Life at Eaton by Janet Thompson, Resident

When I was apartment hunting five years ago, I asked four people in Eaton’s lobby, “What do you like best about living here?”  From each one, I got a positive response. My cat and I have been mighty happy at Eaton since moving in.

In my view, the best asset is our staff, and they all seem to remember our names.  Eaton is locally-owned, which makes a huge difference, and the most important reason I chose to live here. We have a foundation which seeks grants and donations to help residents, such as having a full-time nurse and upgrading the property inside and out. Our nurse is so eager and clever; she arranges all manner of health seminars with speakers and other professionals, such as immunization clinics and a veterinarian who visits. Students from Metro State University intern here for part of their school requirements.

Another highlight is having a church on-site and its compassionate, caring folks.  When I have gone through difficult times they have put me in touch with professional counselors – in my apartment! I haven’t even needed to leave the property.

When we have special events, the dining staff goes all-out to treat us to epicurean, luscious and exciting goodies. In the last year I’ve been a bit of a hermit with depression. Being able to “order up” my meals has kept me going, helping me take care of my cat.

When I don’t feel up to facing the public, I stay occupied by reading four to six books a week. If I run out of books from the library at The Residences, there is the library next door to start on. If I get bored or lonely, there are cards, bingo, coloring, crafts, art and trips to restaurants, Aspen leaves, Christmas lights and more, using our bus. Our driver is skilled and comical. In the summer, our resident gardeners raise mighty good stuff!

We are blessed with many volunteers.  They arrange special events, parties, and Saturday potlucks. I am one of the volunteers, periodically interviewing and writing biographies of our residents.

Obviously, I’m mighty happy here, including when I’m a hermit. Newcomers and sometimes happy old-timers may reckon I‘m a newcomer, too.