Plan Now for the Future You Want

October is National Financial Planning Month, making it a great time to review your long-term planning and financial goals. If you’re not sure where to start, try thinking about what you want for your future. The questions below will help lay the foundation for the type of financial planning and lifestyle details you’ll need to research.

• What types of activities, programs and amenities do you want easy access to?
• What services will help make life easier for you as you get older?
• Can you get assistance in your home if ever needed?
• What type and size of residence would be ideal for aging healthy and safely?
• Where will you go for future healthcare, such as skilled care or physical therapy and other rehabilitative therapies after surgery or an injury or illness?
• How will you pay for your healthcare?
• Which communities offer all of the things that you want and need?
• What’s the cost to live in a senior living community?
• What’s your timeline? Would moving sooner rather than later make the transition easier?

Start Your Research with These Financial Planning Resources

Thinking about and making decisions like these now not only ensures you have the future you want when you’re ready, it also brings security and comfort until then knowing you have a smart plan in place. To get there, you’ll need the information. At Beatitudes Campus, we give you all of the facts in black and white so you can decide for yourself.

Find out if a Life Plan community is right for you.

Get a broad overview of Life Plan communities, including the types of fees and financial plans they offer and what to look for when choosing a community.

Take a quick look at our cost and what’s included.

On the Beatitudes Campus website, you can see

• the starting cost of our apartments
• the starting cost of our patio homes
• the services that are included with your monthly fee.

Learn about the value of a Refundable Entrance Fee Plan.

A Refundable Entrance Fee helps protect your nest egg and ensures the stability of the community. Find out how.

Try our Cost Comparison Calculator.

Spend a few minutes with our Cost Comparison Calculator to see which residential options at Beatitudes Campus are a good fit for your needs and your financial situation.

Get an Overview of Beatitudes Campus

We invite you to learn about senior living at Beatitudes Campus. We make independent living easier by providing thoughtful services and amenities as well as onsite healthcare should you ever need it.

You’ll find residential options — from apartments and patio homes — in a variety of sizes and styles. Whatever you choose, our attentive staff takes care of the chores. Plus, you have access to restaurants, health and wellness opportunities, educational programs, entertainment and more.

It all adds up to make everyday living easier and more enjoyable, and it’s all covered by one monthly fee. With everything taken care of and conveniences close by if you need them, you’ll have fewer worries and a sense of certainty — surely a pleasant respite from all the unknowns.

Whatever move you make, you want to be certain that you’ve chosen wisely. With more than 55 years of experience, Beatitudes Campus is a trusted resource for older adults who want to live in a vibrant, active senior living community. The Beatitudes’ staff and residents lead the way, working together to create a very special community that helps make life better and more secure for everyone.

Let’s talk about it!

For more financial planning resources for seniors, call us today at 602.883.1358 or send us a note using the form below. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook to see more of the active senior lifestyle at Beatitudes Campus.

Residents give you the facts.

Over time, myths and misconceptions can take the place of facts, especially when you’re talking about something that’s unknown or involves change. That often happens with senior living because people tend to think of what communities were like 50 years ago.

Today’s communities are working hard to meet the high expectations and preferences of older adults, which means you’ll find flame-grilled steaks and Starbucks coffee, line dancing and putting greens instead of stiff chairs and floral wallpaper.

To dispel some of the most common myths about senior living, we asked Beatitudes Campus residents to share their experiences. Here’s what they had to say.

MYTH: I’ll be stuck doing crafts.
FACT: Nope! Beatitudes Campus residents are a social and friendly group. We create and lead all types of programs on campus.

“Whatever your interests, it’s easy to find a program, group or amenity dedicated to it. If not, you can create your own. I’m a retired software developer. I use my technology background virtually every day, volunteering about 25 hours a week to host a Tech Talk show as well as to record and mix a weekly Happy Hour featuring performances by resident musicians. Both programs air on the closed-circuit TV channel for everyone to enjoy. It’s a lot of work, but I love it!

My wife and I take as many lifelong learning classes as we can, serve on committees and are involved with the Design Studio, a campus think-tank made up of residents who discuss ways to make Beatitudes Campus better and prepare for the next generation. But, of course, if you do like art, pottery, jewelry making and other types of crafting, you’ll find that here too. There’s something for everyone.”

— Robert Andrews, resident since June 2019

MYTH: The food is terrible.
FACT: Not at all! Beatitudes Campus’ has 4 restaurants with so many choices.

“We looked at several different communities and ate at each one. Beatitudes Campus offered the best dining options hands down. They offer more choices and flexible hours. Our financial plan includes $400 in dining credit at the Beatitudes Campus restaurants, which adds a lot of value, especially with no tipping allowed. You can choose the Bistro for breakfast and lunch. There’s Buckwalds, a steakhouse grille-type place for lunch and dinner, and Elaine’s for elegant dinners. They’re all very good.”

— Phil Adelman, resident since July 2017 

MYTH: I’m concerned about moving because I think I’ll regret it later.
FACT: Not likely. Most residents wish they moved sooner.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say they wished they hadn’t moved to Beatitudes Campus. My grandmother and mother lived here and now my sister and her husband as well as my husband and me. Given that three generations of our family have lived at Beatitudes Campus, I’d say our best advice is don’t wait too long. Move while you’re still young enough to enjoy it. My husband and I have been married for 32 years. We’ve made a lot of decisions together. Moving to Beatitudes Campus was the best decision we’ve ever made.”

— Cynthia Cielle, resident since June 2019

Let’s talk about it!

For more facts about senior living communities, call us today at 602.883.1358 or send us a note using the form below. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook to see more of the active senior lifestyle at Beatitudes Campus.

Are you making decisions based on fact or fiction?
Find out as we dispel a few myths about senior living.

When you’re trying to decide on the best plan for your future, it’s natural if lingering concerns make you hesitate. What if those concerns are rooted in long-time myths about senior living and misunderstandings? How do you sort fact from fiction? If you’re thinking about your future, you need the facts, especially now when a worldwide pandemic has all of us feeling particularly uneasy.

MYTH: I’m safer where I live now.
FACT: You’re likely safer living in a well-managed senior community.

If you live in a condo or standalone home, you likely have to venture out in public quite a bit, which exposes you to a lot of people with the virus. Senior living communities are focused every day on keeping people safe, so your risk of exposure is much lower. Plus, it’s easier to stay home. Right now, most communities are delivering groceries, meals, medications and other essentials to your door. If you do get sick, many senior living communities offer in-home care and support if you need it.

MYTH: I’ll be even more bored than I already am.
FACT: Senior living communities are working hard to keep people entertained and engaged.

Certainly, life has a different tempo now. For example, just a few months ago, Beatitudes Campus was buzzing with activity as residents gathered for book club meetings, happy hours, fitness classes, musical performances, worship services, cards, games and more. But, today, we’re all finding new ways to connect and enjoy life.

Staff at senior living communities are hosting socially distanced events and online book club meetings, fitness classes, educational programs and other special activities. With virtual tutorials, residents are learning new skills at home, such as painting and jewelry making. Others are enjoying the outdoors on cooler evenings by walking, tending to their flowers and talking with friends on the patio — all socially distanced, of course.

MYTH: I already have everything I need.
FACT: At a senior living community, you’ll have access to everything you may need and more.

At a senior living community, you have the resources of the entire community available to you, from helpful staff and home delivery of the essentials to onsite healthcare. At Beatitudes Campus, we’re also providing frequent COVID-19 screenings and testing so you don’t have to travel to your doctor’s office or wait for hours in line at a testing site. And, when the pandemic is over, you’ll be able to enjoy an even more vibrant community filled with lots of in-person entertainment, and educational, fitness and social opportunities — all things that don’t come with a typical standalone house.

MYTH: This is not the time to make a move.
FACT: Now is a great time to plan your next move.

If you’re feeling uneasy about moving right now, that’s completely understandable. As you know, it takes time to make decisions, so why not use this time to explore your options? Learn about the services and amenities provided by senior living communities. Talk to residents. Ask about costs.

For starters, you can check out videos and floor plans on our website for a quick armchair tour of Beatitudes Campus. For an in-depth look, we’re offering video appointments with a residency counselor who can show you more and answer your questions.

See More: Virtual Tours

If you are ready to move, now is a good time. The real estate market is strong in Phoenix with high home values. At Beatitudes Campus, you’ll find residential options in a variety of sizes and styles. And, depending on your timeframe, we have an exciting, new option coming in the future. We would love to tell you all about it.

Let’s Talk!

For more facts about senior living communities, call us today at 602.883.1358 or fill out a contact form below.

Broaching the topic of your future care with adult children can be awkward and difficult for both parties. Each may feel a bit of denial about the realities of aging. For the elder loved one, it’s that they are no longer as independent as they’ve always been or considered themselves to be, and for the adult children, it’s that their parents still exist in their minds as strong, self-reliant figures, and this image is being turned on its head.

Here are some topics to touch on with your children when you decide it’s time to share your thoughts about your future care.

Health:

Educate your children on the reality of the current state of your health and what you know about the trajectory of your health in the near future. Perhaps you are still in good health but are planning for the future. However, if your health or independence has begun to decline, this may be a good time to share it, especially if it could be hereditary. It can be jarring to learn that a parent is no longer completely healthy, so make sure the conversation is open, answer any questions, and consider providing resources for your children to learn more.

Living Arrangements:

If you have already made arrangements to move into a retirement community or even an assisted living community, tell your children about how and when you came to this decision. Keep in mind: They may be blindsided but also potentially pleased by aspects of the conversation, including the idea that they will not be your caretaker as they may have anticipated. Share informational materials about the community with them and let them know why you are excited about this place. This move could alter how you currently spend time with your family, so discuss how visiting will work now. Let them know that this decision will free the family up to focus on the most important things without having to worry about potential care needs. If you haven’t yet made solid plans, ask your children for their opinions and ideas about your future care.

Future Care Wishes:

This can be a hard conversation to have, but it is important to discuss end-of-life choices and other related official matters. Discuss long-term care, your will (if this applies), and how to handle medical decisions if it becomes pertinent. Again, this can be a delicate topic for adult children to discuss with their parents, so keep the conversation light and candid. Let them know that you are not discussing this because it is relevant at the current moment, but because it is relevant for your future as you plan out your aging process.

We want your family to be a part of the most important conversation; your future! Our team is happy to discuss with you and your loved ones the details of your plan for successful aging at Beatitudes and are happy to provide resources, such as brochures, pricing, services and amenities. We would be delighted to give your family a virtual tour of our campus and your potential new home.

To learn more about your vibrant senior living options at Beatitudes Campus, call us today at 602.883.1358 or contact us online at BeatitudesCampus.org.

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Whatever you call it — downsizing, rightsizing or KonMari — simplifying and organizing your belongings offers tremendous benefits, from financial advantages and less maintenance to energy efficiency and greater happiness.

Making your surroundings fit what matters most to you is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family. But, as we all know, sorting through a lifetime of accumulated stuff isn’t easy. That’s why we’re offering some simple tips and tricks for downsizing to help you on your way.

Where Do You Begin?

• Start sooner rather than later. Moving in general is a busy time. It doesn’t matter whether you’re moving in a month or thinking about five years from now. Start the process of downsizing now before you add the stress of a move. Starting long before a move is in your sight is even better. Whether you’re 45 or 75, you’ll immediately benefit from all that streamlining and simplifying.
• Moving takes good planning. Prepare for it as you would any other important experience in your life such as going to college, getting married, starting a business and retiring. Senior living expert Brad Breeding offers a few important issues to consider as you go through the process, including understanding that you can’t keep everything and your kids may not want your stuff.
• Accept your emotions. Your belongings have become a part of your life and your memories. While culling the clutter can feel incredibly freeing, it can also bring up emotions akin to grieving. As you’re sorting through it all, let the laughter, tears and memories flow. For the things you won’t be keeping, take photos to help you recall those special memories anytime.
• Downsizing is also a gift to your family. Although they may not realize it now, you’re relieving your children of the future responsibility and burden of culling through your belongings. Take all of their comments — good and bad — in stride. Their opinions are important, but this is your life and your choice.
• Think of downsizing as a new beginning. When your belongings and space realistically fit your current lifestyle, your world opens up to new possibilities. For starters, less maintenance, more money, more time and more energy add up to more me-time for traveling, exploring your interests, and visiting friends and family. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can savor it all.

Making Your Move

So you’ve conquered downsizing your stuff and now you’re ready to choose a new downsized space that matches your lifestyle? There are additional factors to consider beyond the size of the floor plan—so you can make the best decision for you.

Consider The Importance of: 

• Having a strong social network of friends
• Finding purpose and fulfillment
• Taking care of my mind, body and spirit
• Having quality health care available if I need it
• Having predictable living expenses
• Making my own choices
• Feeling true peace of mind about the future
• Protecting my estate for my loved ones
• Not burdening my family with becoming my caregiver

As you evaluate your options, we invite you to explore Beatitudes Campus. You’ll discover a vibrant community of friendly neighbors who share your interests. Plus, you’ll enjoy an array of convenient services that make life easier as well as amenities, learning programs and volunteer opportunities that bring a rewarding sense of fulfillment and purpose. Best of all, our attentive, caring staff and 5-star health services provide the ultimate peace of mind today and in the future.

We’re Here for You

To ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible, we’ve partnered with Moving Station® to bring you expert moving advice and coordination through their Moving Made Easy® program at no cost. It’s our gift to you.

As part of the program, you’ll have a Personal Relocation Manager with you every step of the way. They’ll answer your questions and help you find trusted resources for selling your home for the best price, organizing and downsizing your belongings, planning your move and more.

To learn more about Beatitudes Campus and our free moving program, call us today at 602.883.1358 or contact us online at BeatitudesCampus.org.

At Beatitudes Campus, we’re leading the way in memory care and support. But, it hasn’t always been that way. Like so many other places, we took a traditional medical approach focused on organizational goals rather than each individual’s routines and preferences.

That all changed in 1997 when a team of caregivers at Beatitudes Campus began a multi-year journey of researching and developing Comfort Matters^®, an innovative, person-centered way of supporting those who have trouble thinking.

“Advocacy and social justice are fundamental principles of Beatitudes Campus because of our roots in the United Church of Christ. We started with those commitments and beliefs,” explained Tena Alonzo, Director of Education and Research and Director of Comfort Matters at Beatitudes during an interview with ACCESS Health International, a healthcare think tank and advisory group.

In working with health experts around the country, what they learned changed everything about how to support people with dementia. 

“We discovered that we didn’t know much about taking care of people with dementia. It took time to develop the culture, policies, and procedures to become as radically person-centered as we are today. It was a labor of love for everyone.”

Taking A Holistic Approach That Respects Autonomy
Tena and her team, which included Karen Mitchell, Registered Nurse and Comfort Matters Educator, realized that engagement, autonomy, and choice bore huge benefits for individuals with dementia—as they do for all people.

“If we can help people sleep when they are tired, they can wake refreshed and more often be their best selves. If people can eat what they want when they want—day or night, they tend to be healthier, happier, and live longer. If they’re able to enjoy their favorite and familiar activities, they feel content and calm,” said Alonzo.

The team found that caregiving in such a holistic way dramatically reduces the number of medications, which in turn reduces side effects and helps people feel better overall. With Comfort Matters, individuals experience lower rates of incontinence, less sundowning, and decreased hospitalizations. The Beatitudes Campus staff is happier, too. Less employee turnover means more continuity of care and more familiar faces for residents—a win-win for everyone.

Truly Knowing Each Person
The concept of serving people in such a profound way that respects their personal attachments to routines and preferences and honors the individual and their life experience became the mission. To make it happen, the team upended and recreated the existing care model that had been ingrained in society for 100 years. They pressed forward, educating and collaborating with Beatitudes Campus management and staff, doctors, regulatory agencies, and families.

Today, the entire Beatitudes Campus staff is empowered to engage and provide comfort to residents. From housekeepers and maintenance crews to the nurses and everyday caregivers, every single person is encouraged to be innovators and share ideas so we can all meet residents where they are.     

With families as our partners, we can be better caregivers and help guide and educate families through this time, according to Alonzo. Because we see dementia in a different way, everyone—families, staff, and other residents on campus—feel more empowered and less afraid.

Translating What We Learned Into A Dementia-Friendly Place To Live
Beatitudes Campus serves people with all levels of physical and cognitive ability. Some live in their own apartment or patio homes while others live in suites designed for skilled nursing care, memory support, or assisted living. Because we care and respect each other, you’ll find residents of all abilities laughing and enjoying time together—eating lunch, putting on the miniature green, tapping their toes to a musical performance, and more.

Hard work, unyielding devotion, and the willingness to innovate—that’s how Beatitudes Campus transformed into a dementia-friendly community, and why we’re different.

“Most residents have 65 or more years of life behind them. We honor that person because of their life experience,” said Alonzo. “We must have a culture that allows people to be themselves. That is the heart of person-directed living.”

Here, you can read more about Tena Alonzo and her team’s innovative approach to helping people live with dementia. To learn more about Beatitudes Campus’ extraordinary memory support options, call us today at (602) 833-1358 or submit a contact form on our website.