In 2016, Russ and Millie Woda moved into Franklin Park® Sonterra‘s Independent Living Community in San Antonio, Texas. They never imagined that four years later they would be living safely with their neighbors in the middle of a global health pandemic. But they are and they are thriving.

The Wodas, now 89 and 87 years of age respectively, chose to move into a senior retirement community because they wanted a home with amenities and conveniences without the hassles of homeownership. They also wanted to remain close to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but they wanted independent lives for themselves and their family.

“We didn’t need a big house anymore. We loved our home, but from the moment we moved in here, we have enjoyed being here. This is home,” Russ said. “We were well enough, and knew we wanted to make the transition so we could enjoy yourselves. Sometimes people wait too long and the next thing they know they are in assisted living. They don’t have time to enjoy their retirement.”

According to American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), maintaining independence is important for people as they age. ASHA also states that losing their independence is one of the biggest fears that seniors have. An overwhelming majority want to remain in their houses – and understandably so. But the reality is that 1 in 5 U.S. adults age 85 and older say they either need or currently receive help with activities of daily living.

“We have other people here. Neighborhoods do not communicate the way they used to,” Millie said. “You never really see your neighbors these days unless you are out doing yardwork or go to the mailbox. But here, you see your friends and neighbors, and can easily have them over or meet with them in the game room or even have dinner together.”

Despite the restrictions put in place by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, and the Bexar County Health Department to protect the residents at the senior living and retirement community from COVID-19, the Wodas are concerned about the pandemic in general, but feel safe in their home.

“Because Franklin Park® communicated and shut things down immediately, we knew we were safe,” Millie said.  

“I don’t want to say don’t worry about the pandemic, but as far as living here, for us, it’s great,” added Russ. “We are free to leave our apartment, as well as the community, and when we do, we put on our masks.”  

Franklin Park® Senior Living works with residents and their families to determine and create the senior living environment that accentuates their preferred or needed lifestyle. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for our senior residents with a community they can call their home. Franklin Park® independent living communities maximize the self-sufficiency and self-determination of residents to live in their own homes and interact and engage in a community that offers amenities, activities, and adventure for the retirement lifestyle, without the hassles and worry of home maintenance.

To learn more about our independent living communities through San Antonio, Texas, we invite you to contact Franklin Park®.