Awakening and Opening

Your actions in life set your course and determine the destination of your travels. Your reactions in life create the climate in which you travel. -- Beth Joh

I met with the intake person at Knollwood Place this afternoon, accompanied by my brother and sister-in-law. I'll start by saying that this will be a wonderful place in which to live, and I am applying at this time.

The evening meals, as shown on this month's menu, compare well with good restaurant-quality fare. They are offered five days per week at $10 per meal. By registering (for a small fee) with the onsite health care office, a number of medical services are provided by nursing staff on site. I can hire cleaning help as needed. There will be no danger of my falling and lying on the floor for days, because of the "Okay Card" system.

And the amenities! A sunroom with vending machines and a convenience store, card room, computer room, common room with big-screen TV and a library, an auditorium, exercise room, barber and beauty shop, Post Office truck every week, many planned activities and informal groupings, as well as scheduled van transportation 3 times per week. There is a free continental breakfast five days per week with juices, hot and cold cereal, muffins, bagels and toast.

I looked at three of their units. I am going to take one of their smallest one-bedroom apartments, 580 square feet, at a cost of $1199 per month. This will slow down the depletion of my assets. It will be an entirely "livable" space for me, with a 12' x 18' living room and 10' x 13' bedroom. The kitchen is small, but I won't be doing a great deal of cooking. The bathroom is safety-enhanced. There is a good amount of closet space and cupboards in the kitchen.

When I move to Knollwood Place, I believe I will give up driving and sell my car. I will continue my outside activities via senior transportation or taxi. BUT I will be able to take Jenny-Cat with me, for a one-time charge of $350.

The majority of the residents are Jewish, and the diet is kosher. This will not present a problem to me, as I have always believed I was meant to be born Jewish. The brochure says "you'll have an excellent retirement home enhanced by Jewish traditions and culture". Another resident of Scandinavian background told me she is not treated as an outsider. As well, I am very verbal and pro-Israel, so I should do just fine.

The waiting list is 3 to 5 months. I first must do some redecorating, at which I am a novice. I will also get rid of more "things" that I do not need to accompany me.