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 Earlier this year I was asked by the staff here to share my story of how I made the decision to move to Havenwood-Heritage Heights. As a newer resident to the community, I fully understand the magnitude of the decision and the amount of work it entails, so I readily agreed. It is my hope that my story will help others with their own decisions toward a better life. The first and probably most difficult decision is whether to move to a retirement community. The second hard decision is when to move. I know that I wanted to select my community, rather than have my children do it when I was too feeble to care. My mother influenced my decision of when by telling me that it was best to move when you are still in good health, so you can take advantage of the many activities in the community. After listening to friends and family, I decided that I wanted a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) and that I wanted to live near my daughter and her family in Bow, New Hampshire. Those two criteria narrowed my search to communities in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. When I visited Havenwood-Heritage Heights, I really liked the cluster housing arrangement rather than long unfriendly corridors in tall buildings, and I liked the energy I felt by looking at the weekly calendar and by seeing the people on campus. The fact that it was the closest to my daughter also was a plus. On my second visit, I asked to meet some of the residents. The Retirement Counselor arranged a small lunch party. I was the first in line at the buffet and so was the first at the table. Before I could even sit down, a woman from the next table came over and said if I were alone, I was welcome to sit with them. Well, that really cinched it for me. That small showing of kindness spoke volumes about the friendliness of the residents and their acceptance of newcomers. I decided right then to come to Havenwood-Heritage Heights and it was a wonderful decision. The day I moved in my sponsor was there to offer a smile and to help me learn about the programs as well as the regulations. I started attending many of the different activities that were offered and found people with similar interests who have become good friends. I feel like I belong to a large family where we all help to make it work. I volunteer in the library, at the buffet, in our area meetings and wherever else I can lend a hand. And, I decided to try something different from anything I had done before; I participate in the theater groups. I guess "ham" must be my middle name because I am having a great time. Leaving my friends in Southeastern, CT was very difficult. I had lived and worked there, raised my family and been active in the community for fifty years. However, this has been a wonderful move for me. I am very happy. I like my house, I love the friends around me, I have found Concord to be an interesting, lively city and the countryside is lovely. In the larger community, I volunteer at a local elementary school, and my church; and participate in planning the curriculum for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Living close to my daughter and son-in-law, attending school events and activities with my grandsons - priceless! Life is good. Havenwood-Heritage Heights hosts many events where you can come and meet the residents, talk to them about their personal stories about moving and their lifestyle here at H-HH. I go to many of these events to share my own story and would enjoy meeting you in person. I hope you can join us sometime soon. Jane Bredeson Resident P.S. If you would prefer a personal visit to a group setting, our Marketing Department is very accommodating. Feel free to call them any time to schedule your own visit.
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1-800-457-6833 | Affiliated with the United Church of Christ
Havenwood : 33 Christian Avenue Heritage Heights : 149 East Side Drive Concord, New Hampshire, 03301 |
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