Hazel Williamson

Convenience is what Hazel Williamson appreciates most about her new home at Wheatland Hills, Radford. She moved to the community last summer after a fall that left her with two broken arms. Having everything on one floor – her room, the dining room, activity room and television lounge – makes getting around so much easier. She relies on her walker as she makes her way through the community and takes strolls outside, but continues to build her strength through daily exercise classes. When the instructor is away, Hazel sometimes even leads the other students through their routines!

Her spacious room is another aspect of Wheatland Hills Radford that Hazel says was a pleasant surprise. When she moved from her apartment, where she’d lived for 20 years, she was able to bring along her own furniture to personalize her surroundings.

“That makes me happier, having those things with me,” Hazel said.

She continues to maintain her independence in many ways – taking charge of her own medication and personal care, plus changing her own sheets.

“I want to keep doing those things,” said Hazel, who is 88.

But she knows that assistance is right there when she or any other resident needs it.

 “For those who need extra help, it’s there,” said Hazel.

For Hazel, who was raised in Radford, and continues to have strong family and community ties, Wheatland Hills has been a great choice. Her friends from church, her two sons and two grandchildren visit often. And she knows several of the other residents from her church. Hazel said she has recommended Wheatland Hills to friends and community members.

“I don’t have to worry about cooking, cleaning up, washing dishes, or any of that,” she said. Instead, she spends her time exercising, participating in daily crafts or games, going to the beauty parlor, attending church services and taking advantage of the many bus trips out into the surrounding area.

“I just made up my mind when I moved here that I was going to be happy,” said Hazel. And it turns out she was right.