My husband and I chose a CCRC primarily as a gift to our children.
When we became older and maybe needed help, they would not be burdened with us. We presented them with a lovely card explaining our decision. They were on board immediately.
We also wanted to move when we were somewhat "young" so we could enjoy the community we chose and be comfortable. Once that decision was made we needed to choose the best place. There was no doubt that Galloway Ridge in Pittsboro, N.C., was going to be our choice.
Not only is the community beautiful, it is located adjacent to Fearrington Village, a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and charming fields with Belted Galloway cows, goats, chickens and even three donkeys.
My husband was a high school and college football coach and was into exercise and physical fitness. When he discovered the Duke Center for Living he was totally convinced this was to be our new home. DCFL is an upscale "gym" with every possible aerobic exercise machine available, plus classes, a salt water pool and a track on its upper level. It also has exercise physiologists and a rehabilitation facility attached.
To make our decision even easier, Galloway Ridge has an excellent Life Care plan, plus the choice of Duke Health Care or University of North Carolina systems. We worried that if we became ill we would have to pay more money or be moved to someplace away from our home. At Galloway Ridge you pay the same monthly fee whether you move to the beautifully appointed Arbor (assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care) without your fees going up. It is also attached to the community, so visiting your ill partner is easy.
I realized you could volunteer for many worthwhile causes, and totally enjoy the outside community. You could attend movies in a stadium-style theater, and the library, which has a vast amount of books, is open 24 hours.
You could dine in one of the three restaurants. You could go hiking, attend operas, ball games, symphonies and so much more. Plus, my children could visit and dine with me whenever they desired.
An extra present for them.
"Choosing Senior Living" is a special series of Senior Correspondent and myLifeSite (www.mylifesite.net). Share your firsthand account of the senior living decision-making process. Send articles of 400 to 600 words to submissions@seniorcorrespondent.com.