From a series of oral histories with residents and employees of the Loomis Village Retirement Community, South Hadley, Mass., regarding their lives and experience in a retirement community. (00:00:20) Connections with Loomis Community since the early 1990s, experiencing every level of care from independent to assisted living and nursing care. (00:01:13) Mother was among the first residents of "The Lodge" -- assisted living; vocal about not wanting to move to the "high rise," but eventually did. (00:03:25) Planning for Phase II development, Carol Katz, who has been a dedicated advocate for Loomis residents. (00:05:28) Move to Loomis in early summer 2004 after Phase II completion, has been admitted to Loomis House on three occasions, after stay at Brigham and Women's in Boston; shared recovery and camaraderie. (00:07:21) Loomis care has been excellent; family support Loomis as best choice and level of care. (00:09:55) Mother's feelings about living in a retirement community. (00:10:53) Memories of visiting her mother in "the Lodge." (00:12:23) Background: born 1920 in Barre, Vt., studied at Colby-Swayer College; worked at dental clinic at Harvard; husband's naval service in World War II. (00:14:25) Memories of hearing about Pearl Harbor, wartime. (00:14:50) Husband Carl Abbey, a children's dentist; married in 1942. (00:18:35) Life after the war in Holyoke: from vibrant community to decay, factory closures. (00:21:34) Coming to Loomis alone; husband resisted; husband developed Alzheimers and was sent to Holyoke Soldier's Home. (00:24:29) How would she describe Loomis to someone who had never been there before: quality healthcare, food, for all who care to participate. (00:29:20) How would she like to be remembered.
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