Life at Westview, according to residents

There’s no reason for retirement to be stressful! Westview Retirement Community in Grant provides comfortable apartments and a friendly environment for older adults.

Westview has been in operation for 27 years providing an independent living environment for those who need a little help, rather than living completely on their own. They offer meals, activities and overall, a sense of community.

Amber Hilton, Westview’s Director, said she doesn’t want people to view Westview as “the end,” but rather a stepping stone for those who no longer feel comfortable living at home. Hilton said Westview provides a place with a community, and assistance to make life easier on the residents than if they were living completely on their own.

“I feel like we are just one big family here, and I think that’s one of the greatest things about Westview,” she said. “I don’t have any grandparents of my own, so here I have all these grandmas and grandpas, and they share their story or give me words of wisdom. It’s just like one big happy family, and I love it.”

Westview’s residents seem to share Hilton’s affectionate views of the retirement community. 

Arnold Kramer, who lived in Wallace prior to moving into Westview, has been a resident for three years. He said one of the things he appreciates most is how scooping snow, lawncare and apartment repairs are not his responsibility.

“It makes life much less stressful,” Kramer said.

While he doesn’t take part in every activity Westview offers, he appreciates the excuse to be together and enjoy the company of the other residents.

Dennis Craig, a two-year resident, decided it was time to move into Westview when he could no longer do much around his house. He said he feels very comfortable at Westview.

He enjoys the people, and appreciates how close everything he needs is to the retirement home.

“It’s a nice place to be and they treat me decent,” he noted. “It’s not like being in assisted living or a nursing home. It’s really convenient. Plus I don’t have to cook!”

Three-year resident Lorraine Hanson shared a similar opinion about cooking. In fact, Hanson’s favorite part about living at Westview is the fact she doesnt have to cook.

“I’m tired of cooking at home!” she laughed.

Gladys Tharp and Beverly Norman have both been at the independent living home for around 10 years, and they were neighbors even before moving in.

They both appreciate all of the activities Westview offers, and take part in as many as they can, except Tharp does not play cards.

Tharp values the independence Westview offers, and she said the staff does a great job of taking care of the residents’ apartments.

Overall, it is clear the residents of Westview enjoy their time there, living out retirement stress free—plus, no cooking!

COVID-19 and Westview

Westview has been diligent about keeping the pandemic outside the doors of the retirement community.

Hilton said they have followed the CDC’s guidelines, taking temperatures, disinfecting everything, encouraging mask usage, social distancing and isolation when necessary.

Monday, August 10 was the first time in two weeks that the residents were able to gather together in the dining room. Prior to Monday, they were delivering meals to residents’ rooms to ensure everyone’s safety.

Though it has been quiet, everyone has managed to remain safe and healthy, something the residents are grateful for.

Lucille Foster, a resident only since September 2019, said the security all the residents feel, especially during the pandemic, has been one of the best parts of living at Westview. She is grateful for the staff working to provide for them and keep them safe during these difficult times.

Craig said he has been isolating a lot, as he is on oxygen and wants to avoid exposure to the virus. He has been content in his room working on various crafts, like coloring, painting and putting models together.

However, he noted they did miss out on attending the Front Street show this summer due to safety concerns, which was disappointing, but safest for everyone. Kramer said the time they’ve had to spend apart during COVID-19 has made him more appreciative of everyone’s company.