Cathy*, a resident at a WesleyLife community for healthy living in the Des Moines metropolitan area, says the WesleyLife Promise was key in inspiring her and her husband, Dave, to move from their home nearby to independent living on campus several years ago.
Funded by donations, the Promise — a fundamental component of WesleyLife's mission — assures residents that if they deplete their finances through no fault of their own, they will not be asked to leave their home with WesleyLife.
“I had heard about the Promise before we moved in; in fact, that steered us toward WesleyLife when we were considering moving to a community," Cathy says. "We had saved well for retirement, but we also knew from friends how quickly that money can be spent on health care. In retrospect, we made a really good decision.”
Both Cathy and Dave are 85; Dave, a retired teacher, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020 and “went downhill quickly,” his wife says. Cathy had been speaking with leaders at the community about enhanced care for Dave when he became disoriented one night and tried to slip out of the apartment. The next day, he moved to the community’s health center.
“I was distraught and afraid my children would be disappointed in me, but they supported me and felt good about the decision,” Cathy recalls. “We are still under the same roof and I visit him every day. Knowing this will be our home for life, apart but together, makes me feel even better that we moved here.”
Peace of mind
Cathy and Dave are not yet recipients of financial assistance from the WesleyLife Promise, but Cathy says she can envision a day they may need it.
“Continuous care in a health care center is extremely expensive; I’m not talking specifically about our community, but everywhere,” Cathy says. “What we have is not going to last forever. If I were not here in this community, but in a place where they don’t offer help, I would be frantic.”
Cathy says she is committed to donating to the fund while she can in hopes of helping others who may be facing immediate hardship.
"When you're older and you imagine running out of options, it's not like you can count on going to work and making up the money," she says. "You are truly at the mercy of family or others, and it's a helpless feeling. I want to do what I can while I can to help others who may be frightened that they might have to move."
Cathy also offers words of wisdom to all those considering community living.
“I would advise anyone to make sure not only that the place you're interested in has all the levels of care, but that it’s going to stand by you if you find yourself in need.
“Because of the generosity of people right here where we live, I can sleep better at night. If I get to the point of needing assistance, I'm afraid I'll be too proud to let people know the situation, but I will want those who have donated to know how grateful I am."
Help support the Promise! By becoming a donor to WesleyLIfe Foundation, you can help residents like Cathy preserve their peace of mind. Learn more!
*The resident's name and identifying information have been changed at her request.
