Transitioning to a retirement community found to be more exhilarating than stressful

By Keith Grady, Executive Director, Applewood

Moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers its own unique set of benefits, which is one of the reasons more seniors are choosing this residential living option. Simply stated, it is living well today, bolstered by the added protection of a healthcare program, should you ever need it in the future.

My team here at Applewood has welcomed many individuals and couples to our community since we opened in 1990; we’ve seen that one of the more challenging times for new residents can be when they first move in to the community.

But research, provided by a grant from the Institute for Optimal Aging, discovered that, in fact, the transition process is not actually all that difficult for most seniors after all. The study found that retired men and women adapted positively to the move, became fully indoctrinated within just a few months, and continued to thrive as time went on.

A personalized approach to welcoming new community members

During the early days and weeks after a new resident joins us h

ere in Freehold, we take special care to ensure the move is not just stress-free, but exhilarating and celebratory.

Many seniors hit the ground running, meeting neighbors and discovering like-minded people who enjoy pursuing the same hobbies and interests through our exclusive Engaged Living™ program. Others need a friendly helping hand to get settled.

The majority of retirees have moved on from their longtime homes and soon find themselves reveling in the close proximity of our resort-style amenities such as the indoor pool, fitness programs, dining services, cocktail parties and terrific entertainment—all just minutes from their front door—no driving required.

In fact, one of the main reasons many seniors join a CCRC is to offset social isolation, which is common with older adults. That’s quickly rectified here at Applewood since there’s always a group heading out to restaurants, live theater, the beach or a casino day trip via our private transportation.

Resident Ambassadors offer peer-to-peer friendship

Everyone needs a little help settling in and learning the lay of the land in a new environment. Who better to offer a hand at Applewood than a community member who is already familiar with the ins-and-outs of retirement community living?

Our friendly and resourceful ambassadors will answer all your questions, help you find the dining rooms or pool and show you where you can pick up a few groceries, right here in the community. Most importantly, they’ll help you meet new people and discover new experiences to try, all at your own pace.

For singles, the ambassadors will gladly set-up dining arrangements so that newcomers can meet a variety of new people while enjoying a delicious meal in our dining room or bistro.

Older adults choose a CCRC for a variety of reasons—less home maintenance, more social engagement, less cooking and cleaning, more travel and intellectual engagement.

We understand that moving can be disconcerting. But when you move to Applewood, our staff and our residents will be ready to help make your new home a haven that will provide many new memories to cherish.

Have you visited Applewood?

If not, call us and we’ll gladly take you on a tour and answer your questions. We also have a plethora of events and special occasions where future community members are welcomed.

Call 732-303-7416 or visit Applewood.com to learn more. We look forward to getting to know you.