted Living
Six months after the transition, Beverly is thrilled with her proactive decision. “I literally don’t have to worry about a thing,” she says with a smile. Among the additional services Assisted Living offers, Beverly particularly relishes the dressing and bathing help, laundry and housekeeping services, and three hot meals served daily in the dining room or delivered to her apartment.
“I was so pleased to see many of the same menu options I enjoyed in Independent Living appear on the menu in Assisted Living. Occasionally, I’ll request something off the menu and the Dining Services team always obliges, which makes me so happy,” she says.
Assisted Living services at Applewood provide the perfect solution for seniors who enjoy their independence but need help with daily living (ADLs), coordination of health care services and well-being oversight. Residents enjoy daily social, brain health and physical activities with neighbors and staff, with the security of knowing that help is available around the clock, if needed.
Beverly says the Assisted Living clinical staff’s focus on health and wellness has been helpful to her more than once. They also check her blood pressure, temperature and pulse daily.
“I had a sharp pain in my leg one day and mentioned it to one of the medical assistants,” Beverly recalls. “They quickly helped me get the on-site medical care I needed to feel better.”
Beverly continues to be involved in day-long Engaged Living™ activities that support body, mind and spirit. During a typical day, she participates in an exercise class, morning and afternoon ‘brain game’ activities, and a cultural activity, such as art, music or enjoying live entertainment. Her favorite activity was a day trip to the Art Alliance of Monmouth County in Red Bank. “Seeing all the talented artists’ works in person was marvelous.”
After dinner with friends, Beverly returns to her apartment, checks email, watches a little television, chats on the phone and easily falls asleep, resting up for tomorrow’s new adventure at Applewood.
As an Engaged Living continuing care retirement community, residents at Applewood have a variety of living options available to them, including Independent Living, Assisted Living Thrive Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.
Contact us today at 732-303-7416 to speak to a representative about how Applewood can help your loved one as their needs change.
