Thoughts on living an independent life

People ask, "How is it living at Cadbury?" I sense the question often carries loaded messages: “I can't imagine ever living in such a place.” Or, “I hope I don't end my life in such a place."

Sharon Hoover and some of the residents of Cadbury would like to dispel the myths about their community.

Sharon, age 79, and her husband Dean have lived in a four-room apartment for over nine years. Their space includes two full bathrooms designed for safety for the elderly, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a large living room.

"We enjoy on-site exercise classes in our pool and fitness room, Friday night movies, a chorus, and a library which is complete with an observation beehive. Our activity room has a sewing machine and a computer. Residents can choose art, needlecraft, hymn sing and worship groups as well as play bridge, poker, and other games indoors and out. In the community we participate in Osher Lifelong Learning, Tradewinds Recorder Ensemble, Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, and the Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild."

Jean Woolley, age 72, and her husband Richard, 82, moved to Cadbury from Wilmington last November to a Sussex Cottage, one of the four largest independent cottages with a pond view. Jean says, "We like the fact that we chose our own meal allowance. Sometimes we eat in and invite family to join us, but we love to go out too." Richard said, "It was time to leave home maintenance and enjoy life." Richard recently enjoyed a surf fishing course offered by the Delaware Park Service.

"One special thing that Rich and I do together is to volunteer as mentors with the Lewes After School Program that provides enrichment activities and homework assistance to thirty elementary school age students each session," writes Jean.

Says resident Jane Lord, 71, "While Cadbury is home, I feel very much part of the broader community. As president the League of Women Voters of Sussex County, I travel around the county trying to stay on top of committee activities. As president of our residents' association, I ride my bike to meetings. During the summer, I swim in the ocean almost every day, and in the winter I walk on the Cape Henlopen beach or trails a couple of times a week. I think it's so important to dispel the stereotype of continuing care communities. I definitely lead an independent life!"

Bill Dunn says that Cadbury is convenient for everything he needs. "I lived alone and broke my wrist, and a friend told me about this place. I have met so many nice people. I play water volleyball, many games and take woodshop classes where I learned to build a bookcase, and a carrier for my paints too."

Sharon explains: "The major physical plant difference between other developments and Cadbury is that the Cadbury community building has an attached healthcare wing which includes assisted living apartments with its own dining room, and a skilled nursing wing for those with short-term nursing needs (such as knee replacements), longer-term nursing care and dementia care." Jean Woolley says, "Now the kids don't have to worry about us!"

Sharon adds, “Another myth I hear about living in Cadbury is it's so expensive! Because our utilities, taxes, insurance, exercise opportunities, social clubs, and some of our meals are covered in our monthly fee, it's not as costly as you might think. Plus if we can't drive, the Cadbury bus travels to grocery stores, banks, the post office, and several convenience stores."

Are you thinking you want to learn more about Cadbury or a host of other assisted living options in Delaware? Visit www.aboutassistedliving.org.