Masonic Village at Sewickley: Retirement Communities
Are Not All Alike

By Jeff Mohler, Marketing Manager

When Bob Lyons (77), a Wexford native for 31 years, began looking at retirement communities back in 2002, he was impressed but still not convinced that it made sense for him. Having been a Florida resident since retirement, it wasn’t until 2004 that he decided to return to his Pittsburgh roots and moving to a retirement community began to add up. “I looked at more than just Masonic Village, but I liked the certainty of knowing what my costs are no matter what might happen to me,” Bob said.

Bob moved into Masonic Village in 2005 and currently chairs the community’s food service committee, serves on the activity committee and resident officers’ nominating committee. He can also be found in the Village’s fitness center several days a week, playing golf or leading tours for prospective residents during open house events. “I remember my oldest son being very reluctant when I discussed the move to Masonic Village, but, that was before he visited and met some of its residents,” Bob said. “The friendliness of everyone here is remarkable, and if you are bored, it’s your own fault.”

The Masonic Village at Sewickley is now nearly full after completing most of its construction by the fall of 2003. Like some of the region’s other larger retirement living providers, the Village is experiencing a market where the demand continues to outpace the supply. It seems retirees are living longer and planning better than those of past generations.

For many, life has just too much to offer to become bogged down with never-ending home maintenance. Others are attracted to the social opportunities and amenities — such as large indoor pools — offered at some of the newer communities. And still others are seeking a secure but active lifestyle, while preparing for future unknowns. With families spreading out and children relocating to other areas, the burden of finding care for a parent after a catastrophic health event can be overwhelming.

A recent survey sponsored by the Alliance for Aging Research claimed that “over two-thirds of Pennsylvania residents fear losing their independence and having to spend the last years of their lives in a nursing home.” The American Stroke Association estimates there are about 5.7 million stroke survivors living in the United States today, many with permanent disabilities or residing in nursing homes. The fact is that as more people live longer, the number requiring assistance increases as well.

Continuing care retirement communities ease these fears while also offering a lifestyle of fine dining, fitness facilities, social and recreational activities, continued education and companionship.

Keep in mind, however, that all retirement communities are not alike. Retirement communities are usually divided into two major types and are referred to as either a Lifecare community or fee-for-service community. As a Lifecare community, Masonic Village offers the added benefit that monthly fees remain the same if residents need to move to assisted living or nursing care in the future. This protects assets from being depleted in a long-term care situation. It also allows the opportunity for an additional tax incentive.

A fee-for-service retirement community will usually offer lower fees initially, but these convert to a much higher daily rate if a resident needs care down the road Extended nursing care is a major cause of the depletion of assets that often take a lifetime to accumulate.

The only way to know if a retirement community is the best alternative for your future is to get out and visit a few. Consider the stability of the organization that backs the community. Is it conveniently located? Talk to existing residents. Be sure to compare monthly fees and understand what they include. The options, community style and amenities could differ greatly with each.

If you would like to visit Masonic Village at Sewickley, call 1-866-872-0664 to schedule a personal tour, attend an upcoming open house or Lifecare seminar or to get directions. s senior living 32 NC n MAY 2007 WWW.NORTHERNCONNECTIONMAG.COM Masonic Village resident, Bob Lyons, includes a fitness workout several days a week as a part of his retirement community lifestyle.

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