Guide to Retirement Living: Windham Terrace

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The past year has been a time of change and evolution for New Hampshire retirement communities. We reached out to several administrators to learn how things are going, what recent challenges have revealed and how residents — and potential community members — can feel secure about their retirement living decisions.

What are some of the important elements to consider when choosing a retirement community?

“Location can be an important consideration, given that quite often the simple objection about moving is to be close to family and friends. Consider the size of the facility, services that are offered for your current needs — as well as the services you may require in the future — costs are always something to consider, and then consider the culture of the community. The culture can be simply defined as the way a facility ‘feels.’”

What is your No. 1 tip about the moving process?

“Seniors are sometimes under the impression that all communities are the same, and that they offer the same levels of care, the same standards, or the same accommodations. This is most definitely untrue. They’re sometimes afraid that they will lose their freedom or independence, and that remaining in their home is the best place to live as you age. In actuality, it is the community environment that provides safety, more freedom and convenience, along with more care and certainly less stress or worry than perhaps staying alone in your home can provide. Another misconception is that you will lose connections with family or friends. The reality is that families and friends visit more frequently, and those visits are more enjoyable as they’re not providing care that was needed before moving into a community.”

What is something unique about the approach to memory care at Windham Terrace?

“Millstone Inn is a smaller personal wing — within the same overall community — separated by a keypad code that prevents wandering of those who may have this symptom as part of their dementia. It is a specially designed, lovely and secure unit with an outdoor enclosed courtyard as well as a large, bright three-season sunroom. The goal of our Millstone Inn is twofold — to provide a sense of security and belonging through specially trained staff, within surroundings that look and feel like home; and to add quality-of-life through a daily routine that incorporates music, laughter, smiles and exercise, along with conversation, creativity and reflection.”

What is the most important thing to know about your community?

“The most important thing people should know about Windham Terrace is that we are here for your loved ones. We care for each resident as if they were our own family. Our sincere goal is to help each resident become comfortable with their individual decision in choosing a new living option. It’s not just one thing, it’s everything. It all comes full circle to peace of mind.”