The Faces of Harwood Place
Learn more about some of the amazing residents at Harwood Place of Wauwatosa…
Meet Betty | Harwood Resident Since: June 2007
What prompted you to consider the idea of retirement living?
I wanted to remain independent as I aged – not depending on family, friends, or neighbors to help me with tasks.
What were some of the important characteristics you were looking for in a retirement community?
Beautiful surroundings, friendly staff & residents, and an interesting choice of activities.
Why did you choose Harwood Place?
I visited four other places that I found to be “ok” but did not excite me. Harwood was the fifth and I felt at home.
What is your favorite part of retirement living at Harwood Place?
Too many to choose just one!
What is your advice for those considering retirement living at Harwood Place?
Move before you HAVE to…enjoy the place.
Meet Warren & Sharon | Harwood Residents Since: April 2010
What prompted you to consider the idea of retirement living?
My husband was ready to give up the responsibility of home ownership. We were interested in finding a continuum of care for each other.
How did you arrive at the decision to make the transition to retirement living?
We toured and visited nine retirement communities! Harwood Place was the best fit for us.
What is your favorite part of retirement living at Harwood Place?
The range of activities, dining room, staff, attention to maintenance and needs of residents, and meeting new people.
What is your advice for those considering retirement living at Harwood Place?
Don’t wait too long! Move in when you’re healthy so you can enjoy all the many activities.
Is there anything about your experience making the transition to retirement living you would like to share?
Lose the absolute attachment to “things” – determine to become involved in a new life!
Do you enjoy staying at a resort? Harwood Place is like living at a resort with your own furniture!
Meet Carolou | Harwood Resident Since: June 2003
What prompted you to consider the idea of retirement living?
I made the decision on my own. I was alone after my husband’s death and my two children lived out of town. I considered it my gift to them to live in an independent living community.
What is your favorite part of retirement living at Harwood Place?
The availability of increased services as needs arise. The wellness program, social activities, friendly staff and residents make life good!
What, if anything, do you wish you would have known while going through the transition to a retirement living community?
I cannot think of anything…I just packed up and moved in!
What is your advice for those considering retirement living at Harwood Place?
Come in sooner rather than later while you can take advantage of the activities and make new friends.
Is there anything about your experience making the transition to retirement living you would like to share?
I appreciate the helpfulness of the maintenance department. I did not like taking care of a house and now have time for my own interests.
Meet Charles | Harwood Resident Since: November 2011
What prompted you to consider the idea of retirement living?
When my wife Natalie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, we had to give up our home in the rolling hills of Sauk County and we began the search for a facility within which we could cope with that degenerative process.
What was your biggest fear or concern when making the decision to transition to retirement living?
The ability to adopt a wholly different lifestyle while being integrated into a new community.
What is your favorite part of retirement living at Harwood Place?
Good management and friendly residents. Since many residents are lifetime residents of Wauwatosa, there’s an esprit de corps among them which creates a most friendly atmosphere among us.
Is there anything about your experience making the transition to retirement living you would like to share?
From an old song, “Accentuate the positive, Eliminate the negative.”
Meet Ken | Harwood Resident Since: April 2013
What prompted you to consider the idea of retirement living?
As my wife and I transitioned into our late 70’s, we realized that life’s end was closer than the beginning. We discussed what life would be like for us over the next 20 years. Our children lived out of state and we had no near by relatives to assist us in the coming years. We decided to plan for our late years in life before someone else was forced into making lifestyle decisions for us.
What were some of the important characteristics you were looking for in a retirement community?
We had no knowledge of retirement community life; all we had been exposed to were nursing homes. We did not know what to expect or what questions to ask. On the way home from shopping we drove into the Harwood campus, a spur of the moment decision. Harwood looked nice from the outside and once home, we scheduled a tour of the community. The tour was impressive and reduced our anxiety about community living.
What is your favorite part of retirement living at Harwood Place?
Having the comfort of knowing that my future will be either Harwood Place or the Lutheran Home. My wife passed away in hospice care at the Lutheran Home four years ago.
What is your advice for those considering retirement living at Harwood Place?
Don’t wait too long! Move in while you can, take part in all of the activities Harwood offers and enjoy your time.
Really take into consideration the lifelong care options that Harwood Place and the Lutheran Home offer.
Meet Rita | Harwood Resident Since: December 2012
(Left: Rita, Right: Geraldine)
What prompted you to consider the idea of retirement living?
We were increasingly weary of the outdoor care of a home. My husband was beginning to have health issues. We wanted the freedom to use our Door County condo without worrying about our home.
What were some of the important characteristics you were looking for in a retirement community?
A large enough apartment to be comfortable, cleanliness, non-institutional environment, competent staff and a sense of permanence and stability.
How did you arrive at the decision to make the transition to retirement living?
Quickly and rather easily, once we visited Harwood Place.
What is your favorite part of retirement living at Harwood Place?
The convenience and security, a nice apartment and the friendly neighbors.
What is your advice for those considering retirement living at Harwood Place?
There comes a time in life when this is the wise and appropriate move.
Meet Ruth | Harwood Resident Since: April 2013
(Left: Valerie, Right: Ruth)
What prompted you to consider the idea of retirement living?
Getting rid of responsibilities like grass-cutting, snow shoveling – all the things that go with home-ownership. Concerns about the future regarding health issues….basically, it just sounded like a good idea!
What was your biggest fear or concern when making the decision to transition to retirement living?
I really didn’t have concerns or fears. My husband and I made the decision on our own, with approval from children. I may have been a little concerned over loss of independence, but that really didn’t happen!
How did you arrive at the decision to make the transition to retirement living?
Prayer – asking God to help us make the right decision
Discussion – with family & friends who had made the move
Why did you choose Harwood Place?
We “shopped around” & always came back here. It seemed friendlier than the others, staffed with pleasant people, with lots of advantages and things to do.
What is your favorite part of retirement living at Harwood Place?
The people & things to do! I don’t feel “retired”, I’m too busy! So many outings, in-house activities, chorus, Wii bowling, worship, and volunteer opportunities. I am never bored, but sometimes I feel I don’t have enough time to act old and be retired…just kidding!
What, if anything, do you wish you would have known while going through the transition to a retirement living community?
I believe we prepared adequately. As with most retirees, I probably kept too many things. I don’t miss what I got rid of and I could have (SHOULD have) downsized even more.
What is your advice for those considering retirement living at Harwood Place?
Just do it! Avoid continuing to say things like, “I don’t want to give up my independence,” or “What am I going to do with all my stuff?” That’s all it is, stuff! Don’t wait too long. Make the move while you can still enjoy all the good things Harwood offers!
Is there anything about your experience making the transition to retirement living you would like to share?
I think often about this… by moving here, we gave our children the best gift we could ever give them: the assurance that we are well taken care of, physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally – they can enjoy seeing that & feeling that satisfaction!
