Silver Maples Residents Tell Their Stories

Lois

Silver Maples definitely stood out. I was immediately attracted to the modest size of the community – which made it feel comfortable and home-like. The spacious apartments, gracious ambience and active, engaged residents were also very encouraging and attractive. ... It really did feel like a place that could become home.

A year ago, I was preparing to leave the city that had been my home for 50 years and relocate to Chelsea – a town I knew little about and where I had no friends or acquaintances. I was saying goodbye to old friends; this move meant I would no longer have the pleasure of unexpectedly running into them. I anticipated a challenging year … and indeed, it has been. But now, after all the anxieties and turmoil have settled, my life is stabilized and I’m enjoying my new home and friends.

My journey to Silver Maples really began with my husband’s death almost six years ago. I had to re-imagine my future as a single woman. Who knew what the future would bring? I couldn’t ignore the possibility of physical and mental impairments that would make it difficult – if not impossible – to live alone. I wondered if I should start checking out retirement communities. After all, I firmly believe it is my responsibility to make and carry out decisions for my future. This is not a burden to be left by default to family or friends. So I made the mental calculations. Did it make sense to stay where I was? Certainly, I enjoyed the comfort of a familiar place and a good network of friends. On the other hand, I had no family nearby. In the end, my very close family ties superseded my strong friendships … and I began to look very seriously at Chelsea, where my brother and his wife live.

I began my Chelsea explorations by looking at condominiums. This was a lifestyle I was familiar with and buying one would have made for a comfortable transition. But doubts intruded: How much longer would I be able to drive? Maintain the house? Manage my own affairs? Take care of my physical needs? Would I feel socially isolated in a typical condo community? And could I face the prospect of yet another move if I needed to live in a more supportive environment one day?

I quickly realized time wouldn’t stand still while I agonized over my choices. So I began to think seriously about retirement communities. I knew they would provide me with the security and peace of mind so that I could grow old gracefully in a single place. But would it mean sacrificing too much freedom and independence? What if I wasn’t comfortable with all of my new “best” friends? What if I just didn’t like it?

These questions were in the back of my mind as I visited retirement communities in the Chelsea area. To be honest, many of them seemed like good places to live. But Silver Maples definitely stood out. I was immediately attracted to the modest size of the community – which made it feel comfortable and home-like. The spacious apartments, gracious ambience and active, engaged residents were also very encouraging and attractive. Equally important was the caring staff who genuinely seemed to enjoy working at Silver Maples, and the open, comfortable relationship between them and the residents. I also liked the strong connection between the communities of Chelsea and Silver Maples. It really did feel like a place that could become home.

And home it has indeed become! I was warmly welcomed into the community, both by staff and my fellow residents. I’ve been impressed with the respect given to individuality, privacy and personal space here. I’ve been heartened by the easy acceptance and appreciation of diversity. I feel that I have found a place where I can continue to grow and expand my horizons … all with a little help from my new friends.