livingsmart
Welcome to livingsmart
WWelcome to the latest issue of Living Smart! As we turn the page from celebrating SmartLife’s 10th anniversary, we’re shifting our focus to what lies ahead. We’re not just planning for tomorrow — we’re designing the next 10 years and beyond of progress.
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is a true Continuing Care at Home program in Central Pennsylvania that offers older adults the security of long-term care coverage, the support of a personal care coordinator, and the freedom to remain in the homes they love. Members gain access to the trusted quality of Willow Valley Communities without having to move.
After a decade of proven success, the momentum behind SmartLife is stronger than ever. We’re expanding our reach, evolving our services, and embracing innovation to meet the needs of a new generation of older adults who want to age on their own terms, and in their own homes, with confidence, clarity, and community.
In this issue of Living Smart, you’ll learn about Members living life fully with SmartLife by their side, and you’ll get a glimpse into the exciting growth and vision shaping the next chapter of our program.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We’re not just growing — we’re building something extraordinary.
With enthusiasm and purpose,
Andrew Solodky Manager of Marketing & Sales
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley
Andrew Solodky Manager of Marketing & Sales
VIA Willow Valley
SmartLife
03 | MEET THE WOODS!
After a lifetime of rewarding careers in higher education, Joe and Diane Wood are embracing a new chapter with SmartLife.
05 | YOU’RE INVITED
Learn all about SmartLife at one of our relaxed and informative events.
07 | FAMILY CAREGIVING
SmartLife helps family members be able to care about their loved ones, and not have to care for them.
09 | NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE
Even if you don’t live in Lancaster County, SmartLife is within reach.
11 | THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF SMARTLIFE
SmartLife provides peace of mind and protects your assets.
13 | TOP RANKINGS FOR WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES
Honors from Newsweek are a win for SmartLife, too!
Living Well in Lancaster with SmartLife VIA Willow Valley
Joe & Diane Wood
AAfter a lifetime of rewarding careers in higher education, Joe and Diane Wood are embracing a new chapter filled with peace of mind, natural beauty, and community connection — all thanks to their move to Lancaster and their decision to become Members of SmartLife VIA Willow Valley.
Married for 46 years, Joe and Diane are no strangers to change. Originally from opposite coasts — Diane from California by way of Texas and Joe from Ohio by way of Vermont and Pennsylvania with a stopover in Vietnam — the couple joke that they met in the middle, at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Their professional lives then took them to respected colleges and universities across the country.
“Academic jobs, especially in upper administration, are always changing,” Joe explained. “But we always embraced the possibilities, and we always landed on our feet.”
Their adventurous spirit and mutual support carried them through distant moves and ever-evolving academic and
community leadership roles, from Nebraska to Maryland and Virginia, on to Maine, and then back to Maryland.
After retiring in 2018, they settled in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for what they thought would be a relaxing retirement. But the quiet beach town didn’t stay quiet for long.
“Rehoboth got very busy,” Diane said. “Even the offseasons started to feel like peak season. After five years, we were ready to move again.”
That’s when Lancaster came to mind. Diane recalled an earlier visit and how much she enjoyed the charming countryside and the city’s vibrant arts scene. Geographically, it was also a great fit, located conveniently to their son and his family in Northern Virginia and two granddaughters in Philadelphia. After exploring Willow Valley Communities, they were impressed with the Lifecare Type A contract, which ensures that if enhanced care is ever needed, their monthly service fee would not increase due to that need.
“We’ve both had experience with what years of caregiving can do to a family — financially and emotionally,” Diane shared. “We didn’t want that for our children or grandchildren.”
But due to a long waitlist for the kind of residence they wanted, the couple opted to buy a home in a nearby 55+ community. Still, the desire for future security led them to discover SmartLife VIA Willow Valley.
SmartLife is an innovative, membership-based plan that enables older adults to “age in place,” to continue their current lifestyle in their own home, secure in the knowledge they are covered if long-term care is needed in the future. As a true Continuing Care at Home program, it provides the security and support of a continuing care retirement community without the need to move.
“As soon as we heard about SmartLife, it made eminent sense,” said Joe. “Every year, our long-term care insurance was getting more expensive and offering less. SmartLife gives us more support, with no long waiting periods like 90 or 180 days. It was a blessing.”
For the Woods, the decision was made easier by the fact that SmartLife is part of Willow Valley Communities’ family of brands, an organization they had already researched extensively.
“We knew Willow Valley had an over-40-year tradition of excellence and is honest, well-managed, and fiscally solid,” Joe explained. “That gave us the confidence to trust SmartLife with our future. It’s not just about services — it’s about knowing the organization behind those services is strong and dependable.”
Now 79 and 78, Joe and Diane feel as active and youthful as ever. Living in Lancaster, they enjoy long walks with their rescue dog, Callie, along scenic trails right in their neighborhood.
“I love seeing critters, deer, rabbits, foxes, herons, ducks, geese — once, even an eagle,” Diane said. “The ocean is beautiful, but there’s something peaceful about the landscape here.”
They’ve embraced all that Lancaster has to offer. Tuesdays often take Diane to Central Market, where she shops for mushrooms, herbs, and fresh greens for her globally inspired cooking.
“I love Indian, Asian, and Mexican food. We grill fish a lot on the patio, and I also bake pies like my grandmother did!” Diane exclaimed. Though they dine out occasionally, their kitchen is the heart of their home, and Lancaster’s fresh local ingredients fuel her passion for cooking.
The Woods are avid art lovers and members of Longwood Gardens, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Barnes Foundation, so they appreciate Lancaster’s convenient
Amtrak station, which allows them to travel easily to Philadelphia and beyond. But they also get excited for First Fridays in Lancaster, where they enjoy the benefits of being in a city that’s walkable, culturally rich, and food-friendly — without the traffic headaches of bigger urban areas.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” said Joe. “Lancaster gives you that urban flavor, but it’s still manageable.”
Most importantly, SmartLife provides a deep sense of security. “We may never need it,” Diane admitted, “but it’s the peace of mind that matters. We’re realists about getting older, and we don’t want our children or grandchildren to feel they need to take care of us. Even if we end up receiving care in our home, we know we’ll be supported. That gives us peace — for our minds and our souls.”
For the Woods, life in Lancaster isn’t just about comfort. It’s about being part of a vibrant community, surrounded by nature and the arts, and having a sense of assurance for whatever the future holds. With SmartLife VIA Willow Valley, they’ve found a perfect fit that lets them continue living life fully — on their own terms.
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As soon as we heard about SmartLife, it made eminent sense.
You’re Invited
Discover SmartLife’s Relaxed, Informative & Pressure-Free Events
EExploring options for your future should be empowering, not overwhelming. That’s why SmartLife VIA Willow Valley hosts informational events that are as relaxed and welcoming as they are enlightening. Whether you’re just starting to think about your long-term care plan or you’ve been researching options for a while, attending one of these events can be a simple and enjoyable first step.
Held regularly online, or in-person at familiar, convenient local venues — such as community centers, restaurants, or country clubs — SmartLife events are thoughtfully designed to put attendees at ease. There’s no sales pitch, no pressure, and no obligation — just a warm, friendly environment where you can learn more about what SmartLife offers and get answers to your questions.
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is a unique and forwardthinking true Continuing Care at Home program that provides the security and support of a continuing care retirement community without having to move. It allows independent adults to age confidently in the comfort of their own home while having the peace of mind that comes with guaranteed access to future care if and when it’s needed.
At a SmartLife event, representatives clearly explain how the program works, what it covers, and how it compares to other retirement and long-term care options. You’ll learn about membership benefits, costs, and the personalized care coordination that sets SmartLife apart.
Attendees consistently appreciate the no-pressure atmosphere. These sessions are relaxed, and you’re encouraged to ask any questions, no matter how big or small. Curious about how SmartLife works with your existing insurance? Wondering if your home is suitable for aging in place? Want to know how much flexibility you’ll have if your care needs change? SmartLife Team Members are happy to provide thorough, thoughtful answers.
The comfortable pace of these events gives you time to absorb information and reflect. Many attendees bring along a spouse, partner, or adult child, making it a shared learning experience. Some even attend more than once — another sign of the program’s open-door, low-pressure approach.
Choosing a plan for the future is a major life decision. But gathering the facts doesn’t have to be stressful. A SmartLife informational event is a chance to explore your options in a friendly, approachable setting. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how SmartLife VIA Willow Valley can support your goal of living independently while being fully prepared for whatever the future may hold.
Relax, enjoy the conversation, and discover how SmartLife can bring clarity — and peace of mind — to your planning journey.
To find out about upcoming SmartLife events in your area, visit SmartLifeWV.org/Events. Relax, enjoy the conversation, and discover how
A Plan to Preserve Joy and Peace of Mind Family Caregiving
CCaring for an aging family member is an act of love — but it’s also a commitment that can carry a heavy burden. Across the country, millions of unpaid family caregivers balance full-time jobs, raising children, and managing households, all while supporting an aging parent or relative. The time demands alone can be staggering. Medical appointments, medication management, meal preparation, and personal care often consume hours each day, leaving little time for rest or self-care.
Financially, caregiving can be equally taxing. Many family caregivers reduce work hours, turn down promotions, or even leave jobs altogether to provide
care, resulting in lost income, retirement savings, and health benefits. Add in out-of-pocket costs for supplies, home modifications, or professional help, and the financial strain becomes undeniable.
Then there’s the emotional toll. Watching a loved one decline can bring feelings of helplessness, guilt, and grief. Caregivers often report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, especially when navigating complex healthcare systems or making difficult decisions alone.
This is why it’s so important for older adults to have a proactive plan for future care needs. Whether it involves long-term care insurance, moving to a life
plan community, or simply discussing wishes with family, planning ahead can lift a tremendous burden. When a senior outlines their preferences and secures resources and plans for potential future care, it eliminates guesswork and reduces family conflict. Most importantly, it gives peace of mind — not just to the senior, but to the entire family.
SmartLife: A Trusted Option for Many Families
SmartLife is a true Continuing Care at Home program. It provides the security and support of a continuing care retirement community, but without requiring older adults to move. This innovative, membership-based plan enables them to “age in place,” to continue their current lifestyle in their own home, secure in the knowledge they are covered if long-term care is ever needed in the future.
If they do need care, SmartLife’s Lifecare Coordinators take care of the many details. This allows the Member to concentrate on healing — not figuring out who will provide ongoing assistance or where they will need to go for it. SmartLife delivers care coordination, homecare services, personal care, and nursing care, so spouses or other family members don’t have to worry about providing these themselves during a health event. Additionally, with Lifecare, a Member’s need for this increased level of care does not increase their monthly fees, safeguarding family assets for the future.
With a thoughtful plan in place, family members can transition from stressed caregivers to supportive, loving advocates. They can focus on maintaining a meaningful relationship with their loved one, rather than being
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Planning for the future is an essential act of love.
No Matter Where You Live: SmartLife Is Just as Strong Outside Lancaster County
WWhen Jay and Jo Ann Jackson of York, Pennsylvania, enrolled in SmartLife VIA Willow Valley in early 2020, they became pioneers — among the first Members outside of Lancaster County to embrace the innovative Continuing Care at Home model. Five years later, they’re more confident than ever that they made the right choice.
“We signed up just as COVID was beginning,” remembers Jo Ann, “and we are so glad we did. We have the reassurance of at-home care if we should ever need it — SmartLife Team Members check in with us regularly. Plus, we have the on-campus benefits of programs and activities as part of the Willow Valley community.”
That same reassurance is what many prospective Members in Lebanon, Dauphin, and York Counties need to hear. The truth is, SmartLife is built for them, too. While Willow Valley Communities’ campus may
be in Lancaster, the reach and the commitment of the SmartLife program stretch far beyond.
A Comprehensive Plan, Wherever You Call Home
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is more than a service — it’s a promise. Whether you’re in Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, or York Counties, you’re entitled to the same core benefits that define the program:
• A Trusted Continuing Care at Home Program: Members receive the support and structure of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) without ever leaving their homes. This model, backed by the long-standing reputation of Willow Valley Communities, provides personalized care, proactive planning, and future security.
• Dedicated Lifecare Coordination: Every Member, regardless of county, is paired with a Lifecare Coordinator who arranges services from home
care to skilled nursing and memory support. This coordination becomes vital when health changes occur suddenly. It also provides much-needed peace of mind for family members — no matter how far they live.
• Asset Protection: The high cost of long-term care can quickly deplete retirement savings. With SmartLife, Members outside Lancaster County benefit from the same financial safeguards as those living closer to campus.
• Independence and Aging in Place: SmartLife empowers seniors to remain at home safely and comfortably for as long as possible. That goal is universal — and fully supported, whether you’re in Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, or York County.
• Nationwide Portability: Should Members choose to relocate — say, to be closer to adult children or a new retirement destination — SmartLife can arrange similar services anywhere in the continental U.S., ensuring continuity of care and uninterrupted benefits.
The Willow Valley Connection
Living outside Lancaster County doesn’t mean missing out on the vibrancy and energy of Willow Valley Communities. In fact, Members from other counties are welcome and encouraged to enjoy the community’s 80,000-square-foot Cultural Center and 30,000-square-foot Clubhouse, as well as:
• Dining experiences
• Educational and cultural programming
• Live theater and music events
• Fitness classes, bowling, swimming, and more
It’s a full lifestyle experience that connects Members to the broader Willow Valley family.
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While Willow Valley Communities’ campus may be in Lancaster, the reach and commitment of the SmartLife program stretch far beyond.
The heart of SmartLife’s mission is proactive, personalized care — delivered with compassion and precision. Whether you live in Lebanon, Dauphin, or York County, you’re fully within the SmartLife service area, and you’re fully covered.
As Jay Jackson puts it, “Life happens in sudden jolts. Out-of-pocket care can be frighteningly expensive if a disability hits unexpectedly. SmartLife is a good choice with reassuring options going forward.”
So, if you’re considering SmartLife and live beyond Lancaster, don’t hesitate. You’re not falling through the cracks. You’re falling into the care of a team that’s ready to support you — right where you are.
For more information about SmartLife VIA Willow Valley and its services outside Lancaster County, visit SmartLife.org or call 717.299.5673.
You’re Not Out of Reach. You’re Within SmartLife.
Local Table restaurant at The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse pool
The Financial Benefits of SmartLife VIA Willow Valley Peace of Mind & Protection
FFor many older adults and their families, planning for future health needs is one of the most critical — and emotionally challenging — financial decisions they’ll ever face. But what if there were a way to protect your assets, secure your future, and continue living comfortably in the home you love? That’s exactly what SmartLife VIA Willow Valley offers.
SmartLife is an innovative, membership-based program that allows older adults to “age in place,” staying in their own homes while enjoying the benefits and security typically associated with a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). As a true Continuing Care at Home program, SmartLife provides a comprehensive solution that combines the personal comfort of remaining at home with the financial protection of a Type A Lifecare contract.
Financial Security When You Need It Most
The heart of SmartLife’s financial advantage lies in its Type A Lifecare contract. Unlike other plans that may rely on fee-for-service or pay-as-you-go models, this all-inclusive approach ensures that Members pay predictable, pre-established fees, even if their health needs increase over time.
This means families aren’t caught off guard by the skyrocketing costs of home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing. Instead, they can concentrate on what truly matters during a health event: healing, comfort, and quality time with loved ones. With SmartLife, peace of mind isn’t just a promise — it’s built into the contract.
Asset Protection for the Long Haul
Planning for future care often involves difficult trade-offs: Should I self-insure and risk depleting my savings? Should I invest in traditional long-term care insurance and worry about exclusions or escalating premiums? SmartLife VIA Willow Valley offers a different path — one that protects assets and minimizes financial uncertainty.
“SmartLife is a proactive and smart financial decision for many of my clients,” says Don Doolittle Jr., VP, Fiduciary Business Development Manager, at Ephrata National Bank Wealth Solutions. “It combines the benefits of long-term care planning with the comfort of staying at home, and it removes the unpredictability of future health expenses. For people who want to preserve their estate and avoid burdening their families, it’s a powerful solution.”
The Hidden Costs of Doing Nothing
Without a plan like SmartLife, the costs of long-term care can be staggering. In Pennsylvania, the average annual cost for home health aide services can exceed $60,000, and skilled nursing care can cost over $175,000 annually. These numbers can quickly drain even well-prepared retirement portfolios.
SmartLife shields families from this financial strain. With services such as care coordination, home modifications, and access to a full continuum of care, SmartLife makes aging in place not just possible, but sustainable, both personally and financially.
A Program That Aligns with Your Values
Beyond the dollars and cents, SmartLife appeals to a growing number of older adults who want control over how and where they age. They value independence, dignity, and flexibility, and SmartLife supports those goals. SmartLife ensures Members remain at the center of every decision — and that families are never left to navigate care alone.
In Summary: SmartLife Is a Sound Investment in Your Future
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is redefining what it means to age well, combining the trust, security, and financial clarity of a CCRC with the freedom of home-based living. The Type A Lifecare contract is more than a document; it’s a safeguard for your savings, your family, and your peace of mind.
Don Doolittle further explains, “With SmartLife, people aren’t just buying a plan. They’re investing in a future that honors their lifestyle and protects their legacy.”
To learn more about how SmartLife VIA Willow Valley can support your goals, both personal and financial, visit SmartLife.org or call to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Peace of mind may start with just a conversation.
“ With SmartLife, people aren’t just buying a plan. They’re investing in a future that honors their lifestyle and protects their legacy.
Willow Valley Communities’ Top Newsweek Rankings
A Win for SmartLife, Too
AAs part of the Willow Valley Communities family of brands, SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is proud to celebrate Willow Valley Communities’ recognition as the No. 2 Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the nation, and No. 1 in Pennsylvania and the Eastern U.S., on Newsweek ’s 2025 list of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
These prestigious national rankings affirm the enduring commitment to excellence that defines both Willow Valley Communities and SmartLife. As a true Continuing Care at Home program, SmartLife provides the same support as Willow Valley Communities, but right in our Members’ own homes. SmartLife is built on the same core values and delivers the same trusted services, security, and philosophy that have become hallmarks of the Willow Valley Communities experience.
“This national recognition reinforces what we at SmartLife have always known,” said Andrew Solodky, Manager of Marketing and Sales for SmartLife VIA Willow Valley. “SmartLife shares in this honor because we share in the legacy, the standards, and the mission of Willow Valley
Communities. When people choose SmartLife, they’re choosing the same award-winning approach to service and care that earned Willow Valley Communities its place at the top.”
For over 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has been known for delivering exceptional experiences for its Residents. That same drive for innovation, compassion, and best-in-class service guides SmartLife every day as we help Members live securely and independently in their own homes, on their own terms.
Alongside the 2025 rankings, Newsweek published the feature “What Makes America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities Stand Out,” in which Willow Valley Communities’ then President and CEO, John G. Swanson, and Chief Marketing Officer, Helen Foster, spoke about this commitment to redefining senior living across the country.
To read the full article, visit SmartLifeWV.org/Newsweek.
“ SmartLife shares in this honor with Willow Valley Communities.
100 Willow Valley Lakes Drive Willow Street, PA 17584
Living the SmartLife
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is a true Continuing Care at Home program serving Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, and York Counties. It is an innovative, membership-based plan that gives you the security of continuing care in your own home as you enjoy your current lifestyle. SmartLife VIA Willow Valley membership includes Lifecare, which means that your assets are protected because monthly fees are not increased if an increased level of care is needed in the future.
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is part of the Willow Valley Communities family of brands and follows the same exemplary standard of excellence that Willow Valley Communities has been providing to older adults for more than 40 years.
To learn more about how to live smart, visit SmartLifeWV.org/Living.
