People spend decades planning and working on their dream home—making sure it’s in the right location, with the perfect layout, furniture, and décor. Though it takes years, it’s a worthwhile endeavor, and retirement is the time many choose to sit back and enjoy it. This is why many older adults decide to “age in place,” remaining in their own home—their dream home— during retirement.
Ron and Densey Juvonen are one such couple. Married almost 60 years, they met in Boston while Ron was attending Harvard and Densey was attending Boston University. Ron started a successful investment business and Densey worked in Pennsylvania politics. Throughout their developing careers they lived in several areas including Boston, New York City, and now Lancaster County.
When they retired from their careers, the Juvonens worked hard to find their dream home. And they succeeded, moving into a stunning home located on the shores of the Conestoga River just a few miles outside of downtown Lancaster City. The home comes with breathtaking views, meticulous grounds, and is impeccably decorated with bright, cheery colors. Perfectly appointed, it is truly the Juvonens’ cherished space.
But the couple agrees that the best thing about their home is that it is located right next door to their daughter, her husband, and their two daughters. For the Juvonens, living so close to their two granddaughters is a dream come true. The two homes are on the same property and make up what was originally a 1870s inn. “It’s like our own little compound,” they chuckle.
When the Juvonens found their dream home, in their dream location, for their dream retirement, they were savvy enough to know they needed to think about their future. They knew they needed to have a trusted and secure plan in case they would ever need supportive care. For the Juvonens, that plan needed to allow them to remain in their own home, allowing for the possible need for enhanced care, while protecting the financial assets they worked so hard for. “No one dodges that bullet,” Densey remarked.
So the Juvonens joined SmartLife VIA Willow Valley, an innovative, membership-based plan for retirement. SmartLife is a true Life Plan at Home program serving Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, and York Counties. SmartLife enables seniors to continue their current lifestyle in their own home, with the security of knowing they are covered if additional care is ever needed. Families’ assets are protected with Lifecare, because the program’s monthly fees are not increased due to a member’s need for an increased level of care. SmartLife shares the same reputation for excellence as Willow Valley Communities, a nationally recognized, premier senior living Lifecare community with an almost 40 year history of financial stability.
If care is ever needed, SmartLife's Lifecare Coordinators help to coordinate the needed services, thus allowing the member to concentrate on healing. An emergency response system is available, and transportation and meals can also be provided during a short-term illness. Spouses or other family members don’t have to worry about having to provide these services during a health event. Rather, they choose how they can offer support to their loved one.
The Juvonens both agree that they have the best of both worlds: A beautiful dream home close to family in an area they love, along with the rock solid security of SmartLife VIA Willow Valley for their future peace of mind. And that’s something that should never be left up to dreams.
For more information about how SmartLife VIA Willow Valley can provide the peace of mind of future financial security, attend one of their upcoming information sessions. Visit smartlife.org/events
