 Home | Recent News | Newton | Couple Gladly Chose Retirement Community 01 Feb 2008 Couple gladly chose retirement community |  | Ron & Orva Hargett | |
By Nancy D. Borst Orva Hargett of Newton had an epiphany of sorts when her stepmother was moved to a nursing care unit in South Hutchinson. She said she and her husband, Mr. Hargett, realized, “If we ever get to the point we have to make a decision, we want to be involved in that decision and not just go where there’s an opening.” Thus began their search for a retirement community in Newton. They chose Newton Presbyterian Manor and moved there nearly four years ago, in late spring 2004. Mrs. Hargett admits their friends thought they were crazy to leave their home while still in their 60s. “In fact, one said, ‘What in the world are you doing moving to an old people’s home?’” she said. But the Hargetts saw only upsides to their decision. Gone was the responsibility of home maintenance. In fact, just months after they moved to their new apartment, the couple could remain bystanders to the January 2005 ice storm without worrying about damage to a home or property. “We just sat in here and watched the trees break, knowing we didn’t have to clean up branches,” said Mrs. Hargett. “It wasn’t difficult for me to leave our house,” said Mr. Hargett. “I don’t miss it.” They enjoy traveling as often as their budget allows. And they like the freedom to take those trips; a freedom different from what they experienced as homeowners. No need to stop mail or get someone to mow the lawn. “It’s nice to be able to lock the door, put an extra drink of water on the plants and say ‘see you later,’” said Mrs. Hargett. They chose a two-bedroom apartment and they use the second bedroom as a “project” room. The apartment was completely redecorated for them by Presbyterian Manor. They got to choose paint colors, kitchen countertops and window coverings. Something as simple as being able to choose drapes instead of blinds for their east-facing balcony door helped make the apartment their own. “I think the thing I like is the feeling coming in from out of doors and having a comfortable, cozy nest,” said Mrs. Hargett. “We’re able to shut the door and it’s just us.” Mr. Hargett was still working part time in maintenance at Bethel College when they moved to the Manor but now they both are fully retired. Mrs. Hargett retired in 2002 from a career as a registered nurse. At 70 and 71, Mr. Hargett jokes that they are the “kids on the block” at Presbyterian Manor. They enjoy their independence just as much as they did when they lived in their home in the community. “Our social life doesn’t depend on the Manor,” Mr. Hargett said. “We have too much else outside this area that keeps us busy,” added Mrs. Hargett. The couple is active in many aspects of the life of St. Mary Catholic Church, for example. Mrs. Hargett helps orient new residents to life at Presbyterian Manor and she has served on Manor committees. The couple also maintains their physical health by using the Manor’s wellness center several times a week. To them, their move means they have put themselves in a place that can care for them the rest of their lives, no matter what their future holds. Presbyterian Manor is a active living and wellness community that offers apartments, townhomes, single-family homes, assisted living and health care, including memory support for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia—the first in Kansas when it was added in 1986. Mrs. Hargett says it is reassuring to know that there are plenty of activities at their home if a day comes when they are not as able to travel and be involved in the greater community. “There are activities we can participate in if we choose to,” she said. “I have in the back of my mind, if we’re not free to come and go, there are things we can do.” She hopes their decision to be proactive about their move can be an example for other “younger” retired people. “We did all the downsizing until we have to vacate to go to a nursing unit, if we ever do,” she said. “I hope to be an incentive for other younger people. Don’t wait until you are so old. You don’t know how often we’ve heard, ‘You don’t know how lucky you are. We wish we could have done it when we were your age instead of when we were older.’”
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