“My grandson won a gold medal at the Paralympic Games in England!” Kitty exclaimed.
Start a conversation with Kitty Forrest, an independent living resident at Chapel Pointe, and you'll know immediately that she loves her family.
When looking for a continuing care retirement community 10 years ago, proximity to her daughter in Boiling Springs, Pa., carried much weight. Finding a new home so close to family was an answer to prayer, and her new family at Chapel Pointe added to her blessings.
“It’s like being in a big family. Everybody cares about each other and does everything they can to help one another,” Kitty said.
She often visits her neighbors to exchange books or to share meals together. Kitty dotes on the maintenance team, which comes to her rescue with a simple phone call. She knows the dietary team will whip up a delicious meal when she doesn’t feel like cooking. And both Kitty and her children can rest assured knowing that she can easily get medical help at the push of a button.
Volunteering at Chapel Pointe has given Kitty the opportunity to serve and encourage her extended family. Pre-COVID, Kitty enjoyed greeting visitors and catching up with residents from the reception desks. She serves in the on-site Henry Chapel, where many residents attend church or watch live services from their homes.
She’s also an avid reader who shares this joy with others by helping to run the Chapel Pointe library, which was one of the first amenities to reopen during the pandemic.
Kitty eagerly awaits the day when she can return to volunteering in all the ways she used to, but in the meantime, even a worldwide pandemic couldn’t diminish Kitty’s passion for serving and encouraging others. (Check out this blog for Kitty-approved conversation starters.)
A handwritten note is one of the most meaningful treasures a person can receive, so Kitty spends her days writing cards from her apartment. Since she moved to Chapel Pointe, Kitty has been sending many residents and staff a handwritten birthday card on their special day. That's hundreds of cards per year!
It’s the many people at Chapel Pointe, like Kitty, who make others feel at home and provide opportunities for growth at every age. In addition to events and trips coordinated by staff, residents provide opportunities for enrichment by leading their own groups, such as the book club, women’s Bible study, and prayer group.
“It has been wonderful to connect with ladies in our Bible study, and I have noticed how much I’ve grown spiritually since moving here,” Kitty said.
Whether biological, neighborly, or spiritual, family has always been important to Kitty, which naturally made Chapel Pointe a great fit for her senior living needs.
“At Chapel Pointe, I feel part of a loving family of friends. All of my needs are well met. We work together for the good of all, and the staff do their utmost to keep us well and happy,” Kitty said.