Jim and Pam are retired and nearing 80. Jim, a Navy veteran, knows it’s too dangerous to perform maintenance on their house, such as mowing the large lawn and climbing a ladder to change batteries of the smoke detectors hidden near the top of their cathedral ceilings. His balance isn’t what it used to be. Pam still volunteers at church, but her eye sight is deteriorating and she shouldn’t drive at night. Their daughter, Melissa, lives about 30 minutes away and frequently worries about their safety.
After discussing the pros and cons of moving to an independent living community, Melissa helps Jim and Pam settle in at The Arbors in Newport News. While it’s still a 30-minute drive for Melissa to visit, she now has peace of mind her parents are safe. Jim no longer has to climb a ladder to change any batteries, and Pam can participate in church activities by scheduling transportation at the concierge desk. They have turned housekeeping over to The Arbors staff – no more getting on their knees to clean the bathrooms! – and now have more time to enjoy life.
They both enjoy evenings in the dining room, sharing a cocktail with new friends they met during Bingo their first week after moving in, before settling into a steak cooked to order and the chef’s preparation of the fresh catch of the day. They end the evening splitting the dessert du jour before a night cap in the lounge.
Pam still hosts Sunday supper with Melissa, and when the garbage disposal backs up, all Jim has to do is make a quick call for maintenance. They enjoy the Sunday night jazz concert series before Melissa heads home with a promise to book the Bed & Breakfast room for their grandson and his family to visit next month.
Rest comes easily – regularly – to them all now that Pam and Jim call The Arbors home.