Moving as a Couple to a New Apartment in Independent Living at Paul’s Run
November 20, 2023
Al and Barb lived in their home in suburban Philadelphia, PA for many years before downsizing and relocating to Paul’s Run retirement community in Northeast Philadelphia. They had casually considered other places prior to their move. However, when Al became hospitalized earlier this year and required rehabilitation at Artman in Ambler, PA, it became clear that the time to move had come.
When he left Artman, he entered Personal Care at Paul’s Run as a respite stay to continue his path to recovery. During this period, Barb was actively looking for Independent Living apartments nearby.
So Much More than a New Home at Paul’s Run
“Just as Al moved to Personal Care at Paul’s Run, I was searching for an apartment in Independent Living, because maintaining our home had just become too much work for us,” she shares. “A lovely apartment came available at Paul’s Run. Within a few weeks, I moved in, and Al was able to join me then in our new home.”
“The staff at Paul’s Run is caring, attentive, and patient,” they both share. Al adds, “They go above and beyond. The other day, I was trying to figure out how to get rid of our old, 11-pound printer in our apartment. Someone from maintenance offered to remove it for me.”
One of the aspects of the community that the couple enjoys is the convenience of going downstairs to dinner and meeting new friends and neighbors in the dining room. “It is such a treat not to have to cook all the meals,” Barb admits. “We enjoy joining neighbors for dinner, and we have been introduced to other residents through our neighbors.”
Al adds, “When our daughters visit us, we can meet in the Greenhouse or share a meal in the Bistro. We are so happy to be settled here, especially now that I’m feeling better and we can enjoy all the community offers.”
Beyond enjoying the convenience of not having to cook all their meals, they enjoy yoga with Brian and other exercise classes. The convenience of having the classes in-house keeps them moving and helps Barb keep her heart rate in check.
Nurturing Minds and Spirituality
Barb and Al especially appreciate the interfaith community at Paul’s Run. “We are Catholic, and haven’t previously experienced other faiths,” explains Al. “After Mass one Sunday, we decided to attend Reverend Michele’s service and enjoyed getting her perspective on Scripture. We have also befriended several Jewish residents. Through our new friendships, we’re delighted to learn more about other faiths and cultures.”
The couple also enjoys participating in community life activities, such as lectures and movies regularly scheduled for residents to enjoy. “It is fun to gather with neighbors to watch a film, or to attend a lecture together,” Barb says. “Living here just makes life simpler and easier. We can take the bus to go shopping, and we have the General Store here for anything we forget to pick up when we’re out. Paul’s Run also has a Library across the hall from the store, so we can take out books whenever we want. We’re delighted that we moved here when we did.”
In August, Al, a retired Executive whose passion is pursuing travel, was one of the presenters. “I am an avid nature photographer so I gave a talk about traveling and photographing nature,” he explains. “My specialty is birds. One thing I include a lot in my presentations is rookeries. Very few people have an opportunity to see them up close.”
His photographs were placed in the display case outside of the Library. “I like being able to share my photographs. I also donate framed photographic nature images as raffle drawing pieces for others to enjoy. I recently donated a picture of an eagle. The resident who won it was delighted and has it hung in her living room.”
The couple echoes one another’s sentiments. “Living here just makes life simpler and easier. We can take the bus to go shopping, and we have the General Store here for anything we forget to pick up when we’re out. Paul’s Run also has a Library across the hall from the store, so we can take out books whenever we want. We’re delighted that we moved here when we did.”