Nancy and Jeff* had always been planners. Both retired college professors, they had built their careers and raised their two sons in Iowa City.
But Washington, Iowa, had long held a special place in their lives. Nancy’s aunt had lived there at Halcyon House, a WesleyLife community for healthy living, and Nancy and Jeff had visited her often.
During those visits, they had come to appreciate Halcyon House as well as Washington itself. They enjoyed the friendliness of the community, the pace of life, and especially the shops and activity around the town square.
When Nancy and Jeff each retired at age 67, they did not wait for a health crisis to determine for them what would happen next. With the full support of their children, they moved to an independent living apartment at Halcyon House.
They wanted to experience everything independent living offered while they were still young, healthy, and able to enjoy it together. And enjoy it they did! When Halcyon House offered an experience, from wine tasting to weekend trips, Nancy and Jeff often were among the first to participate. Their days were full, and they built strong friendships with other residents.
Then, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic ended, something changed.
Fears are confirmed
Nancy was walking along a familiar route when she suddenly became disoriented. Unsure where she was or how to return home, she called Jeff, who came to pick her up.
That frightening experience led to a difficult weekend of conversation. Nancy told Jeff about other concerning moments she had experienced during the preceding months but had tried to dismiss. Nancy’s mother had lived with Alzheimer’s disease, and Nancy feared she might receive the same diagnosis.
Sadly, a short time later, her fears were confirmed.
For several months, Jeff was comfortable caring for Nancy in their apartment. He adjusted their routines, accompanied her more often, and did everything he could to help her remain safe and comfortable.
But as Nancy’s disease progressed, she began wandering. Because the couple lived in independent living, Nancy was free to come and go as she pleased. One terrifying day, Jeff realized Nancy was missing.
He searched the places she usually visited before making the call he had hoped never to make. Halcyon House leaders worked with local authorities to quickly locate Nancy in an unfamiliar neighborhood, sitting on a stranger’s front porch. She had walked a considerable distance and was disoriented and crying.
Jeff knew something had to change.
He called a family meeting, and together, Jeff and the couple’s children made the difficult decision to move Nancy to memory care at Halcyon House.
A new routine, and new challenges
Although Jeff missed having Nancy with him in their apartment, they were still part of the same community. He could visit her each day, sharing meals, sitting with her, and remaining present as her husband even as her needs changed.
Over time, Nancy stopped recognizing Jeff and their children. But she was content with the team members who cared for her and the residents who had become part of her daily life. Jeff took comfort in knowing she was safe, supported, and surrounded by familiar people.
Under difficult circumstances, life was as good as it could be.
Then, another blow: Jeff met with the couple’s financial advisor.
The cost of Nancy’s care was drawing down the savings they had worked carefully to build. Jeff moved to a smaller apartment at Halcyon House to reduce their expenses, but the cost of memory care continued to deplete their resources at a startling rate.
For the first time, Jeff began to wonder whether he would have to leave Halcyon House. He spoke with his sons about moving in with one of them so the remaining funds could be used for Nancy’s care.
Finally, Jeff went to the Halcyon House office to explain that he planned to leave the community.
A sliver of hope
Instead of helping him prepare to leave, the office manager reminded Jeff of something he had nearly forgotten: The Halcyon House Good Samaritan Fund, supporting the WesleyLife Promise.
Made possible through charitable gifts to the Good Samaritan and Good Shepherd funds at WesleyLife communities, the Promise helps ensure residents who deplete their financial resources through no fault of their own will not be asked to leave the community they call home or experience a reduction in care simply 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.
Jeff and Nancy had contributed to the fund in their early days with the community, and the office manager encouraged Jeff to apply for assistance. After the couple’s circumstances were reviewed, Jeff received the welcome news that support from the Good Samaritan Fund would help cover the difference between their available resources and the cost of their services.
Nancy could remain in memory care, surrounded by the team members and routines she knew. Jeff could remain in his apartment nearby. He would not have to leave his home, move away from Nancy, or choose between his own financial security and the care she needed.
Together and supported
Jeff and Nancy had spent years planning carefully for the future. But no plan could have anticipated every turn in Nancy’s health or the financial impact of years of specialized care.
Because of the WesleyLife Promise, one thing did not have to change: Nancy and Jeff could remain at Halcyon House, together and supported, for the rest of their lives.
Since WesleyLife’s earliest days, that commitment has been central to its mission. Through the generosity of donors, older adults facing financial uncertainty can continue receiving the care, connection, and sense of belonging they need, all in the community they call home.
Make a difference for people like Jeff and Nancy today.
*Names and identifying information have been changed.
