Living Smart - Issue 2

livingsmart

Vibrant Seniors

Lifestyle Stories of the Aging in Place—On Their Own Terms—

With the Security of SmartLife

Welcome to livingsmart

WWelcome to this issue of Living Smart, a SmartLife VIA Willow Valley publication.

Inside these pages, you’ll learn about SmartLife, an innovative, membership-based plan for retirement. Serving Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, and York Counties, SmartLife is a true Life Plan at Home program enabling seniors to “age in place.” Members enjoy their current lifestyle in their own home with the security of knowing they are covered if long-term care is ever needed. If this need arises, SmartLife’s Lifecare Coordinators take care of the many details, allowing the Member to concentrate on healing—not figuring out where assistance will be provided or who will handle the arrangements. SmartLife delivers care coordination, companion services, personal care, and nursing care, all while safeguarding assets. Spouses or other family members don’t have to worry about having to provide these services during a health event, allowing them to care about their loved one, not care for them. With SmartLife’s Lifecare, families’ assets are protected for the future because monthly fees are not increased due to a Member’s need for an increased level of care.

As you page through Living Smart, you’ll learn more about the “what” of SmartLife, but you’ll also learn about the “who.” And that is probably my favorite part of this publication: the unique stories of our Members. Each SmartLife Member has an individual lifestyle and personal reason for wanting to continue to age exactly where they are. As you meet them, you’ll be able to imagine how SmartLife can help you achieve your retirement lifestyle goals—all while providing peace of mind for the future for you and your family.

I am honored that you have welcomed this current issue of Living Smart into your home. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to sharing more with you.

With kind regards,

Andrew Solodky

Andrew Solodky Manager of Marketing & Sales SmartLife VIA Willow Valley

Andrew Solodky Manager of Marketing & Sales SmartLife VIA Willow Valley

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MARK & VALERIE KORMAN

The Kormans live life to the fullest today, with peace of mind for tomorrow, thanks to SmartLife.

05

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TOM & KAREN WINTERS

SmartLife’s personal touch helps the Winterses feel good about their future—and their family’s.

07 |

It’s not only Members who benefit from SmartLife, but their loved ones too.

09 |

SmartLife provides the freedom to live how, and where, you want—even if that changes.

Joining a senior living community no longer has to mean leaving the home you love. 13 |

SmartLife’s Manager of Marketing and Sales discusses the future of senior living.

Mark & Valerie Korman: SmartLife Allows Us to Live Each Day to the Fullest

SSmartLife Members Mark and Valerie Korman have lived in Lancaster for over 35 years. During that time, they have purposely and carefully created their best life doing all the things they love—in a home they love.

Mark, 68, and Val, 67, both retired about 10 years ago, Val from teaching third grade in the Penn Manor School District, Mark from a career as a Managing Director of Title Insurance with Berkshire Hathaway. The couple took the time to carefully design and build their beautiful home nestled near the Little Conestoga Creek. In addition to breathtaking views overlooking the Conestoga Country Club, it has a thoughtfully created first-floor living plan that is open and light filled.

The woodshop in the Kormans’ home includes everything Mark needs to do what he loves most: listen to sports and work on furniture projects for his family and friends. “My woodshop is just a good place to go,” he says, shrugging.

Mark and Val love to travel, and they enjoy spending time in Florida. But they are always excited to return to Lancaster and all the activities they enjoy so much, like biking, golfing, swimming, and kayaking. They are also “lifelong learners,” regularly attending educational presentations, arts and crafts classes, and performances. The couple gives back to the Lancaster community by volunteering, too. Mark has worked with numerous programs that mentor at-risk innercity kids, and Val volunteers at Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.

The Kormans raised two sons, both in their 30s and busy with their own families and careers, and they also adopted a “COVID puppy,” a Cavapoo named Isabel. But they say that their favorite role is being grandparents to a newborn baby girl, Lilah Rose.

When speaking to Mark, you quickly realize how passionate he is about protecting his family’s future, both financially and emotionally. “We’ve created this lifestyle we love over time,

members since 2021

and at this location,” he explains. “We don’t want it to change, and we want to stay right here.” That’s why the Kormans decided to join SmartLife VIA Willow Valley. Since SmartLife is a true Life Plan at Home program, Members like Mark and Val are able to continue their current lifestyle in their own home, with the security of knowing they are covered if long-term care is ever needed. Their assets are protected with Lifecare, because monthly fees are not increased due to a Member’s need for an increased level of care.

For Mark, that is the true benefit of being a SmartLife Member. “It caps the financial exposure of our estate. That’s really what it’s all about,” he says.

Additionally, spouses or other family members don’t have to worry about providing care and services during a health event, allowing them to care about their loved one, not care for them. If the Kormans ever do need care, SmartLife’s Lifecare Coordinators will take care of the many details so the couple can concentrate on healing. And, their sons can support their parents the way they want to—without needing to figure out where ongoing assistance will come from or who will provide it.

The Kormans say that SmartLife gives them the freedom to live exactly the way they desire as they age. They can continue their lifestyle as they planned, knowing they have lifelong security for themselves and their family.

“SmartLife has enabled us to live our lives without worrying about the future,” says Val. “With this peace of mind, I’m having even more fun spoiling that precious Lilah Rose!”

We’ve created this lifestyle we love over time, and at this location…we want to stay right here.

Tom & Karen Winters: It Feels Good To Be SmartLife Members!

TTom and Karen Winters of Lancaster remember well the conversations that would come up innocently enough among their friends.

Tom, a retired education executive with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Karen, a retired Institutional Territory Business Manager with Bristol-Myers Squibb, have been SmartLife Members since 2018. They both recall how the thought process started. Once they and their friends retired, social conversations naturally led to talk about their next season of life.

As questions arose about everyone’s plans, the subject of possible future long-term care needs would often come up. What would happen if long-term care was needed as they got older?

Who would make the arrangements? And, was it possible to lose one’s nest egg paying for it all?

The Winterses, parents of two grown sons, were adamant about not wanting to be an added responsibility for them. “We didn’t want to be a burden to our children, either financially or emotionally,” explains Tom. “We wanted to assure our sons that we were going to have the care we need without them having to face those obstacles.”

Karen agrees. “My boys will always be my boys— not my caretakers.”

After researching options, the couple soon realized that SmartLife met all of their needs.

members since 2018

As a true Life Plan at Home program, SmartLife helps seniors to “age in place” in their own home. Tom’s and Karen’s home, with its stunning outdoor living space and pool, is perfect for entertaining friends and family, and they did not want to change the lifestyle they have there. The couple also enjoys gardening together, adding extraspecial colorful blooms to enhance their property. Inside their spacious, sunlit front living room stands a majestic grand piano where you’ll often find Karen.

The Winterses can continue this current lifestyle with the security of knowing they are covered if long-term care is ever needed. In that event, SmartLife’s Lifecare Coordinators would take care of the many details of arranging care—not Tom and Karen’s sons.

Additionally, the couple’s assets are protected for the future because monthly fees do not increase because a Member needs an increased level of care.

“I immediately realized SmartLife has significant benefits over long-term care insurance,” Tom recalls. “We can stay in our home and enjoy the benefits of Willow Valley Communities, as well as a SmartLife Care Coordinator who is there for us always.”

“Our Care Coordinator doesn’t miss a beat,” Karen chimes in. “She’s very warm, very personable. She follows through.”

“You simply don’t get that with long-term care insurance,” adds Tom. “One is personal, and the other is very impersonal. It feels far more comforting to know there is someone who is going to take care of everything.”

The couple agrees that the comfort of knowing they have SmartLife makes it all worthwhile. “We haven’t needed a lot,” Tom says. “It’s more of a matter of feeling the assurance that when we do, it will be there.”

“It was definitely a relief just to know we have that support if needed,” comments Karen. “Because I really believe in SmartLife. I really do.”

They also say that knowing SmartLife is backed by Willow Valley Communities’ 40-year reputation of excellence adds to their feeling of security. “We view our SmartLife membership as something we did for our boys,” they explain. “We know for the future we will be covered, and our assets will be protected. That’s the reputation of Willow Valley Communities, and that’s the reputation of SmartLife.”

My boys will always be my boys—not my caretakers.

Your SmartLife Membership: The Benefits You Might Not See

AAsk a SmartLife Member why they chose to join, and they will typically answer by first explaining the program’s financial benefits. They’ll discuss how SmartLife is a true Life Plan at Home program, protecting their assets for the future. If they would ever need an enhanced level of care, their monthly fees would not increase because of that need. Then, they’ll most likely continue their answer by describing how this provides financial peace of mind for themselves and for their loved ones. The nest egg that they have worked so hard to accrue over the years is protected from the costs of long-term care needs.

That Member may also continue their answer by describing the feeling of freedom they enjoy knowing they can “age in place.” This means that they can continue the current lifestyle they love, in the home that they love, knowing that if long-term care is ever needed, they are covered. It’s a feeling of peace, they’ll say, knowing that in the case of a health event, SmartLife’s Lifecare Coordinators take care of the details. They know that as a Member, they will be able to

concentrate on healing—not figuring out by whom or where ongoing assistance will be provided.

But an added benefit that many Members don’t realize until it is needed is the peace and freedom that their family members enjoy in the case of an unexpected health event. Since SmartLife delivers care coordination, companion services, personal care, and nursing care, spouses or other family members don’t have to worry about providing these services. This allows them to care about their loved one, not care for them.

This is truly the emotional value of SmartLife—a benefit that you cannot put a price on and a benefit that you don’t see. A spouse remains a spouse, a partner remains a partner, and a child remains a child—not a caretaker.

Most of us can say that, of course, our family would step up to help us if we need them—and we are right. Caregiving can be a rewarding role that helps form bonds between

generations. However, over time, it may significantly affect the physical and mental health and well-being of caregivers, resulting in impaired self-care, increased depression, and psychological distress.

Nearly half of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are themselves either raising young children or financially supporting a grown child. Having to care for an aging parent could present certain challenges, making it difficult for adult children to balance work and personal life. The average length of time a caregiver provides unpaid care to a loved one is 4.5 years. Seniors with persistent disabilities that leave them unable to care for themselves in the long term—such as diabetes, a stroke, or loss of vision—require assistance for much longer. The average amount of time caregivers spend providing unpaid care for loved ones they don’t live with is 23.7 hours per week. Those who live with their care recipient spend 37.4 hours a week. This includes preparing and serving meals, household duties, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing or bathing, and transportation to and from medical appointments. Caregivers may also incur extra expenses such as utilities, transportation, and groceries. They may have to purchase medical devices, medications, and home modifications as well.

And as life-extending technologies improve, the number of people needing care is likely to grow. This will only increase the need for older adults to have a trusted plan; a plan that secures the future of older adults as well as their family members and caregivers—a plan like SmartLife.

A spouse remains a spouse, a partner remains a partner, and a child remains a child—not a caretaker.

The Flexibility of a SmartLife Membership

TTalk about a SmartLife membership, and the discussion often turns to the financial peace of mind it provides. Since SmartLife is a true Life Plan at Home program, future costs are predictable. Monthly membership fees do not increase as a result of an increased need for care, which offers worry-free financial security to its Members and their families. But SmartLife offers so much more than that: SmartLife gives its Members the freedom to “age in place.” This widely used term simply means you can stay exactly where you want to as you grow older.

Why is this important? Maybe you finally have the layout and décor of your home just right, surrounded by the things you love. Perhaps you have a special collection on display, like prized gardens out back that beckon your attention throughout the seasons. Or maybe you are fully committed to your community, neighbors, and religious institution—whatever it is that lets you continue the unique lifestyle you’ve created—and you just don’t want to leave.

And you shouldn’t have to.

Older adults shouldn’t be forced to give up the life they have created just because they might need additional care in the future. SmartLife Members have the security of knowing they can remain in their own home, and in the case of an unexpected health event, the details are taken care of by SmartLife Care Coordinators. The SmartLife Member has the freedom to concentrate on healing, and their loved ones also have the freedom to offer support in the ways that are right for them.

But as steadfast as SmartLife is, and as committed as the program is to giving older adults the freedom to age in place, we realize sometimes that “place” and those circumstances can change. So, SmartLife does not lock its Members in. Life happens, and we know this. That’s why SmartLife also has a number of flexible options available to you with your membership.

If that home, that collection, or those gardens we mentioned earlier at some point lose their appeal, and you desire a more maintenance-free lifestyle, SmartLife can help. SmartLife’s “Bridge Program” with Willow Valley Communities can be an option. Since SmartLife is part of the almost-40-year trusted tradition of Willow Valley Communities, we can discuss a move to the premier 55-plus senior living community.

Your SmartLife membership can also be portable, moving with you as life events change. Those who have been a Member with us for over a year are able to take their membership with them if they would want or need to move. Inquire about this, as well.

A SmartLife membership is really about freedom. Freedom to age in the place you desire. Whether that place is a home you’ve spent decades in, a home you’ve recently moved to so you can be closer to family, or a home with a new opportunity farther away, SmartLife is with you.

Your SmartLife membership is with you every step of the way—no matter where that step may take you.

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A SmartLife membership is really about freedom. Freedom to age in the place you desire.

SmartLife Offers Long-Term Care Without Leaving Your Home

by Jennifer Botchie Deinlein, Central Penn Business Journal

originally published in central penn business journal

SSenior living has taken on a variety of different looks in recent years, and one facet involves a major change in where that living is done.

A 2022 University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 88 percent of adults ages 50-80 felt it important to remain in their homes for as long as possible. At the same time, 34 percent of those surveyed felt their home definitely had the necessary features to allow them to age in place.

There are approximately 36 Continuing Care at Home, or Life Plan at Home, programs nationwide. One of those is SmartLife VIA Willow Valley, based in Lancaster. Launched in June 2014, the program offers a long-term care option for older adults to stay in their own homes and still access necessary security and support systems of a senior living community.

“It balances independence with lifelong security,” says Andrew Solodky, Manager of Marketing and Sales for SmartLife. “SmartLife delivers care coordination,

companion services, personal care, and nursing care, all while safeguarding your assets from rising costs.”

SmartLife allows Members to plan ahead and establish their care plan through paying a one-time membership fee and ongoing monthly payments. Those fees include coverage of personal care, skilled nursing care, and memory support care if needed at a later time and are also, Solodky notes, fully tax-deductible as a prepaid medical expense.

The program has experienced steady growth in its first nine years. Within three years, 100 Members had signed up, and there were 120 by May 2017, according to a Lancaster Online article.

“Initial projections had us capping the program around 200 Members,” says Solodky. “We are currently 317 Members strong and expect to be at 325 before summer.”

Growth is not limited to membership numbers, but SmartLife also continues to develop benefits offered to Members. Solodky says SmartLife has expanded its service area and added an option called Portability, which allows

Members to move anywhere in the United States and maintain membership while the program coordinates any long-term care needs. And if a Member changes his or her mind, SmartLife offers a “bridge” option that would allow them to move into independent living with Willow Valley Communities, he adds.

As SmartLife continues to grow, Solodky says they also look for new opportunities and benefits to provide Members. “Many larger hospital systems are now piloting ‘hospital at home’ programs, allowing a greater number of patients to return home quickly after routine surgeries. We are working to find ways to partner with these programs,” he says. “Allowing individuals to pair together skilled services provided by the hospital and covered by Medicare, along with non-skilled help provided and covered by SmartLife, creates a wonderful pairing to recuperate and recover in the comfort of your own home.

“The benefits of a Continuing Care at Home program are numerous, and we are likely only scratching the surface.”

“

SmartLife delivers care coordination, companion services, personal care, and nursing care, all while safeguarding your assets from rising costs.

SmartLife Is Changing the Way Long-Term Care Looks

by Jennifer Botchie

TThere is now such a variety of long-term care/senior living options; how do you help people find what will work best, especially if they’re planning in advance?

The best practice for anyone exploring options for their future is education. When it comes to long-term care planning, the more proactive you can be, the better. Central PA offers a lot in terms of senior living options. The more knowledge a person can accumulate regarding available options, the more informed decisions they can make. In terms of helping people find what will work best for them, messaging is equally paramount. A clear message with easy-to-digest language reduces confusion, leading to a more quality conversation. In one sentence, my intention is to lay out a clear message that SmartLife is for individuals who do not want to leave their home, but also want a plan in place for their future. To stay independent, planning ahead is essential. Be proactive. Explore options. And don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Where do you see “aging-in-place” options like SmartLife going in the future?

Q&A with Manager of Marketing & Sales, Andrew Solodky

Growing and expanding, without a doubt. Statistics show nearly 90 percent of older adults want to stay in their own home. Sadly, less than half have prepared or given much thought to the steps they would need to take so they could remain safely and comfortably at home as they age. There is a strong desire from those who want to age in place, without always a great answer. We are seeking to change that.

Continuing Care at Home [or Life Plan at Home] programs are proving older adults can stay in their own home, yet enjoy peace of mind knowing they have a plan in place should their needs change.

There are currently around 36 [of these] programs across the country. [A recent] actuary report stated the amount of “at-home” programs will triple within the next 10 years. I am working with several other Continuing Care at Home programs to help create national education to better inform older adults who are looking for a plan to help protect them without having to move from the homes they love. This will help speak to a broader demographic and serve as a catalyst for “at-home” programs to be as well-known, and in the same conversation as, traditional senior living communities.

All these programs seek to innovate and continually expand options.

There has been a lot of focus on the Baby Boomers, but now the earliest GenXers are approaching 60, so are they starting to prepare for later in life as well? Are you seeing differing ideas or needs from that cohort?

There appears to be greater understanding regarding the importance of pre-planning. Specifically, for an “at-home” program, realizing the necessity of joining before you need it. I am increasingly meeting with individuals who watched a friend or family member go through the ongoing difficulties of securing and paying for long-term care. [They] are quicker to understand the importance of having a plan in place before you need it. Additionally, I often speak with children of prospects looking into SmartLife as an option for their future. This is exactly why we now boast a few younger Members who signed on after seeing the value their parents enjoy as Members of the program.

Increasing flexibility for the future continues to be important. Flexibility in fees, including how payments are made, have proven useful. Allowing Members to break membership fees into installments has provided greater options in taking advantage of the fact that SmartLife’s fees fully qualify as a medical deduction come tax time. We continue to monitor the use of technology, smart home features, and wearables for ongoing health monitoring. Simple smart lighting features can help reduce the risk of falls. Movement monitoring wearables are able to detect ECG and heart rate. Even AI has started addressing isolation

and the importance of companionship. These features will continue to show their growing importance for younger generations.

What does your dream senior living situation look like?

My dream senior living situation is access to safe, quality care for all at a practical cost. Healthcare is expensive. Longterm care is no exception. My personal dream senior living situation includes intergenerational living, along with the warmth of a sunny sky. I would love to have my kids—and at that time, hopefully grandkids—nearby. Their youth will help keep me young at heart. Surrounded by family, we would overlook the ocean with sand between our toes and enjoy the sun on our faces with a cool breeze cascading in off the waves. Our surrounding environment can so easily dictate our choices, mood, and overall health. Be somewhere you can smile and continue to do so for as long as possible.

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My dream senior living situation is access to safe, quality care for all at a practical cost.

100 Willow Valley Lakes Drive

Willow Street, PA 17584

Living the SmartLife

SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is a true Life Plan at Home 60+ 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 seniors for nearly 40 years.

To learn more about how to live smart, visit SmartLifeWV.org/Living.