Last week I visited Bishop Spencer Place (BSP), a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Kansas City, Missouri, for a marketing event. Several prospective residents attended, along with a few current residents. After the presentation a longtime resident—let’s call her Mrs. Smith—came over to tell me how much she enjoyed the talk, and we began discussing her life at BSP.
Mrs. Smith explained that she and her husband moved to BSP many years ago. After a severe car accident his health declined, and he eventually passed away. She recounted how meaningful it had been that, when he moved into the on-site health center, she could easily visit him every day. Although they lived in separate buildings, she was able to spend as much time with him as she wanted, and they both appreciated that closeness during a difficult season.
>> Related: CCRCs Keep Couples Close in Sickness and Health
Staff members who become like family
I asked the question I often ask residents: “What do you enjoy most about living here?” Her reply mirrored what I hear frequently—what she values most is the community: the other residents and the BSP staff.
To illustrate how much the staff meant to her, she shared another memory about her husband. When his health first declined, caregivers from BSP came into the couple’s independent living apartment to assist. Mrs. Smith described the caregivers as exceptionally kind to both of them.
>> Related: Saying Goodbye: How a CCRC Helps Residents Grieving the Loss of a Spouse
At one point Mrs. Smith told the caregivers, “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you being so nice to me.” The caregiver, who had noticed Mrs. Smith’s devotion to her husband and her kindness toward others, replied, “Mrs. Smith, you have to give love to get love.” As she recounted the exchange, her eyes filled with tears, and mine did as well.
Mrs. Smith continues to enjoy life at BSP, sustained by the relationships and care she receives there. This is not a promotional statement for Bishop Spencer Place or similar communities so much as an honest reflection of the kinds of meaningful interactions I hear about repeatedly from people who choose to live in a CCRC.
>> Related: Why Every Retiree Should Consider a Retirement Community
Focusing on what really matters
If you are weighing senior living options like a CCRC, it’s easy to get bogged down in details—costs, contracts, downsizing, and other practical considerations. Those practical matters are important—myLifeSite exists to provide that information—but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
Stories like Mrs. Smith’s capture what matters most: the day-to-day human experiences that add value to life. The sense of community and the attentive care that a CCRC provides are difficult to quantify, yet they profoundly enhance residents’ well-being. Those real-life benefits are often the reason people find lasting comfort and companionship when they choose this path.