Doris Bowen

Coming to live at Gloucester House a year ago, Doris Bowen had no idea how much fun she’d end up having. Doris moved from her home in Deltaville to Gloucester House on the recommendation of her granddaughter. She immediately liked the homey surroundings and caring staff.

Doris always took care of her late husband and their three children, Joyce, Buddy, Jr. and Todd. Keeping track of her eight grandchildren also kept her busy. She even cared for her aging parents at home for the last 10 years of their lives. Now she gets a chance to have someone take care of her.

“If my parents were living, this is where I’d have them,” said Doris, who will turn 81 this year.

Now, with her daily needs being met by the caring staff at Gloucester House, her main concerns are deciding whether to play bingo or Kings in the Corner, selecting which day to go shopping in Gloucester, and getting to dinner in time to enjoy the cook’s famous meatloaf.

Doris, a self-proclaimed bargain shopper, likes to take advantage of the wheelchair accessible van that takes her and other Gloucester House residents shopping at area stores. She goes on her hunts for great deals once or twice a week.

“If it doesn’t have a clearance tag on it, I pass it on by. Any fool can pay full price for something,” said Doris.

The best parts about living at Gloucester House? Doris says they are the caring staff, excellent food and a chance to make new friends at the card table or during the monthly birthday celebration.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Doris said. “I love all these people.”