Prepared for the Unpredictable
Older adults in mid-retirement move to a village like ours for a multitude of reasons: a healthier lifestyle, renouncing homeowning chores, avoiding social isolation, or a desire to lighten any future burden on adult children. Behind such a list you can perceive a common thread: having access to solutions and to answers to the numerous “what-ifs” of age, be they the expected kind (cognitive decline, impaired mobility, facing the cost of clinical care…) or the unexpected kind. ... Read More
Running for Good Sam
Director of Community Life Mary Van Buren and Sales Coordinator Danielle Kovacs are lacing up their running shoes in preparation for the Gettysburg Blue-Grey Half Marathon & 5K set for April 26. Mary isn’t new to running—she has been running for over 40 years. Her current training regimen is taking her 30 miles per week until race day. In fact, on Super Bowl Sunday this year, Mary ran from Gettysburg to Emmitsburg, Md. “It’s always fun to cross the state line this way,” Mary said. ... Read More
More Hearthside Residences in 2021
Last January, after months of preparation, Cross Keys Village announced the start of a new expansion to be built on 15 newly-acquired acres. The Hearthside homes, as the project became known, consist of harmonious multi-unit buildings in an authentic Gettysburg farmhouse style, each holding ten generously proportioned residences. The concept was distinct from our existing Residential Living product (cottages, apartments, and larger Bridgewater Homes), and we didn't take it for granted how well this new program would be received. ... Read More
A Memorable Year for Memory Care
2019 was a year of growth for Dementia Friendly America. What began as a grassroots effort has now grown into a solid community program, working with businesses to create safe spaces for those living with a neurocognitive disorder. Over 100 businesses and organizations have committed to become Dementia Friendly: Retailers are creating dementia friendly check-outs or offering the services of a trained personal shopper; Financial services professionals will use dementia-friendly practices to help maintain clients’ independence while protecting them from financial abuse; A faith community will help keep the person living with progressive dementia remain connected, and much more. We are deeply grateful to Adams and York County businesses that have embraced Dementia Friendly America and are taking steps to learn how to serve our aging population better. ... Read More
The Anti-Ageism Model
Two cranky posts about ageism – Part II I have memories, when I was a young boy, of being told “go play with the other children.” I remember thinking “why should I? I have never met those children, and I’m sure the parents’ conversation will be more to my taste.” Although I wasn’t capable of putting it into words, I was impatient to attain an age at which I wouldn’t be pigeonholed, or reduced to a number without significance due solely to my lack of years. ... Read More
The Young Gaze
Two cranky posts about ageism - Part I Most of the photographs on Cross Keys Village’s website are shots of actual people who live or work here. However, when I prepare promotional material designed to convey and refine the image of Cross Keys Village in the mind of older adults who are unfamiliar with our community, I occasionally need to rely on stock photography. Of course, my first concern is to select models who look as realistic as possible, and that I don't recall having seen elsewhere. ... Read More
150-Year-Old Resident Organ Preparing for Celebration
Extreme longevity is an object of rejoicing in in a community like ours. We have an apartment dweller nearing 104 and a sprightly 98-year-old TV camera volunteer in Residential Living, not to overlook several centenarians in our Health Care Center. But on September 15, all ears will be directed at our only 150-year-old resident, a priceless organ built by George Jardine & Son in 1869 for the Congregational Church in South Britain, Connecticut. ... Read More
Preparing for the Unexpected
Health care centers are required to have an Emergency Preparedness Plan (approved by the proper authorities), keep the plan updated, and get key team members prepared for the unexpected. Close attention is given to trends in neighboring communities and around the country. For instance, when the days following Hurricane Irma saw fatalities in a facility in Florida, the risk of dangerously high temperatures in nursing homes due to loss of power became a concern to all of us. ... Read More
Options for Many Budgets
When a retirement community like Cross Keys Village embarks on an expansion program, it is necessary to promote the new residences with some advertising. The focus on the new offering takes momentary precedence over the promotion of the community as a whole. This has been the case at Cross Keys Village. Between 2014 and 2018 we promoted our handsome Bridgewater homes, and today we are highlighting our gorgeous new Hearthside expansion. ... Read More
Transcending Loss Through a Knitting Project
A box of almost 100 knitted squares in various colors did not make the move with her… but Donna’s love for knitting made the transition unimpaired. As it happens, the Knitting Group, a dedicated group of Cross Keys volunteers, visits Brookside every week. Their presence helped sustain the beloved hobby at the center of Donna’s new life. “Donna was always so nice to work with when we would visit with knitting crafts,” says villager Ruth Ann Culp, a regular Brookside volunteer and member of the Knitting Group. ... Read More