Couples find happiness continuing their life journey together at SouthWest Commons Assisted Living in Strongsville

By Mary Malik

"We have everything we need here, and we have each other. What could be better than that?” asks Abe, who, along with his wife, Shirley, is a resident of SouthWest Commons Assisted Living in Strongsville. “And, I can finally sleep in as late as I want.”

Sometimes it’s the little things like sleeping in, socializing with friends and having the time to return to some old hobbies that make a new home just that, home. Shirley and Abe are living a worry-free life.

“We are very lucky to have each other at this stage of our lives,” says Abe. “Shirley and I found it difficult to leave our home, but we’ve settled in nicely here. We’ve made friends and we feel safe and secure. It’s a good feeling.”

For both aging couples and singles, life at home can become difficult and often dangerous. Daily life can become a matter of survival. Residents of SouthWest Commons leave those worries and fears at the door and can enjoy life, and each other, again.

“It’s never easy to leave your home and the staff at SouthWest Commons understands this and works hard to ease the transition,” says Community Director RN, Katie Delligatti.

“We try to center our activities around the interests of our residents so they are constantly engaged and interacting with one another. Our residents have time now, and the days can be long, but there’s always something happening for our residents to enjoy.”

From live music, crafts, games and speakers on various topics to outings to museums, restaurants and community events, there’s no shortage of activities at SouthWest Commons.

“And the staff here is wonderful,” says Dick. “My wife, Shirley, and I have been here just over a month and are still adjusting, but the staff has helped us tremendously. They kid around with us, make us feel welcome and at home. It means a lot.”

As a train collector, musician and artist, Abe now spends a lot of time painting.

“My career with PPG centered around color,” says Abe. “Shirley and I both play the clarinet and Shirley was a competitive roller skater. We have the time now to enjoy the artistic and social activities here.”

Just like at home, mealtime at SouthWest Commons is a time for socializing and getting to know one another.

“Shirley and Dick, Mildred and Jerry, and Abe and I often sit together for meals and have become good friends,” says Shirley. “We’ve found we have a lot in common. It’s just nice to be able to walk out your door and be with people again. We couldn’t do that when we were on our own.”

And with over 175 years of marriage between them, these three couples have a lot of advice to offer this “newlywed” of a mere 27 years.

“Forgiveness,” says Dick. “The big things, of course, but the little things, too. If you both can do that you’ll do well.”

And Dick has become quite the bingo player, winning three times the first week he played.

“He won three candy bars,” says Shirley. “And he didn’t share them, either.”

Something tells me she’ll forgive him.

SouthWest Commons is located at 18090 Pearl Road in Strongsville. For more information or to schedule a personal visit, call 440-238-3777, check the website, LifeServicesAssistedLiving.com, or find them on Facebook.