Betty Dicks speaks about why she likes Diakon Senior Living – Hagerstown:

“I couldn’t be more happy than I am now living [here on the Ravenwood campus]. I first moved here with my husband ... When he died, people asked me if I was going to move, and I told them absolutely not. I couldn’t be in a better place. Living here offers more of a carefree life. The campus has a friendly atmosphere and I feel very much at home here. I love all of the people here—they’ve become part of my family.

“Not only do I have an extended family here, but I also have the benefit of knowing that my home maintenance issues will be addressed for me. I don’t have to worry about anything—inside or outside. Prior to moving here, maintenance work used to be a nightmare. I could never get handyman when I needed him. Since I moved here, I don’t have to worry about it anymore. The staff even changes the batteries on the smoke and carbon dioxide alarms. I am part of an ‘elite bunch’ here—residents are treated like kings and queens. We don’t have to worry about many things other older homeowners have to worry about.

“When I am not I am not traveling, I spend much of my time with other residents. A bunch of us go out to lunch together on a regular basis. We also go to the Robinwood campus and use its pool. There is also an exercise gym available to us there, and the activity director often assists us with our exercises. I also enjoy the once-a-month cottage dinner.

“The social aspects ... are wonderful, but so is the sense of security the campus offers. I think it is especially great because it takes the pressure off of my children. It relieves me greatly to know that my children don’t particularly need to be right here if I need help. For instance, if an emergency should arise, I can just push my help button that rings into the nursing care center. The staff there would get me the care that I need, as well as notify my daughter of my condition.

“Also, when my husband suffered from a stroke, he could no longer live here with me, so he resided at the nursing care center. The staff there was very diligent and worked to meet his needs and mine. One person who took care of my husband still checks up on me periodically. It is nothing for him to drop by on a holiday just to see how I am doing. He even made a beautiful wreath for on my husband’s grave. Even though it was a difficult time seeing my husband at the center, the staff was wonderful—I couldn’t have asked for more support.

“The entire campus provides a level of comfort that I wouldn’t have elsewhere. It is like living in a neighborhood. You have your own life, but you know you can get help if you need it. The living accommodations are ideal for me. I was talking to one of my neighbors the other day and she was telling me that moving here was one of the best things she has ever done. I agree.”