Douglas Richie

Life in the Old Folks Home: Where the Elderly Go to Die Douglas Richie

Wondering what it's like to live in a retirement community? This book offers an intimate look at "Life in the Old Folks Home"

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers retirees the opportunity to live independently, an assisted living department for residents who are ambulatory but require help with personal care, and a skilled nursing department.

When Douglas and Annie Richie moved into a CCRC in their mid-seventies, they were looking for a place to meet their needs for their remaining years. Life in the Old Folks Home tells the story of the 15 active, fun-filled years they spent in the CCRC before Annie's death. Richie describes what to look for in a CCRC and includes vignettes of his own experiences: bingo and bridge; the Chime Choir and the Liar's Club, bowling, badminton in the pool, portrait painting and trivia contests, and bus tours. He also includes some of the fascinating life stories of his fellow residents--many of whom rallied around him after Annie's death and offered love and support.