Lou’s mother, Theresa, managed living alone in her house for years. She drove herself to the store and had someone cut her lawn. While many would argue that it’s better to choose senior living before a crisis arises, it wasn’t until Theresa had a stroke and needed help that the family looked into such options. After exploring four or five senior living settings, they decided to try a Watermark community 8 miles from Lou’s home. Over the two years she has lived there, Lou has gotten to know and appreciate the associates. Take Maria, for example. To Lou, she is much more than a community life associate; she is Theresa’s friend. When Lou looks at Maria, he sees a halo and angel wings. During the pandemic, Lou appreciated how Maria arranged Zoom calls during which Theresa lit up at the sight of her new great-grandbaby, Naomi.

Lou now knows that home means so much more than familiar surroundings. Senior living has given his mom the stimulation, programs, friendship and love she deserves. He sees people all around her who love her, and he knows they take care of her in ways that no single caregiver, nor even he and his siblings, ever could.