Merrill and Judy Skolnik were overwhelmed by the thought of moving until they enlisted the help of a moving coordinator.

The Skolniks began looking at continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), and after a lengthy search, they selected Roland Park Place in Baltimore, Md. The two native Baltimoreans have a long history in the area and were relieved to find a place in the city and close to their children.

After raising their four children, Judy launched a career as an advisor at Towson University. An electrical engineer, Merrill earned his degree from Johns Hopkins University and worked for nearly 40 years for the U.S. government. When he retired, he was the Superintendent of the Radar Division of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., and a widely renowned author and expert in radar technology.

After living in the same home for decades, the Skolniks were overwhelmed by the thought of moving. Even after finding the right retirement community, they had no idea of where or how to start the transition.

The staff at Roland Park Place suggested that the Skolniks enlist the help of Senior Transitions, Inc., a moving coordinating company owned and operated by Charna Kinneberg, RN, MBA. Senior Transitions assists seniors and their families with every aspect of the moving process from planning and downsizing to packing and unpacking.

“We are not a one-size-fits-all company. Each client is unique,” Charna explained. “Our services are tailored to relieve the stress of moving, and our first goal is to determine the exact needs of the client.”

When Charna started helping the Skolniks, relocating began to seem manageable. “She just took the whole burden off; she was in charge,” recalled Judy. “Thank goodness for Charna.”

Instead of worrying about home maintenance or feeling isolated, the Skolniks now enjoy a wide range of activities with new friends and
neighbors.

Charna helped Judy and Merrill make key decisions about what to take with them and what to leave behind. “She’s very decisive,” Judy recalled of Charna. “She knows what should be done and just does it.” She also enlisted help to do the packing and unpacking, so the couple did not have to worry about the physical tasks of the move.

“They were just wonderful,” Judy said of Senior Transitions. “They pack you up, and they bring you here, and they unpack you. They even make up your bed, and you’re ready to begin your new life.”

In addition to being efficient and professional, Charna and her staff also formed a personal relationship with the Skolniks. It was almost a year after they moved that Judy recalled seeing some of Senior Transitions’ staff members in the lobby of Roland Park Place. “A new resident was moving in upstairs with Charna’s help. I recognized the movers, and, to my surprise, they greeted me by name. They remembered everything about us. I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Since moving, the Skolniks have enjoyed a much-improved lifestyle. Merrill stopped driving and Judy only drives during the day, so the couple rarely ventured out in the evenings while living in their house. Now, they take the community bus to the opera, theater, concerts and dinners. “There’s something to do here all the time,” Judy said. “I try to take advantage of everything, and it’s been very stimulating.”

Finding a community close to home and the professionals to help them make the move has helped the Skolniks transition to their ideal retirement. From living an isolated life in their increasingly burdensome house to enjoying activities and events with new friends and neighbors, the Skolniks have certainly made a move in the right direction.

In addition to the range of healthcare services offered at the continuing care retirement community, Pauline and Dr. Robert Sumner were instantly drawn to Riddle Village for its beautiful grounds and friendly staff.

we feel very blessed,” said Pauline.

Therefore, they wanted to give her something in return by ensuring they would be cared for in their future years.  The couple agreed that Riddle Village, a Lifecare Retirement Community located in Media, Pa., would be the perfect place to help them achieve this.

“So many parents don’t want to give up their home and they don’t realize the responsibility that falls to the children,” said Pauline.  “It takes a tremendous burden off our daughter if something were to happen to us. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.”

While it offers their loved one peace of mind, it has also provided the Sumners themselves with an active environment and maintenance-free lifestyle.  Robert (Bob) is a retired dentist who practiced for 38 years after serving in the Air Force while Pauline was a teacher before their daughter was born.  Over the years, she has continually volunteered in their community and with their church.

“I may have been the one who started pushing for us to move since Bob has been retired for 14 years,” said Pauline.  “I was tired of cooking and maintaining the home.”

The Sumners proceeded to visit different communities in the area, and found they were instantly drawn to Riddle Village.  “The staff appealed to us the most and the appearance as we were walking into the beautiful gold lobby room,” said Pauline.

These aspects, in addition to the Lifecare community’s independent living, personal care and skilled nursing services, prompted the couple to make the move, and they have been enjoying life in their new home for the past five months.

With a range of amenities and activities at Riddle Village, the couple has been getting involved as much as possible, even finding outlets for sharing their different skills. Bob, an avid woodworker and cabinet maker, has donated extensive equipment to the community’s woodshop and looks forward to giving lessons.  Meanwhile, Pauline has started volunteering at the gift shop.  They also take advantage of the fitness center and try not to miss the various entertainment brought into the community.

“There are so many opportunities here that you can be busy all the time,” she said.  “You certainly aren’t retired when you’re here — you might get tired — but you are not retired.”

And Bob would agree as he balances his time to continue his efforts building a medical/dental clinic in Honduras.  Having helped others in different areas such as the South Pacific and Mexico, he has been able to share his knowledge as part of the Medical Committee at Riddle Village.

When he travels, however, he knows he has a wonderful home with a new found family waiting for him.  “Everyone here is so friendly, it has not been a problem getting to know people,” he said.  “Everything feels connected here since you can just go from one building to the other.”

For the couple, the friendly connections also apply to the staff.  “They are very supportive; from maintenance to the wait staff, they could not be more helpful and wonderful,” said Pauline.

As they enjoy delicious meals, a variety of entertainment or the beautiful settings of Riddle Village, the Sumners prove just how rewarding making the transition can be for everyone involved.

Attleboro Village is a member of The WILMAC Family Healthcare Network. Last year, its staff purchased the Wii game system anticipating the many benefits it could bring the residents. Janis Kind, a resident for the past five years, has become an avid bowler since her daughter donated a large screen television while her granddaughter taught her peers how to use the game system. Eventually this small group of residents found themselves forming a team and participating in tournaments with other communities in the area.

The Wii bowling league is continuing to gain momentum as Janis said their constantly growing team was recently featured on the local news. As a result, her next plan is to encourage tournaments strictly within the community. Attleboro’s tight-knit and vibrant environment was just what Janis Kind had been looking for as someone who was used to being a part of the action through her career. For 25 years, she enjoyed teaching television production to high school students and putting on a daily news show.

In her free time, Janis worked in sales and did trade shows with her husband, a manufacturer representative. The couple of 42 years had three daughters and often enjoyed playing golf and tennis.

After her husband passed away, Janis had lived alone for 10 years before she began to think about her future. It was one day while working at a local department store that she met Carol Sisk, the director of marketing at Attleboro.

Although Janis had visited different communities throughout the area, it was Attleboro’s smaller size and convenient campus that appealed to her.

“Everything’s under one roof, you never have to go outside or go through different halls to get to the dining room and other places,” she said.

When she told her daughters she was considering the transition to a retirement community, they were not initially on board with the idea. Janis, however, had a plan and brought them with her to visit Attleboro.

“Immediately they said, ‘What are you waiting for, it’s beautiful!’” Janis said with a laugh.

And she certainly did not wait long, since that very night she called a realtor to help sell her home. Although she has lived at the community for five years, it had not taken Janis long to immerse herself in its vibrant environment.

“It was easy to get to know everyone and the people that work here are so helpful and wonderful,” she said.

Aside from being a former president of the Residents Association and serving on the Board, Janis has been involved in the community’s Travel, Entertainment and Scholarship Committees while serving as chair of the Nursing Center Committee. As part of the community’s drama group, Janis has also helped put on three different performances.

With this fun and active atmosphere, freedom from home maintenance and a supportive staff, one might say Janis bowled a strike when she made the move to Attleboro.

“I’m very, very happy here,” she said.

Mrs. Russell was living with her husband in their family home in Havertown when his health began to deteriorate. She realized that she needed some assistance. Mrs. Russell was listening to a radio show when she first heard about Senior Supportive Services, Inc., a one-stop shop for older adults’ and their families’ needs. This Geriatric Care Management Firm provides free, comprehensive evaluations of a client’s physical, social, mental, financial, and legal situations. They suggest a care plan personalized for the client’s needs, inform the client of all available options, and help to implement the client’s choices.

“I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know where to turn before I heard about their services,” says Mrs. Russell. Since that time, which was over 10 years ago, Mrs. Russell has received on-going assistance from the firm. Jeanette Mastroieni-Cave, the President and founder of the company, has become a personal friend.

After her husband’s passing, Jeanette and her staff helped Mrs. Russell get her affairs in order. Mrs. Russell recalls, “She made suggestions as to what I should do next. At that point in my life, I was so mixed up that I didn’t know what to do. She helped me sort everything out and move forward.”

Once they had assessed her financial situation, Senior Supportive Services helped Mrs. Russell select an appropriate independent living community. They arranged for the sale of her family home and provided comprehensive assistance to ensure a good transition to her new home.

Just four years ago, because of her changing health care needs, Mrs. Russell decided to move again. Jeanette helped her select an assisted living community that could meet her needs and then worked with her to make another seamless move.

Last year, nursing home care was suggested by the community where she had lived. Recognizing Mrs. Russell’s strong resistance to this change, Jeanette suggested moving to an apartment and arranged for a live-in caregiver. With all her care needs met, Mrs. Russell’s new living environment has allowed her to live her life to the fullest.

Of Senior Supportive Services, Mrs. Russell says, “They have been helping me for so long now, and we really have a wonderful relationship. Jeanette is an extraordinarily kind person, and she really knows her business very well.”

Mrs. Russell feels lucky to have found such caring and talented people to help her during several major transitions. Now settled into her new apartment, she concludes, “I’m good. I’m really very lucky and life is good.”