The following story is part of a joint project between myLifeSite and Senior Correspondent where we ask people to report on their senior living decision process.
By Sue Blaustein
Researching retirement living options demanded both careful analysis and emotional energy over several years. My husband and I spent four years evaluating choices before deciding on a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). The process was especially difficult because within 15 miles of our Chapel Hill, N.C., home of 30 years there were five strong options, each offering many of the amenities that attract well-educated retirees.
The similarities made meaningful differentiation challenging. We wanted to be certain the community we chose met our personal, financial, and lifestyle requirements. Timing also mattered: we worried about committing “five years too early” versus waiting until it might be “five minutes too late.” After extensive lists, conversations, visits, and comparisons, the right choice became clear.
Several factors led us to choose Galloway Ridge in Pittsboro, N.C. First, it was one of the newer communities and offered attractive, well-appointed apartment living close to the resources we planned to use. Secondly, Galloway Ridge is integrated into a larger village community with single-family homes, townhouses, shops, restaurants, and extensive green space. That integration was a major advantage: just two days after moving into our two-bedroom, two-bath apartment we unpacked, took a walk on nearby trails, had lunch at a village restaurant, and browsed an independent bookstore—activities we would not have enjoyed at some of the other CCRCs.
Personal preferences also influenced our decision. My husband valued the wide range of cultural programs and intellectual opportunities at Galloway Ridge. I appreciated those offerings as well, but the community’s outstanding fitness center was especially important to me. The center is state-of-the-art, with excellent equipment and a variety of classes. I particularly liked that its membership extended beyond residents to people from the surrounding county. Attending dance and stretch classes during our first month led me to new and lasting friendships with people from multiple communities. By contrast, the fitness facilities at most other CCRCs we considered had more limited programming and served only on-site residents.
Cost-inclusive services at Galloway Ridge—housekeeping, maintenance, transportation, a 24/7 library, concierge desk, and broad staff support—were also compelling. Similar services existed at other communities only in fragments, not as a comprehensive package.
Finally, the community’s true Life Care model provided the peace of mind we had been seeking at the start of our search. Knowing that long-term care needs would be addressed if they arose played a significant role in our final decision.
We have now lived at Galloway Ridge for 16 months. Our expectations for an active, enriched, and productive life are being met, and we’re grateful we invested the time needed to make an informed choice.
“Choosing Senior Living” is a special series of myLifeSite and Senior Correspondent. Share your firsthand account of the senior living decision-making process. Contact us at [email protected] to submit your story today!