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Like many senior living residents, Rita’s favorite aspect of community life is getting to interact with her fellow residents and the care team. Whether it is her favorite personal activity, bingo, or any other community gathering, you’re likely to find Rita supporting her fellow residents. “The friendship is special – everyone is just so nice here,” says Rita. “I’ve made friends that I think will be with me for a long time.”
While her life is now filled with a deep sense of connection and purpose, it wasn’t long ago for Rita when things felt very different. Rita’s transition to a senior living community is not an uncommon story for many older adults. Rita made her way to Provision after a hospital stay and a period of intense loneliness in her own home. “I was ready to go to sleep and not wake up,” says Rita. “I didn’t think I could crumble the way that I did, but when you lose your mate it can be hard to reach out for support.”
Thankfully, Rita’s path was changed by a nurse named Barbara at her rehab center who inspired her to believe that there was more to her story. Working well after her scheduled work shifts, Barbara worked with Rita and her loved ones to search for an assisted living community for Rita. Eventually, the group chose Monett, and Rita is incredibly grateful to the person that helped get her there. “I believe all nurses are angels, and she saved my life,” she says of Barbara. “I’d still be in my house miserable and alone, but she reached out and gave me this second chance.”
Rita now serves as a resident ambassador for Monett because it is an opportunity to support fellow residents during the senior living transition. Rita remembers how the first week feels as a new resident and wants to bring a sense of comfort to those moving into her community. “Being able to connect with people – to actually reach out and touch them – hold someone’s hand or hug them – it is such a comfort to people,” Rita explains. “We take that sense of connection, that touch, for granted. But it’s so comforting just to be able to hold hands with someone.”
Cheri Freeman, Activities Director for the community, sees Rita as the perfect resident ambassador. “Once she starts talking to our new residents, it is like she has been their friend for years,” Cheri describes. “And it’s really special that she can speak to what they are going through, and knows exactly how to talk to them on their level.”
The move to Monett gave Rita a new perspective after believing that she had very little left in life. “I’m happy to wake up in the morning,” says Rita. “I know that may sound simple, but I never knew places like this existed.” She carries a deep sense of gratitude not only for the nurse that she says saved her life, but also for the care team members at Monett that now support her. “I’m amazed each day at how wonderful they are. Nothing is too much trouble for them and I am so thankful for their kindness.”
