Bill and his wife Ellie never thought about living in a retirement community. They were happily enjoying retirement in a small town in the mountains of Virginia and had no intention of leaving. But then they sat in on a presentation at their church. When the Brandon Oaks representative described LifeCare, Bill’s ears perked up.
“LifeCare was very attractive to me,” he remembers. The couple was paying for long-term care insurance — just in case unforeseen circumstances necessitated a move to a nursing or assisted care home. “Other communities charged you so much more for assisted living and nursing care,” explains Bill. “At Brandon Oaks, you don’t pay anything above your monthly fee, except for the meals. I thought, why would we need long-term care insurance if we had LifeCare?”
LifeCare wasn’t the only appeal for the Nelsons. When they visited, they were surprised by the lively atmosphere. “Everybody we met had a smile on their face,” recalls Bill. “It violated the normal concept of an old people’s home.” They put themselves on the waiting list and cancelled their long-term care insurance when they moved in.
When Ellie began to experience a a decline in health, she was able to move from the couple’s apartment to the nursing home, which they found equally as impressive. “The activities director there is full of energy,” says Bill. Having his wife of 60 years next door, where he’s able to visit her daily, eases Bill’s concerns about her. “We didn’t want to be separated,” he insists. “It’s a real comfort to know Ellie is getting five-star care. I’m really happy we made the decision to come.”
Knowing Ellie is nearby and well-cared for allows Bill to enjoy the Bistro, Health and Wellness Center and the woodworking shop, his favorite place. “I got to be the resident fix-it man,” he beams. “I find it to be my own little ministry here. For me, it’s good therapy.” The 85-year old “fix-it man” sums his time at Brandon Oaks with a simple observation: “This is a place where you come to enjoy life.”
