Struggling anew for elderly Palisades evacuees involves a rocky restart, followed by a gentle landing
For Joe and Arline Halper, moving into a retirement community was not just a choice, but a necessity after their home in Pacific Palisades was destroyed by a devastating fire. The transition, however, has been a complex experience, involving emotional trauma, social adjustment, and adaptation to new amenities.
The Halpers, along with many others, have found a "soft landing" at Avocet retirement community. Located in a vibrant, ethnically and generationally diverse neighborhood, Avocet offers more than just a place to live. It's a community that fosters warmth, friendliness, and a resort-like feel.
The retirement community provides a variety of amenities to promote physical health and social engagement among its residents. These include a gym, swimming pool, nearby parks for activities like pickleball, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance. The community also boasts a library off the lobby and offers daily video lectures by experts.
Bill Klein, 94, and his wife Renee, 85, are also residents at Avocet. They were friends with the Halpers in Pacific Palisades and have adapted well to life at the community. Bill enjoys using the gym and swimming in the pool, while Renee appreciates the on-site care and caring neighbors and staff.
For Janet H., a 85-year-old retired teacher who lives at Avocet, the community has been a lifesaver. After losing her home in a fire, she found solace and support at Avocet. "The community saved my life and my husband's life," she said. Janet is particularly grateful for the convenience of never having to cook again and the on-site care provided by the community.
Steve Lopez, a California native and four-time Pulitzer finalist, has been a columnist for our website since 2001. He has written extensively about the challenges faced by older adults who move into retirement communities after losing their homes in a fire. Lopez notes that the adjustment process is marked by emotional struggle, intense social dynamics, and an effortful rebuilding of routine and identity amidst changed circumstances.
The presence of close friends and new social contacts plays a crucial role in helping residents cope with grief and rebuild their lives after evacuation and displacement. Arline Halper agrees, saying that the people in the retirement community are warm and friendly.
Despite the challenges, the residents of Avocet retirement community are finding a sense of home and community in their new surroundings. They are rebuilding their lives, one day at a time, with the support of their friends, family, and the caring staff at Avocet.
- The Halper's move to Avocet retirement community was necessitated by a fire that destroyed their Pacific Palisades home.
- Avocet, situated in a lively, diverse neighborhood, offers more than just a residence, but a welcoming and resort-like community.
- The retirement community provides amenities such as a gym, swimming pool, access to parks, restaurants, and shops nearby.
- Avocet's lobby hosts a library, and daily video lectures by experts are offered.
- Bill Klein, 94, and his wife Renee, 85, who were friends with the Halpers, have seamlessly adapted to life at the community.
- Bill enjoys utilizing the gym and swimming in the pool, while Renee values the on-site care and caring neighbors and staff.
- For Janet H., a retired teacher living at Avocet, the community has been a lifesaver after losing her home in a fire.
- Janet is thrilled about not having to cook again and appreciates the on-site care provided by the community.
- Steve Lopez, a California-native columnist, has been writing about the challenges faced by older adults moving into retirement communities.
- Lopez highlights the emotional struggle, intense social dynamics, and the rebuilding of routines and identities among these individuals.
- Social support from close friends and new acquaintances is crucial in helping residents cope with grief and rebuild their lives.
- Arline Halper affirms the friendly and warm nature of the people in the retirement community.
- The residents of Avocet are finding a sense of home and community in their new surroundings.
- They are constructing their lives anew, day by day, with the assistance of friends, family, and the caring Avocet staff.
- The topic of older adults moving into retirement communities after losing their homes in a fire is extensively covered in the global news.
- These transitions involve complex emotional trauma, social adjustment, and adapting to new amenities.
- The Halper's complex experience in transitioning to Avocet retirement community reflects many others who have faced similar circumstances.
- The vibrant neighborhood surrounding Avocet offers numerous opportunities for outdoor living, such as parks for pickleball activities, and dining within walking distance.
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