Thriving in Independent Living at Fairwinds – River’s Edge

Jun 9, Alissa Sauer

At Fairwinds – River’s Edge, we understand that change can be difficult. Many of our residents have found that once they have decided to move to an independent living community, they have the peace of mind they had been missing and could find freedom in retirement. Meet Karen, one of our independent living residents, and learn how independent living can provide seniors with the amenities and services to thrive.

Like many of our residents, Karen is fiercely independent. Karen is intelligent and driven as a social worker and a teacher at all grade levels, from preschool to graduate school. Karen is a mother, grandmother, and world traveler with passport stamps from Germany, Ireland, Amsterdam, tropical islands, and several cruises. She loves doing crossword puzzles, studying the arts, gardening, and cheering on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Her huge heart led her to rescue Hope, her trusted dog, but she feels she may have rescued her instead.

Karen lived alone for quite a while, but when a picture fell off her mantel and hit her on the head, she began to consider moving to a senior living community, where there would be people and amenities that could serve her well in retirement.

“Before moving, I don’t think I really understood the aging process – and had false impressions of it. It’s not really about thinking of the past, but more so, it’s a time to reach out and meet new people and make even more connections because we have more time and are able to connect at a more open and honest level. It’s no longer focusing on what we can’t do, but focusing more on what we can and want to do. Living alone, I didn’t laugh near as much, and I’ve found myself laughing so much here and enjoying life. There really is humor in aging.”

– Karen

Karen found true joy in retirement after moving into Fairwinds – River’s Edge. She joined our Ambassador Club, which welcomes new visitors to our community, has meals with them, and gladly shows off her beautiful villa to them. She happily shares how she connected with her new community and proudly touts how the Move-In Coordination made the move easier on her, knowing exactly how things would fit in her new home before moving in a single piece of furniture. She has developed new and meaningful friendships and takes advantage of our dynamic activities calendar, joining our book club and regularly making it to aqua aerobics and happy hour.

Karen is one of our many residents who have found freedom in independent living at Fairwinds – River’s Edge. We would love you to join the fun at Fairwinds – River’s Edge! Our independent living community in St. Charles is now accepting new residents. Contact Fairwinds – River’s Edge today to schedule your tour. Karen and the rest of the Ambassadors Club are waiting to welcome you home!