We were meeting with a group recently about why Beatitudes Campus would be a good match for the expectations that they have in their senior years. I was reminded of an event we held in Elaine's about a year ago, when I interviewed a panel of residents who had already made the choice to live here, and Bill Wallace's words came to mind about the pool at the home that he had sold. He characterized it as a very pretty hole in his back yard into which he threw money. I loved repeating that story, albeit I'm not sure I can tell it with the same humor as Bill, and familiarizing the group with the maintenance free living that is a part of Beatitudes Campus living. The expense to fix unanticipated – and often costly – problems that can occur from faulty home fixtures, systems and/or materials is eliminated. When you move into a life Plan Community, all internal and external repair and maintenance is included in your one convenient monthly fee. According to a recent article on gobankingrates.com, the average monthly cost to maintain and repair the average American home is $1,126, or $13,512 annually.
Life Plan Communities (alternately known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities—CCRCs) are staffed 24/7 so you don't have to worry about being without help should you need it. It's always a pleasure to inform groups like this and the general Phoenix community that our security staff is trained in life saving skills such as CPR and first aid and prepared and ready to assist if an emergency should occur. We were the pilot site for the RiteCare Foundation in 2013 and remain among only a few communities who have chosen to be accredited as having a sufficient number of certified personnel trained and available 24 hours a day to deliver immediate resuscitation campus wide in the event of sudden cardiac arrest among a number of situations that might occur. I sure love bragging about our security staff!
But one of the biggest aspects that we are proud to discuss is the value of staying socially connected and how that is a part of the fabric of Beatitudes Campus. Life in a life plan community/continuing care retirement community provides countless opportunities to cultivate friendships and close social connections. This becomes increasingly important as we grow older and face a variety of circumstances that may trigger isolation and loneliness. A recent study conducted by Age Wave, “Five Myths & Realities of CCRCs” reported that low social interaction is as bad for seniors' health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, is as dangerous as being an alcoholic, is as harmful as never exercising, and is twice as dangerous as obesity. The study further reinforced the reality that campuses such as Beatitudes offer opportunities to build new relationships and social connections with like-minded people.
As many of you know, when matched against the monthly expenses of maintaining your home and lifestyle, the cost of a life plan community can actually prove to be more economical. This is a message that we are excited to deliver in many media avenues as we begin promotion for the new patio homes project. Watch various newspaper publications, television and websites as we move forward with our exciting first step in campus redevelopment and don't forget that our Friends and Family Resident Referral program is still going on—amounts have been expanded and also anyone you refer for the Priority Program for the patio homes who, becomes a BeVIP Club member, earns you $100!
I listened to one of our resident ambassadors tell our prospects at a “Navigating the Waters” event (yes, they got me to wear a captain's hat) that life in a life plan community gives you time to actively pursue the interests and hobbies that give you happiness and fulfillment. You no longer need to worry about cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, or trimming the bushes. Life Plan Communities are designed to relieve residents of these burdens precisely so they can enjoy time with friends and family and pursue the many social and recreational opportunities that are available inside and outside of the retirement community. So remember, now that you live at Beatitudes Campus, if you've always wanted to write a book, paint a masterpiece, research your family tree, or any of a myriad of other pursuits—NOW is your time! I'm certain there is a group that you can plug into that will suit you. Enjoy and BE Inspired (you're going to see that new phrase and logo a lot soon—stay tuned!).
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