Moving away from her long-time home in East Randolph wasn’t easy for Barbara. However, through the number of activities offered at Strode, Barbara didn’t have time to sit around thinking about missing home.

“There is so much going on here and there’s so much support from the residents and staff,” Barbara said. “It helps you ease into a whole new lifestyle.”

A watercolor artist, Barbara looks for any artistic activities. She loves learning from some of the other resident artists.

“Working with others also keeps me more motivated than if I were creating alone.“

Barbara joined a writing group, as it provided a great outlet to express her feelings about leaving her home and friends.

“There’s always something to do and I’m glad about that,” Barbara said. “But if you’re bored, you just take a walk around the building or the grounds.”

Those grounds contain boxes for each resident. Barbara grows flowers, fennel, and kale right outside her door. There is also community, raised bed gardens that Barbara assisted in expanding.

“Everyone has been so good about sharing the watering and weeding,” Barbara said. “Anything we need, we just help each other.”

The activities keep her busy, but it’s the future that compelled Barbara to downsize. She recommends anyone thinking about the next stage of their life to consider joining the community at Strode.

“I was looking for a place wherein 10 or so years would be good for me because It will be good for needs I don’t have now or I wouldn’t be as healthy. This was perfect.”