Stay in your own home, or move to a retirement community?
Lexington offers options for the choice that’s best for you.

Whether you’re eager to trade household chores for an easy-maintenance abode, or prefer living in the home you’ve loved for years, services and facilities in Lexington can support your lifestyle.  Those living in their own homes face numerous challenges--from transportation to managing finances.  Many rely on friends and family for rides and chores, but some feel uncomfortable asking for help.  “It’s hard to take advice from someone whose diapers you changed,” says Maury River Senior Center Director Jeri Schaff.  “It is very humiliating for some people to have to say to a child, ‘I’m sorry, I’m confused,’ or, ‘I really need some help—I can no longer change my own bed.’” 

Help with meals is available in the Rockbridge area through Meals on Wheels.   Elderly people living in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Glasgow may receive a hot meal five days a week through this program.  And, it can provide 20 frozen meals per month for people living in Rockbridge County.

Shopping for groceries or getting to appointments can be a challenge if elderly can no longer drive.  The Rockbridge Area Transportation System, RATS, primarily focuses on medical transportation.  In addition, the Maury River Senior Center is working with RATS to provide runs from Lexington to the facilityin Buena Vista and trips to Walmart and local grocery stores.

Managing insurance and medical paperwork can be a daunting task, especially as we age.  The Maury River Senior Center has trained staff and volunteers to assist people 60 and over, at no cost to the individual.  An appointment is necessary for this service—call 540-261-7474.

People who want to stay in their own home, but need to make changes either for safety or mobility may benefit from the services of a local company called Solutions for All Seasons.  Owner Roberta Wiener says her business can offer guidance on what adaptations might be necessary, and supervise the project by working with local contractors whom she knows and trusts.  The company can also assist with downsizing.  “Moving can be traumatic at any age,” says Wiener.  Her business can help sort through belongings and help organize the move.

For those who might be considering moving to a retirement community, the time to start the search varies among individuals and couples.  Kendal at Lexington spokeswoman Charlotte Sibold says they have people inquiring who are in their 50s—others in 70s and 80s.  Many do not want their children to have the burden of caring for them or making plans for them.  Those without children want to be sure services will be provided to them.

Why choose a retirement community?  Sibold says they offer the freedom to enjoy life without the responsibilities of a home.  She warns that waiting too long to make the choice can be detrimental, because new residents must be able to meet a health screen.  People who are unable to live alone safely in their dwelling may not be approved for independent living.

Kendal at Lexington resident Ilse Winter says making the move early was ideal for her. “I just wanted a new place to take roots, and to do that sooner rather than later made sense to me,” says Winter. “In a way it was an adventure.”