ASK AMY KOCH
A monthly column from the Executive Director of the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony
Describe a Typical Day in the Life of a Charles Ford Community Resident.
We asked Amy Koch, executive director of the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony, to describe a typical day in the life of a community resident. She answered with a first-person perspective from someone who has spent several years there.
A day in the life …
This morning I likely would have been awakened by the birds singing in the magnolia tree outside my large bay window. I love magnolia trees. It reminds me of the beautiful magnolia garland I used to adorn my porches with in my old farmhouse. I would have then enjoyed perusing the headlines of my newspaper delivered outside my door while I slowing come to life over a cup of coffee in my apartment.
Energized by adequate caffeine, I’d slip out of my comfy robe and house shoes, get dressed to face the day and make my way to the spacious sunlit dining room. I love the original full windows in this historic structure. It’s reminiscent of a time and place where life was simpler and people smile more often. I would have enjoyed a hearty breakfast cooked to order and served by a friendly, familiar staff who know how I like my coffee without having to ask (yes, I’m a two-cup-a-day person). For me, breakfast might have consisted of eggs sunny side up, crisp bacon, oatmeal with raisons, cinnamon and brown sugar and a pat of butter (just like my mother made it), along with fresh fruit or maybe juice.
Following breakfast, I likely would have acted on my urge to stretch my legs strolling through the thriving gardens. If I was so inclined, I might opt for a more rigorous walking program, or Physical Therapy session or Life Enrichment Exercise Class.
Today I would have had an opportunity to visit with my personal physician during a Telehealth appointment. My room is furnished an iPad used exclusively by me. The same friendly staff that serves my coffee helps me navigate technology, if I need it. (After all, Facebook helps me keep up with the lives of my grands and great grands. They’re growing up so fast.) The funny thing about these new fandangle contraptions is they can help me watch my favorite TV shows, play my favorite games, watch the weather, and talk to my kids face to face.
I love to eat, especially on a day like today when the daily special includes generous portions of homemade lasagna and Caesar salad. On a side note, I REALLY love that somebody else does the cooking and cleans up the dishes. On other days I might make my selections from the café menu. Did I mention dessert? We have dessert twice a day every day and I’m not talking about Jell-o (we all know that’s really a salad/side item anyway). Today was black forest cake with cherries and whipped topping; no wonder everyone gains weight when they move in here.
Today’s my hair and nail day. We have an onsite salon service. I don’t have to drive anywhere or arrange for a ride. That gal is great too! She knows exactly how I like my hair set and she even remembers my favorite nail color.
Did I mention the porches around this place? It’s like something from the deep south with porch swings, Boston ferns and ceiling fans. Today (even during a world pandemic), I enjoyed visiting with my sons on the porch. Yes – we all have to wear those silly masks when we visit, but we are grateful for the opportunities.
I’m not as young as I used to be, so a quick cat nap in my favorite recliner is sometimes in order; who am I kidding I’ve always enjoyed a quick cat nap, here and there. Today, the little dog named Willie that comes and goes with the staff, curled up beside me in my chair. We watched Andy Griffith because that’s Willie’s favorite TV show.
I kind of like a lighter supper. One of my summertime favorites is a bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich on toasted wheat. The tomatoes are fresh from our garden and there’s no such thing as too much bacon, in my opinion.
After that it’s hanging out with my friends and watching movie. Tonight’s vote was for “Just Getting Started” with Morgan Freeman! He’s a great actor. He cracks me up in this movie.
Later (after I relaxed in the whirlpool tub), I retired to my apartment. As I reflect on the peace of mind that comes from living well, I realize that I no longer focus on a diagnosis. I’m just grateful to have the help available for medicines or emergencies, if or when I need it (even with social distancing).
And, you know what? I look forward after a good night’s sleep, to getting up and facing this life, again!
