Moving to an Acts Community is the “best gift you can give your children.”
Marilyn Moskowitz’s initial reaction after hearing that her friend had moved to a continuing care retirement community was, “Oh no, that’s not for me!”
However, her friend was thoroughly enjoying her new life at Edgewater at Boca Pointe, an Acts community across the street. Marilyn and her husband Lionel were facing some health challenges at the time and intrigued by the idea of prearranged health care, financial security for the future, and, ultimately the greatest gift - peace of mind for their children. They were also pleasantly surprised to discover that they could write off a significant portion of the costs as a tax deduction.
After visiting, Marilyn and Lionel realized it was a wise investment, and soon after, they made the move. What they hadn't anticipated was just how much their everyday lives would change for the better!
"I knew it was the right thing for us to do, but I never expected it to be like this,” Marilyn said “In fact, I still poke my husband sometimes and say, ‘Is it real?’”
And the best part – their children couldn’t be happier.
The Game Changer
“They are living their best lives!," said their daughter Sharon Kauffman. "They stay busy between chair volleyball and chair yoga, while the guys go out for lunch. There's a book club and numerous mahjong games, Canasta and other card games. They're just thriving."
The Moskowitzs' calendar is packed with meaningful engagements - dinner plans, social outings, and appealing activities to make their lives rich and fulfilling. "They have dinner plans every night with different friends on different evening,” Kauffman said.
Her parents also enjoy outings to the theater, art museums, and local restaurants, all made easier with complimentary transportation services. This gives their children peace of mind knowing their parents are active, safe and supported."
"I don't have to worry about how they're getting somewhere or how they'll get back," Sharon said. "They've even gone on overnight trips."
"Mom and Dad sound so relaxed now. Knowing they are safe and happy, just makes my heart happy," she added. "Living at an Acts community is the greatest gift that a parent to give to a child, to say, I'm safe, I'm taken care of. I'm where I want to be."
Unforeseen Blessings
Hundreds of miles away from Boca Raton, Diane Brown’s journey to an Acts community was unexpectedly expedited after the sudden passing of her husband. Diane had visited Buckingham's Choice in Adamstown, Maryland a few years earlier.
“I was very impressed with the community, thinking that it was going to be far in my future, and then my husband died," Diane said.
The immediate support and sense of belonging Diane found at Acts were instrumental in navigating this difficult, emotionally challenging time.
“They really helped her with process," said Diane's daughter, Lauren Sileo. "I was just so excited for her to move here because I knew she would instantly feel the sense of community. The people are so friendly, kind, and generous.”
In a few short weeks, Diane embraced her new environment, participating in various activities. Despite not knowing anyone when she first arrived, she quickly made friends. These friendships became a lifeline when Diane underwent surgery.
“All her neighbors stepped up, and the Acts team stepped up. They delivered meals and ensured she had everything she needed. They were very supportive," Lauren said.
For Diane, much like the Moskowitz family, the move to an Acts Community offered the lifelong comfort of support and the ultimate gift of peace of mind for their children.
“They don't have to worry about me,” Diane said. “If I get sick, I can get instantaneous help. If I need a light bulb changed on the ceiling, they do that for us!"
Unwavering Support
Chuck Crowley, a 95-year-old resident of St. Andrews Estates in Boca Raton, Florida, first moved to an Acts community with his wife 15 years ago. They enjoyed life in a spacious three-bedroom apartment, but as time passed, their needs changed. Chuck's wife required memory care and skilled nursing, both of which she received on the same campus before she passed away. Chuck has since transitioned to assisted living where he continues to thrive.
"I love that they could stay in the same community even as their healthcare needs evolved," said their son, Mike. "Dad absolutely loves living here. He's always telling me about the excellent care he receives, and he can't stop raving about how great the food is."
"There's always someone available if he needs anything, and the staff is very loving and accommodating," Mike added.
Even in assisted living, Chuck remains active and socially engaged. He enjoys participating in the choir, attends Bible study and walks every day.
"The whole package of a CCRC is wonderful, giving us tremendous peace of mind, knowing he's well taken care of, " Mike said. "The staff truly lives up to their mission of Loving-Kindness. We've grown close to the nurses and can always count on them for anything."
In any given Acts community, most adult children of residents share a common sentiment: This is the safest, best place their parents can live (and thrive!) Living in a community they truly love, where all their needs are met - both now and in the future - provides an invaluable gift to them.