By: Elizabeth Hurd, Peabody Assisted Living Resident
You may be wondering what it is like to move into Peabody Place. Obviously, the stories of all our residents differ, but as I am one of the newer residents (moved here in November 2024), I’d like to share my thoughts with you while they are still fresh.
When I first visited Peabody Place, I was delighted to find that it has a comfortable, casual style that suited me. For example, many of us wear casual tops and pants for every day. Beer and soft drinks are available as well as wine at the weekly Happy Hour. The public rooms are cozy, one has a working fireplace, lovely to snuggle around on a cold winter day!
When I moved into Peabody Place, I was thrilled to find how quiet at night it is. I don’t hear noise from the neighboring rooms. This has allowed me to sleep better than I have slept since childhood.
When awake, residents may engage in many of the same activities we did in our former homes, but we have the help also of a talented and hardworking Life Enrichment staff who provide us with programs seven days a week (including programs for memory care). Since I arrived, I’ve attended several live concerts by musicians who play popular 20th century music, studied the life and customs of a variety of other countries (including samples of the food), watched videos on wildlife and the environment, a biography on the life of Katherine Hepburn, and a documentary on how the human brain works. At Christmas, children from a grade school entertained us with a spirited rendition of Christmas songs – it is one of my favorite Christmas memories! There was also a hilarious Christmas party with funny games and tacky Christmas outfits. That was super too. The staff also touched my heart by coordinating appropriate gifts (Secret Santa) for all of the residents, figuring out just the right gifts for even a newbie like me. It was a bright holiday indeed.
Other Peabody Place helpers (the 4-legged sort) are already dear to my heart. Residents can watch, and if very lucky, pet a variety of cats that live here, and dogs that are brought in by staff.
Unaware helpers include the wildlife who share the grounds of Peabody Place. I am awed every time I look out my windows and see our “resident” eagles, named, Peabody and Sherman, flying in the dawn along the Winnipesauke River to catch their breakfasts. Peabody Place is a great place for animal lovers!
All of the above are reasons that I have found in my first two months here to be very grateful that Peabody and I connected. But, I have left the most important reason for last. That reason is: being helped. I came here because, after decades of taking care of myself, I now need some help. Gracious and compassionate help is what I have received here. Of all the organizations I have encountered in my life, Peabody Place has a staff who work most tirelessly to get us residents what we need and want. I have already experienced or witnessed dozens of acts of kindness by Peabody Place staff toward us residents. These acts were not required by their jobs, but they happened anyway because, as the staff keep assuring me: “We are here to help.” Thanks to all who are here for me!
So the answer to my initial question is: “It is a really good thing to be a resident of Peabody Place!”
