I am a list maker and planner, that is who I am, and due to my Aspie traits I put logical thinking above most emotions. In that regard, I realize that I will very likely outlive my wife by possibly several years. She is seven years older than me and in precarious health. When we moved to our current homestead twenty years ago she made me promise her it would be the last house she lives in. Like all my promises I intend to uphold that one. But, then what??
Until recently I was convinced that a CCRC (continuous care retirement community) was the place for me. It is just the most logical. Since I have no kids I will be pretty much on my own for all my needs. Going into a place where I can spend the rest of my life and be assured that help would be there when I need it was very appealing. Kinda like the guy in the photo above I thought it would be the most satisfying way to finish off my life.
As a matter of fact, I had pretty much picked the one I wanted. It has multiple dining options, many activities and a pleasant atmosphere. Questions still remain. How will I as a deaf person who has lived almost exclusively with a recluse be welcomed there. Will my Aspie traits turn out to be something that turns people off? I know eye contact is essential to many and I just don’t do that very well. Maybe my bluntness will cause me to get shunned? I don’t know the answers to these questions, but was willing to investigate further.
But then the pandemic happened, and we all saw how it decimated those type of facilities! Living close to hundreds of other people is a dangerous thing right now. That made me step back and consider other options. That is the process I am going through right now…
If you have any comments for suggestions I would love to hear them.
RJ's Corner 
It really depends on the place.
My mother’s place has had one person – a person who does not have direct contact with seniors- test positive. They all have been tested. They all are checked if they venture out.
As far as deafness. I know that there is a table of men, at her place, who meet quite often, when COVID was not a thing, and have conversations in sign. You might attempt to learn a formal sign language if that interaction is what you desire. I know that most of the staff signs somewhat because they are used to dealing with people who do not live in their hearing aides.
COVID may be a blessing in disguise for you. It is weeding out poorly run centers quickly. Remember, you need to move in BEFORE you need them.If I remember correctly, you might start looking seriously soon.
Good luck!
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Thanks for the valuable info Janette. I will keep looking with a little more enthusiasm now. I am trying to do this under the radar as I don’t want to upset my wife, but I do need to make plans and since I am a planner it is just what I do. Thanks, again.
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RJ,
We, too, have been considering a CCRC for our future. After much study, we have placed a refundable deposit on a new one under construction. We have been following the county health reports on all CCRC’s and the one we believe we move to has to date had 0 cases in covid. One of my motivations is social interaction. We both need friends and activities. I hope you find a place that will support your hearing disability. I enjoyed your blog. I have recently started one myself.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts Pat. Following the health reports is a good idea. I’m not sure just what my criteria is on what I am looking for. I guess that’s the first serious step, isn’t it?
I took a quick look at your new blow and I think it has potential. Just be patient as far as views go. It doesn’t happen overnight. I have been blogging here at RJsCorner for about 10 years now and did a red letter living blog before that.
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Thanks RJ, stay safe and well. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
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