"I'm so grateful we are still here together."

When Elena and John*, retired healthcare professionals, moved into independent living at Edgewater in West Des Moines the year the community opened, they felt confident about the future. They had planned carefully, saved responsibly, and never imagined their resources might one day fall short.

Five years ago, John began showing signs of vascular dementia. Elena remained healthy, and with support several days a week from WesleyLife at Home health services, she was comfortable caring for him in their apartment.

Then, one night, John fell while getting up for a drink of water and fractured his shoulder. The injury, combined with his worsening dementia, made his care increasingly complex. After thoughtful conversations with their grown children, Elena decided John would be best served in Edgewater’s health center.

Under the same roof

The transition was difficult, but Elena was relieved they could remain under the same roof. She visited John every day, reading to him, watching their favorite television shows, and enjoying time together when their children and grandchildren visited.

For three years, life continued in much that same vein; John’s condition declined, but Elena’s presence remained a source of comfort. She moved into a smaller apartment to reduce expenses, yet when she scrutinized the couple’s financial statements, she was alarmed to see the cost of John’s 24-hour care was depleting their savings much faster than expected. Elena suspected she soon would need to move in with the couple’s oldest son and his family.

“I love my family dearly, but I wanted to maintain my independence,” Elena says. “I didn’t want to be a burden to my son and his wife and children. They have room for me, but they’re busy with their own lives. I didn’t want to become a third wheel.”

A life-changing reminder

Thankfully, over coffee one day, a friend reminded Elena about Edgewater’s Good Samaritan Fund, which helps qualifying residents when their financial resources are exhausted through no fault of their own. This support fulfills the WesleyLife Promise, assuring residents they will not be asked to leave their homes with WesleyLife or face reductions in care because they can no longer afford the full cost.

Although WesleyLife applies other payment sources to the cost of care, the generosity of donors to the Good Samaritan Fund covers the remaining gap, making it possible for couples like Elena and John to remain together in the community they call home.

Elena and John had contributed to the fund during more financially secure years, never expecting they might someday need its support.

“I’m so grateful we are still here together,” Elena says. “We planned carefully, but life brought circumstances we could not have predicted. Knowing John can receive the care he needs and I can remain close to him means more than I can say.

“To any of our many friends at Edgewater and the many wonderful people we have never met who have made it possible for us to stay here and say together: Thank you.”

Every resident's story is unique. Yet many share a common reality: Despite years of careful planning, unexpected health challenges can quickly exhaust financial resources. Through gifts to Edgewater's Good Samaritan Fund, donors help ensure residents like Elena and John can continue receiving the care they need while remaining close to the people they love.

Make Your Impact Today

*names and identifying information have been changed.