Three years ago, Bob and Sandy Curtis embarked on a new chapter in their lives. Having spent nearly five decades in their Long Island home, they decided it was time to embrace the comfort and security of an upscale continuing care retirement community in Port Washington, N.Y. Little did they know that this decision would soon be clouded by unexpected turmoil.
The Curtises saw the community, known as Harborside, as the perfect solution for their evolving needs as they entered their senior years. In exchange for a significant entrance fee – an investment totaling around $840,000 from the sale of their cherished family house – they secured a promise of lifelong care within the facility’s nurturing environment.
“This was supposed to be our final chapter,”
reflected Mr. Curtis at 88 years old.
“That was the deal I made.”
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (C.C.R.C.s), also referred to as life plan communities, are designed to offer residents various levels of assistance within one location. From independent and assisted living arrangements to nursing homes and memory care units, these facilities cater to seniors’ changing requirements as they age. Unlike conventional senior housing options, C.C.R.C.s are predominantly operated on a nonprofit basis.
With over 1,900 C.C.R.C.s across the country accommodating approximately 900,000 older adults, these communities play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care and support for aging individuals. Each community may have unique features such as different refund policies or fee structures tailored to meet residents’ preferences.
For the Curtises, Harborside symbolized security and peace of mind. Mr. Curtis settled into a cozy one-bedroom apartment in the independent living section while enjoying social activities like shared meals and access to amenities including a gymnasium within easy reach.
“It was like being part of a vibrant village,”
he recalled fondly.
“A place where we felt cared for.”
Every day brought precious moments for Mr. Curtis with his beloved wife Sandy who resided in Harborside’s memory care unit just an elevator ride away. The compassion and attention provided by the dedicated staff members towards Sandy filled Mr. Curtis with gratitude.
“They treat Sandy with such love; it was heartwarming,”
he expressed wistfully.
“If only things could have stayed this way.”
However, amidst this idyllic setting lurked unforeseen challenges that would soon cast a shadow over the couple’s tranquility…
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