Moving to a Residence and Still Feeling at Home
For many people, moving into a residence can raise some very real concerns: “Will I truly feel at home? Will I still be myself?” These are natural questions when contemplating such a significant life change.
Through its video series At Home Just as I Am, Le Groupe Maurice has chosen to give a voice to residents who have taken this step. By opening the doors to their apartments, they share their experiences of residence living with honesty and authenticity, offering a human perspective on a reality still surrounded by misconceptions and questions.
Moving to a residence: What do we leave behind?
One of the most persistent misconceptions about moving to a residence is that it means giving something up. Some people worry that leaving their home also means leaving part of their identity behind.
Yet the experiences shared in the At Home Just as I Am video series tell a different story, one that is often closer to reality. At Le Groupe Maurice, older adults are encouraged to furnish and decorate their apartments to reflect their personal tastes, preserving what matters most to them as they begin this new chapter of their lives.
By bringing along cherished belongings, treasured memories and familiar routines, many residents quickly create a space that feels like their own, without longing for the home they left behind.
“When I drive past my old house, I tell my wife, ‘It doesn’t bother me. Is that normal?’” Daniel Georges, a resident of ORA, says with a laugh.
What people leave behind, then, are the day-to-day responsibilities. In a retirement residence, services such as dining room meals can help ease some of these burdens, freeing up more time for what really matters.
Our passions move with us!
For many people, their passions are an essential part of who they are. Whether they enjoy creative activities, learning new skills or pursuing a favourite hobby, these interests continue to enrich their lives when they move into a retirement residence.
Some residents even set aside an entire room in their home for their preferred activities. Diane Hickson, a resident at ORA, for instance, creates greeting cards in a room of her apartment. Imelda Patoine and Louise Warner, also residents at ORA, regularly spend time doing jigsaw puzzles and painting with watercolours in their own private studio.
“I brought almost everything I owned. We came to measure the rooms down to the last inch. We rearranged things, but I was still able to keep all my card-making supplies,” says Diane Hickson.
These experiences show that moving to a new home doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. In fact, many residents find they have more time to pursue their passions once some of their day-to-day responsibilities are no longer a concern.
A personal touch: Making your apartment your own
While some everyday responsibilities may be left behind, memories often make the journey with us. Photo albums, souvenirs from faraway places, collections and family heirlooms… all hold an important place in the apartments of retirees.
These treasured belongings can bring to mind a memorable destination, a special encounter, a family tradition or precious moments spent with loved ones. By surrounding themselves with these mementoes, older individuals keep those memories alive, along with the people connected to them.
And the power of these objects to evoke memories is well recognized. Reminiscence therapy uses photographs, familiar objects and significant life events to help people recall personal memories, with the aim of promoting well-being and a sense of continuity in later life.
“Every time we look at something, it takes us back to a moment in time. (…) When I look at this light bulb, for example, I think of the radio shows I used to listen to with my father. We didn’t have room to store the old radio here, so I kept the light bulb instead!” says Louise Warner, a resident at ORA.
Of course, moving sometimes means making choices. Not everything can come along. But the most meaningful belongings, those that bring back memories or stir emotions, naturally find a place in a new home.
They bring a sense of familiarity and comfort, making an apartment feel warm and deeply personal. Nicole Foreman, a painter and resident at iVVi, experiences this every time she looks at her artwork.
“It’s always a pleasure to rediscover things. (…) I can even remember what the light was like when I painted this,” she says, pointing to her Japanese watercolours.
Your apartment becomes a reflection of you
The stories shared by Le Groupe Maurice residents reveal one thing: no two apartments are alike. Some spaces favour a clean, simple look… while others are filled with colour, artwork and personal mementoes. For some, the apartment is a place to welcome family and friends. For others, it’s a peaceful retreat where comfort and quiet take centre stage.
This diversity reflects the rich life experiences and unique personalities of those who call retirement residences home. More than a matter of décor, it speaks to the freedom older adults have to shape their surroundings to suit who they are. Everyone can make their space their own, according to their needs, preferences and way of life.
For many residents, this freedom is an important part of their quality of life.
“Being happy with your life means feeling at home in your surroundings. (…) I think I have a wonderful retirement. It’s simple, and I don’t need anything more,” says Thérèse Saint-Jacques, a resident at ORA.
From one apartment to the next, styles, habits and priorities may differ. One thing remains the same, however: the desire to live in a place that feels true to who we are and where we can continue to be ourselves.
The experiences shared by residents of Le Groupe Maurice show that moving to a residence doesn’t mean conforming to a one-size-fits-all lifestyle or leaving a part of yourself behind. For many older people, this new chapter is an opportunity to create a home that reflects who they are, while maintaining a sense of continuity with the life they’ve always known.
To discover more inspiring life stories, watch the episodes of the At Home Just as I Am series. To learn more about seniors’ experiences and life in a retirement residence, explore the latest news and articles from Le Groupe Maurice!