Cathy*, a resident at a WesleyLife community for healthy living in the Des Moines metropolitan area, says the WesleyLife Promise was key in encouraging 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 piqued our interest and 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 envisions they soon will need to ask their community for help.
“We were well set up, but 24/7 care in a health care center is extremely expensive; I’m not talking specifically about our community, but everywhere,” Cathy says. “To speak frankly, what we have is not going to last much longer. 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 already spoke with her community’s business office and was assured that she will be able to apply for assistance when needed; she says she was gratified that the team member with whom she spoke vowed to respect her privacy and “didn’t make me feel irresponsible for running out of money.”
"We had everything in order, but no matter how careful you are, you just don't think something catastrophic will happen to you,” Cathy says. “To anyone reading this: If you are considering moving to a community, make sure not only that it 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. I’m too proud to let people know the situation we’re finding ourselves in, but I would like them 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.
