Their Words: Stories from Heritage Communities
These are just some of the stories of real people who've joined our communities over the years, as residents or one of our associates. If you're considering a big move for yourself or a loved one in the near future, take a few moments to hear the experiences of others who've done it!
Mildred and Elena: Friendship Found at Heritage Communities
After caring for her husband with Parkinson’s, Mildred found a new (and she might say unlikely) friend at Heritage Communities in Elena. These two troublemakers are found day after day together, playing bingo, sipping coffee, and enjoying their community. Today, they know each other’s families and have made a connection that couldn’t be found anywhere else. Friendships like these are one of the reasons we tell people not to assume they know what life in senior living will be like ❤️.
“It was just meant to be. The first time I met her granddaughter, and her great-grandkids, I said to them, ‘Your grandma is my bestie.”
Elena, Resident
Pat: Support For a Spouse With Dementia
Pat was doing everything she could as a spouse. Caring for her husband at home, putting his needs ahead of her own, stretching herself thin… and feeling caregiver burnout. After a time, she was overwhelmed. She said “yes” to a tour of a Heritage Community, and they live with us today, as a couple. Different levels of care within the same community sometimes lets this very special thing happen. Each person can have their individual needs met, and we can put their biggest priority – taking of each other – first every day.
“Life is wonderful now, because I know how well taken care of he is here.
– Pat, Resident
Angie: A Daughter Reflects on Change
Angie’s father was already in senior living… when we stepped in to manage their community. That, naturally, made her whole family feel nervous. What would change mean for her dad? What would they need to do? Who would be in change, and how would they communicate? But there’s a reason that our residents and associates love Heritage Communities…. before long, Angie felt more than happy with the change.
“So much more positive… The Director of Nursing here is fantastic. She is right on whatever the needs are for my dad.”
– Angie, Resident’s Daughter
Sylvia: Finding a Family Environment at Work
Sylvia put into words something our associates feel pretty often…
“Just the small simple things that I can do to brighten someone’s day. It’s changed my life in a positive way, with a new outlook of compassion and kindness.”
Sylvia, Heritage Communities Associate
The connections that our residents and associates makes spending your in senior living so different that other jobs. It’s all about people! Where else could a big part of your job be having breakfast together, helping someone have a better day, or simply making friends? Learn more about working with us on our careers page!
Pat: Move to Senior Living While You Can Still Enjoy It!
Pat brought us a perspective on senior living that you don’t always hear… move now! Don’t wait until it’s too late! After moving to a Heritage Community, she realized she’d been missing out on community, activity, and friends. She loved her house, but told us that it’s important to “just try it” and consider all the positives that moving to a community before your health changes might be the right choice!
“This is like being on a cruise! Your food’s prepared, the cleaning’s taken care of, all of that. Maybe I’m a lazy old lady after all 😉”
– Pat, Resident
Linda: When Your Partner’s Needs Change in Senior Living
Linda and her husband moved to Heritage Communities together, and their story is a great example of how the extra support can help write a better story for a couple! As his condition changed, the helpful, compassionate community offered a move to memory care that would support them both.
“If I wasn’t worth anything because I was too worn out, I wasn’t going to be able to help him. Because he was my main concern. Now I don’t have to worry. I can still have a life that’s full, and I know he’s not going to suffer for it.”
Linda, Resident
When Your Ready: Start Your Own Next Chapter!
At every Heritage Community, life is different every day! If you or a loved one are thinking about senior living or even just starting to weigh your options, we encourage you to reach out to us to find the community nearest you and schedule a visit. It’s a no-pressure way to see stories like these happening around you and consider what it might be like to join us! In the meantime, follow Heritage Communities on Facebook for the latest goings-on across our communities.