Couple Enjoys Every Moment at Rosewood

Bill and Linda Fellows have a shared philosophy that helps them enjoy retirement. They intend to age vibrantly.

Bill, 73, and Linda, 64, love to exercise, work on projects, travel, socialize and take yoga classes. So when they started looking for a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) they knew it would take a special place to meet all their needs. Having lived in Bakersfield, Calif., for the past seven years, they also wanted to stay local.

“I’m the main caregiver for my mother, who is 87,” says Linda. “And though she’s in pretty good health, it’s been an eye-opener. We started thinking about what we wanted for our later years.”

Bill, a retired engineer with Honeywell’s aerospace division, and Linda, who worked in human resources for AT&T, are accustomed to staying busy. Finding a suitable community proved to be a challenge.

“When we started our search, we discovered pretty quickly there’s not a lot out there,” says Bill.

They wanted a place that would adapt with them throughout the aging process, one with a wide range of activities, a convenient location in Bakersfield and well-appointed apartments. They found all that and more at Rosewood Retirement Community, an ABHOW CCRC.

“Rosewood has a lot of options,” says Bill. “You can do in-apartment care, you can bring your own caregiver, they have assisted living and skilled nursing. They’re also building an Alzheimer’s center. So as we age and our needs change, we’ll be able to remain here and still get the care we need. But, it also has a wide variety of activities for us now.”

Rosewood features a walking club, an exercise room, a pool and a full roster of classes that offer plenty of activities for both of them. Since arriving in May, Bill has already taken advantage of the community wood-working shop.

“Moving from our home with a garage and shop, we thought he’d have to give that up,” says Linda. “We were pleased to find out that wasn’t the case.”

The two can walk from their apartment to go shopping and dining, among other things. And what isn’t within walking distance is easily accessible through a variety of transportation options provided by Rosewood.

Most importantly, they say, is the sense of community they feel in their new home.

“Everyone is so friendly,” says Linda. “The administration has really welcomed us by making custom modifications to our apartment and providing a welcome committee. We’ve enjoyed meeting our neighbors in the dining area and getting to know them.”

Adds Bill, “We’re just really impressed with Rosewood. We know that everyone is looking for something different, but we’d encourage anyone to take a look at it and see for themselves.”