MOI aka D.R. "Doc" Young, has moved 20 Dec 2023 a second time since 12 Jul 2021. The Following is my personal account of this recent moving experience.
Day 14...after the Move In...I have been very busy since moving 20 Dec...I am in room #XX which is a Studio/Efficiency Apt. of 53 units here at Brookdale Senior Living, Ontario, Oregon.
It had taken me almost a full year to become a Resident at 1372 SW 8th Ave. Ontario, OR 97914...since I first learned from Caring.com when I connected them, learning of PatriotAngels.com who help Veterans, and being introduced to Brookdale.
Brookdale's website:
or Caring's website about Brookdale Senior Living
Brookdale's entrance has 2 sets of double doors, with handicap buttons to operate automatic opening. As you enter Brookdale on the left is the Sales Manager Office, on the right are the Residents Individual Mail Boxes and a sign out logbook for Residents who are going to town, either by walking or having a friend or relative providing them with transportation for whatever their purpose is i.e. as shopping, an appointment or outing with friends or family. That way in the event of an emergency or other need here at Brookdale, Staff know where all their residents are.
The Staff are Courteous, Friendly & Respectful...of all the residents that I have met thus far are welcoming, friendly, caring, and some are soft spoken. I do my best to listen and communicate with all Staff and Residents.
I find everyone interesting, learning much about them in my catching up, since I am the New Senior Kid on the Brookdale Block.
All exterior exits are Alarmed...the Main Entrance of double doors are locked at 9PM every night. I have already explored most of the interior of this facility, trying to absorb the layout as to where the Laundry Room, Activity Room, Dining Hall, Beauty & Barber Shop, Support Staff offices are and the interior entrance/exits to the main interior corridor from the 2 Courtyards in relation to my room.
Since we are allowed Pets, I have "Buddy" a Border Collie that I adopted from Canines With A Cause for Veterans, Salt Lake Valley, Utah of almost 12 yrs come 1 Apr 2024. Buddy & I frequent the largest main courtyard all hours day/night, and current prevailing weather conditions. We have visited the other smaller courtyard once.
"PK Quinn", a Tuxedo feline, I adopted from West Valley City Animal Shelter in 2014, also joins us in our new home at Brookdale. PK Quinn, mainly lays on the couch or sits in the window basking in sunlight when there is sun, admiring the Birds and Squirrel (so far I have only seen one squirrel).
Brookdale Staff is beyond words of my Gratitude, their Kindness and being Helpful. Given my physical limitations...I have to take it one day at a time to unpack and organize. Maintenance volunteer Jack, was helpful in moving my filled boxes to make it easier to unpack and in organizing storage in my closet. I cannot lift over my head, it is difficult for myself if container bins or boxes are not at waist level, so I can sit and unpack wheeling about my new home.
I have many new challenges given my age and limited abilities...my last 57 yrs of life has been that of assisting and helping others as a Carpenter, Marine Nam Era, Federal Firefighter DOD, Fire & Safety Officer in Corrections, days off as a Professional Wedding Photographer, Computer Techie and Genealogist.
I am grateful to have served all, as am so thankful to Family, Friends, Those I have assisted in some way, and Life overall for these Opportunities & Lives I have saved and saddened of those I was not able to.
I now continue with a purpose, a need and usefulness in socializing with the many Residents and Staff at Brookdale, that fulfill my life and their being a lifesaver with opportunity in return.
From the main entrance to the right you will find a large living room atmosphere with a fireplace, couches, chairs, large TV, tables and library...
Currently the Christmas Spirit adorns the interior wherever you walk, the air is filled with music, conversations, of which you may hear many times over Good Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Hello Mr. or Mrs. "Your Given Name" how are you today, is there anything I can do for you, or get you?
I Rate as a "5 Star", Dining, Meals and the room-service is several times from early morning (breakfast time) into the evening prior to your retiring for the night. I placed my laundry outside my door, it was whisked away, washed, dried & folded....and returned to my door in no time, the same day. I am asked to have any trash carried away at least twice a day. My living area is cleaned, same as my bathroom and if you need assistance to accomplish any of your personal daily activities, there is someone to assist you.
Residents have alert devices, a simple push of its button and assistance is on the way. In my unpacking, I have accidently hit my alert device...it works and Staff will reset your alert device (wristwatch like or some hang like a necklace).
The Brookdale Brochure and handouts. will or should explain all that a Resident needs to know in having a Pleasant Living Experience here. Please Do not be afraid to Ask and you Shall Receive Helpful Information, Guidance & Assistance in making your Day or Night More Enjoyable.
The Following are some views of Brookdale, Courtyard, my room of my moving in clutter to untangle, put somewhere in getting organized...I have my work cut out for me, which I do and have asked for assistance.
In closing words shared with me from a close friend Charlene "You are Starting a New Year in a New Place where You can Find Peace and Happiness"
Thanks to everyone making this day possible...true Friendship, Happiness for All in 2024
aka the "Doc'ster" 2 Jan 2024