Do you want to grow old together with your spouse? Ask any couple, and we imagine the resounding answer would be “yes, of course.” The image of happily going through our golden years with our loved one by our side is a very romantic image (and perfect as we approach Valentine’s Day). This is why you’re seeing so many older couples moving into retirement communities well before either of them “need” extra assistance, says Cristine Royer, Director of Marketing and Sales at The Estates at Carpenters.
“We don’t often talk about the benefits of Lifecare for couples because for so long, it was common for an older adult to move into a community after their spouse had passed away,” Cristine says. “Because of increasing life spans and better medical technologies, we’re seeing couples live well into their 80s and beyond. While this is romantic, it also can present certain issues, such as if one spouse gets sick and requires the other one to care for him or her.”
Approximately five percent of family caregivers are spouses, according to Caregiver.org, and many of them have their own issues as they age. Moving into a community for older adults – specifically a Life Plan Community – can help remove the burden of caregiving from the “healthier” spouse, as well as provide them with any assistance they may need now or down the road.
“Moving into Lifecare can be a great move for couples, because it helps preserve and nurture their relationship while keeping them together,” Cristine says. “Neither spouse has to worry about becoming a caregiver for their loved one, and they’re able instead to focus on growing older together without that additional stress.”
How Lifecare Keeps Couples Together
The Estates at Carpenters is a not-for-profit Type “A” Life Plan Community, allowing us to offer quality assisted living, skilled nursing and short- and long-term rehabilitation all on site. Residents who choose Lifecare have the benefit of peace of mind for the years ahead. No matter how their health needs change in the future, they will receive the assistance they need at the same monthly rate as independent living.
Not only does this help couples save potentially thousands of dollars on future health care costs, it also means that one spouse doesn’t have to move away from the other if they require more assistance or health care services. Let’s say that you are healthy, active and independent, but your husband is in a wheelchair and needs assistance with certain tasks of daily life. Instead of him moving out of your family home to live in assisted living, or requiring you to serve as a caregiver, you can both enjoy the lifestyle you want while he receives the assistance he needs.
Another way that Lifecare keeps couples together is by taking away the tedium of daily chores and tasks. Things like home maintenance, landscaping, grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry and all the other little things that are required for home upkeep become a thing of the past. This takes a lot of stress off of couples as well as gives them back their time. Now, couples can spend their time doing what they enjoy, both individually and together. It gives them a chance to rekindle their relationship in new and deepening ways.
Lifecare also gives older adults the opportunity to focus on overall wellness, keeping them healthy and aging well no matter where in their journey they are. Every aspect of life at The Estates at Carpenters is focused on whole-body wellness, and is designed with the older adult’s needs in mind. From nutrition to physical activity to learning opportunities and more, couples will have what they need to live their very best lives, now and in the future … together.
Finally, while this doesn’t specifically relate to couples “staying together,” it does relate to happiness. Lifecare, in a nutshell, provides peace of mind. Peace of mind for spouses, adult children and everyone else. A community like The Estates at Carpenters provides everything that allows retirees to sit back, relax and enjoy this stage of their lives, with no compromises. You won’t have to worry about what happens if you or your spouse needs extra assistance. No need to worry about what will happen to your house if you go on vacation (or be concerned about someone breaking in). Your family will have peace of mind, knowing that you have made decisions about your future so your wishes will be followed.
“Lifecare truly allows couples to remain together in sickness and in health,” says Cristine. “That’s an incredible gift you can give to the one you love.”
About The Estates at Carpenters
The Estates at Carpenters is a Life Plan Community offering worry-free independent living, assisted living and high-quality skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. For over 34 years, The Estates has provided older adults in the area with an active, engaging lifestyle filled with abundant choices and the amenities and services that make life easier. A lifestyle designed to keep older adults healthy and well today – and tomorrow.
For more information on The Estates or to RSVP to an upcoming event, contact Cristine at 863-853-5505 Ext. 142 or visit our website.