What is a Life Plan Community?
You’ve probably come across this term while searching for the perfect retirement community in Baton Rouge, but Life Plans aren’t available everywhere. In fact, there’s only one Life Plan Community currently in the area: St. James Place. To help you understand what distinguishes this type of community from other senior living providers, we’re sharing the inside scoop with input directly from residents.
Imagine a retirement lifestyle that has everything you want with no surprises—at least no unpleasant ones. You can take advantage of many exciting opportunities in a beautiful setting without worrying about what will happen in the future. Discover what a Life Plan Community really is and how it can provide peace of mind to you and your family.
A Full Continuum
Also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), this type of senior living organization offers a full continuum of care. At St. James Place, for example, residents can transition from independent living to assisted living to memory care or even short- and long-term skilled nursing care. That means if your needs ever change, you’ll continue to receive support conveniently on campus.
For many of our residents, this was a key factor in the decision-making process. Retired educator Carol Bourgeois looked at many communities during her search, but struggled to find options that offered comprehensive health-related services. “I knew I wanted all levels of care,” she says. “I didn’t want to bother nieces and nephews, brother and sisters for assistance in the future.”
So, she chose a beautiful Audubon apartment for maintenance-free independent living. Her residence is designed for self-sufficiency and came fully equipped, so the way she lives won’t change. Carol can continue to prepare her own meals and relax at home or enjoy the many amenities close by. “I’m near everything,” she explains. “I don’t have to walk far to get to the game room or the coffee area.” But she also knows that if her needs change, she will have immediate access to assisted living. While retaining her independence, she will gain round-the-clock assistance for everyday tasks. A full calendar of social activities will allow her to remain active and engaged as our dedicated caregivers make life easier.
Should she need specialized care down the road, memory care and skilled nursing are both available at St. James Place. Individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia can experience customized daily routines in a friendly, safe neighborhood setting. After an illness, injury or surgery, our highly trained nursing professionals and doctors support each resident in the Health and Wellness building. By creating a positive environment, this team provides relief and security for residents like Carol—along with her friends and family.
As she planned for many years of health and happiness, Carol recognized the value of a Life Plan Community, even when others did not. “Now, a lot of people thought I was moving into a nursing home,” she shares. “They don’t know. They still don’t realize the kind of facility that we have here. Everything’s available.” Sometimes, you just have to see it for yourself. Schedule your personal tour of St. James Place today to learn more about the full continuum of care we offer on campus.
Affordable Options
Speaking of value, Life Plan Communities typically offer a variety of financial contract options so that residents can choose what works best for their future needs and finances. Most involve a monthly service fee to pay for exciting amenities, meals and utilities, as well as a one-time entrance fee paid upfront. A portion of both fees is tax-deductible as prepaid medical expenses that help to secure long-term healthcare coverage and financial security.
At St. James Place, we offer several types of contracts to best suit your retirement needs. Many of our residents have been lifelong planners who consider their investments carefully before moving forward. Approaching these options with that same mindset allows them to discuss affordability and counter the misconception that Life Plan Communities require you to relinquish your assets. As the Tiptons explain, “Just use us as an example, I’m a retired minister and my wife is a retired teacher. Do the math. How much do they pay ministers? How much do they pay teachers? If we can afford to live here, you can too.”
Having multiple options allowed this couple to choose the contract that worked for them while preserving and protecting assets, including their house. They considered LifeCare contracts, which pay for long-term care throughout their respective lifetimes, regardless of the amount of money or duration of care. The monthly service fees will remain predictable even if/when their healthcare needs change. There is also another contract option available that works really well for people who have long-term care insurance policies.
At St. James Place, our team is available to discuss the benefits of various Life Plans and help you decide which contract is right for you. Contact us for an appointment to review all of the affordable options within our community.
With fewer than 1,900 Life Plan Communities across the country, you may not be as familiar with this senior living solution. But once you’ve considered the many advantages they offer, you’ll see why St. James Place is such an exceptional retirement community in Louisiana. If you’d like to learn more about benefits directly from the people who’ve chosen to make their home here, they’re ready to welcome you to the neighborhood. Contact us now at 255-314-5952 to arrange your visit today.