The forging of friendships at Aberdeen Crossings and Beachwood Commons helps to keep residents happy and engaged

By Mary Malik

Love and friendships begin, develop and grow throughout our lives. Luckily for us, we never have to stop making new friends, even as we nurture our lifelong relationships.

The residents at Aberdeen Crossings and Beachwood Commons assisted living communities enjoy doing both, as couples and single residents alike thrive in their new homes, forming new friendships along the way.

“There are many studies that show the importance of socialization and continuing to make those connections with others as we age,” says Assistant Community Director, Marnie DeGuire, at Aberdeen Crossings. “We plan many of our activities with that in mind and focus on keeping our residents engaged with each other and the world around them.”

Life at Aberdeen Crossings, in Highland Heights, and Beachwood Commons, in Beachwood, is busy and active. Residents have many opportunities to learn new things while getting to know each other.

“Donna and I met at ‘the dog table,’ where all the dog owners often sit together for meals,” says Juliana. “All of us are so grateful to be at Beachwood Commons, where our pets are not only welcome, but are also real members of the community. From there our friendship took off.”

Mealtime at Aberdeen Crossings and Beachwood Commons is a great time for residents to connect, get to know one another and share stories.

“Many of us have shared experiences that brought us here,” says Lenni. “I came to Beachwood Commons from rehabilitation. I was in a wheelchair and was told I wouldn’t get any better or walk again. After therapy here, I’m walking and doing great. And I couldn’t have done it without the staff and the camaraderie of my friends here.”

In her role at Aberdeen Crossings, Marnie watches new relationships form every day.

“It’s never too late to make new friends,” says Marnie. “Residents here have the time to talk and form bonds. They look out for one another. Isolation is a dangerous thing for mind, body and spirit. They are not experiencing that here.”

Josie and Sam moved to Aberdeen Crossings when life at home became difficult to manage. As often happens with elderly couples who are lucky enough to have each other, one half of the couple needs more help than the other can offer and life at home becomes stressful.

“Sam needed more help than Josie could give him,” says Marnie. “They have family in the area and their daughter even works here. It’s a great relief for them to be here and be able to just be a loving couple again. They don’t have to worry about all of the activities of daily living that they struggled with at home. They can concentrate on enjoying one another.”

The staff members at Aberdeen and Beachwood engage the residents, and that means finding out about their hobbies and incorporating them into their new lives. The talents and passions of the residents are often showcased in the communities.

“Josie used to wrap gifts at one of the big department stores in Cleveland,” says Marnie. “We asked if she would like to help us over the holidays and she was thrilled. We set her up with everything she needed and she beautifully wrapped all the gifts for the staff, loving every minute of it. She’s extremely talented, and was a big help.”

You never know what you might uncover about your new friend and neighbor. From musical talents to artists and even gift wrapping, there’s so much to learn and enjoy when you’re given the opportunity.

“One of our residents plays the piano and his jazz band practices here at Beachwood Commons every Tuesday night,” says Juliana. “Another resident’s son comes on Fridays and calls bingo for us. There’s always something happening here.”

Residents at both communities are encouraged to take part in activities and there’s something for everyone. Between outings to museums and restaurants, crafts, music, and happy hour, there is much to choose from on any given day. As Marnie says, “It’s like living on a cruise ship, without the rocking.”

“And the staff is wonderful,” says Beachwood Commons resident Donna. “They are always cheerful, smiling and ready to help. And the group of us, Lenni, Juliana, Judy and I, are great friends and love spending time playing cards, board games, eating our meals and just talking. I lost my husband and that was very difficult. But I’ve made new friends here. It’s a real sense of community and caring. I have a new life and I’m loving it.”

Aberdeen Crossings is located at 399 Bishop Road in Highland Heights. For more information or to schedule a personal visit, call 440-460-0686. Beachwood Commons is located at 3995 Green Road in Beachwood. For more information or to schedule a personal visit, call 216-295-1700. Both are LifeServices communities. For additional information, visit LifeServicesAssistedLiving.com.