The patio home option
You don’t think living in a retirement community is for you?
A patio home may get you thinking otherwise.
As baby boomers become age-appropriate to enter the senior living market, many have a mindset of “I’m too young to live in a place like this.” That’s why savvy organizations like Baptist Homes Society (BHS) are creating communities that offer more choices and more resort-like services. The strategy is to attract boomers by offering great amenities and a wide array of living options.
The baby boomer generation began at the end of World War II, when men and women returned from home to marry and begin having babies. That, in turn, created the largest demographic that, through its sheer numbers, has shaped consumer trends for more than 65 years–as they bought homes and cars, watched TV, and created their version of the American dream. Today’s American senior is used to living in a world that caters to them. They’ve been able to purchase exactly what they needed, when they needed it, and they expect similar accommodations as they move into the later years of their lives.
Providence Point was designed with this lifestyle in mind. As explained by Providence Point Executive Director Bob Kocent, “Once we get their attention with our state-of-the-art amenities, we have the opportunity to educate them about the financial and security benefits of living in a Life Plan Community. We can show them the free-flowing lifestyle, and help them understand the value of what we offer.”
Providence Point, which is owned and operated by Baptist Homes Society, is the address of choice for seniors living around the Pittsburgh region. The community has enjoyed high occupancy rates with a waiting list since opening in 2009, and is currently undergoing an expansion. In addition to a wide range of apartments (880 to 2,100 sq. ft.), the community also offers 35 spacious patio homes that range in size from 1,589 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. For couples living in these patio homes, the privacy and space were the deal-makers.
Michael Tehan and his wife Mickey moved in a few years ago. They didn’t want to burden their children in their later years and started looking at senior living communities. They became interested in the financial security provided by Life Plan Communities and wanted to live in an area near relatives and friends. Michael was not sold on the idea until they visited Providence Point and found the spacious patio home with two-car garage. “I didn’t need to look any further. I love to garden and this allows me to do that. We have our privacy, and space for visiting family to stay. We can come and go easily from our 2-car garage. These were all important to me.”
Although within easy walking distance to the main community areas, the Tehans like the trade-off. They still have easy access to all of Providence Point’s amenities including the indoor, heated saltwater pool, full-time fitness staff, surround-sound theater, four dining venues, salon and spa, transportation to events, etc. Plus, when and if needed, they have access to several levels of healthcare and nursing care that boasts a 5-star rating with CMS.
Mickey Tehan is grateful they moved when they did, and is enjoying the freedom, simplicity and maintenance-free living of a Life Plan Community. “It’s a burden lifted. I didn’t realize it until it was gone. We travel, we join in community activities, we have clubs and groups and friends. I don’t have to clean or cook if don’t want to…and we enjoy having our private home. I would recommend it to anyone.”
This article is written and sponsored by Providence Point.