Recently, Greg Morgan and Elena Love decided it was time to make a change. They opted to simplify their life and move from SaddleBrooke to “SaddleBrooke South”— as some of us fondly refer to one of the progressive care communities in Oro Valley. As many of our friends and neighbors have realized, there comes a time when it just makes sense to reduce life’s challenges and create more simplicity and security in their surroundings.
Deciding to MoveGreg and Elena had been living in SaddleBrooke for over 20 years. They had made a few changes over the years, moving from one house to another as their needs changed. Their last move within SaddleBrooke happened about a year ago. They decided to move from their two-story villa to their one-story Portofino villa they had been renting out. Afterall, both villas had fabulous mountain views, and this would simplify life for their aging dogs, Molly and Trevor, with no more stairs to climb. With the sale of their villa, we were able to work out the timing that worked for both the buyers and sellers.
Life in their one-story villa was great; however, recently, they realized they were eating out more and more often. They really didn’t want to cook anymore. And as we have all experienced, the cost of living has increased significantly in recent times and that includes prices at local restaurants.
In addition, Greg had planned to stop playing softball this year when he hit 75. He had seen too many situations where someone ended up with an injury that had a long-term impact on their quality of life. He realized he didn’t want to tempt fate and risk an injury that would haunt him for years to come. Elena is a few years Greg’s senior, and they have no issues becoming the younger residents in a progressive care community.
With no more softball and a desire to eat out less, they decided it was time to investigate their options.
Progressive Care OptionsThere are several choices for the next chapter beyond our active adult playground here in SaddleBrooke. This article is not an endorsement for any one facility—it just shares Greg and Elena’s journey from SaddleBrooke as they take their next step.
When considering your options—here are a few variables you might evaluate:
One-time costs (buy in) and monthly costs
Levels of care provided – independent living to memory care
Integrated or separated levels of care
Activities and meals available
Age of the facility
And so many more…
Ken and Audrey Conrad are dear friends of Elena and Greg and had moved from SaddleBrooke to an Oro Valley progressive care community. This encouraged Elena and Greg to investigate their options. There are several progressive care communities or assisted living communities in the area. There is a lot to learn, and I would encourage you to explore the various options before you feel the need to move. These communities have so much to offer—they provide options to consider as they evaluate this next move. Elena and Greg weighed their options and found the perfect option for them. Elena explained, “This place is so clean, I love how clean it is, I’m just a clean freak.” And Greg added, “We have our mountain views… we have always had the mountain views and that is important to us.” They have been getting settled in and already meeting people and enjoying their new surroundings.
Other OptionsThere are other clients whom I’ve worked with as they move to be closer to their families, children and grandchildren. Sometimes this is a decision based on new grandchildren and other times this is a decision based on comfort and need. As we age and our bodies slow down, there is a real need for more care due to health issues. When that happens, it is wonderful to have the support you need. It is also wonderful for the adult children to be able to help! I know, because my father lives here in SaddleBrooke. As healthy as my dad is, I’ve been able to attend various doctor appointments with him that make us both more comfortable, not to mention my brother and sister in Chicago and New York.
It Is Your JourneyUltimately, it seems to boil down to simplifying our lives and having the support we need as our lives change. As I say to each of my clients: this is your journey. I’m just here to support you and help you along the way.
Elena and Greg decided to move from SaddleBrooke and have become some of the youngest residents in their new progressive care community. They have been thoroughly enjoying the fabulous meals available to them. No more driving, waiting, ordering or tipping unless they choose to eat out. “The meals have been wonderful and there are several entrees always on the dinner menu and other specials offered every evening. People are open to meeting new people and making new friends—joining one another for dinner, enjoying music in the gathering room, or connecting in the Bistro for a drink,” offered Greg.
Greg and Elena are just beginning to explore the various activities available to them like social gatherings, educational presentations, book club and couples Rummikub (what a great brain game). Mark and Elena love a good round of Rummikub to challenge their brains.
They have been settling in and making just a few small changes to their ‘casita’ to make it work for them. I’m thrilled to have been a part of their journey. Thank you, Elena and Greg for entrusting your real estate journey with me!
Thinking about buying or selling? Be sure to connect with a local REALTOR to help you navigate the process—getting timely information about current and upcoming listings, preparing your home to get top dollar and establishing an accurate market value.
