When Gary and Marie B. first started exploring senior living options, they decided to take things slowly. Like many younger seniors considering a Life Plan Community, they began by casually browsing websites, comparing communities online, and making a few phone calls. After all, they were a good five years from making a move. Or so they thought.
The Event That Changed Everything
After visiting one senior living community and learning there was a 10-year wait list, they accelerated their efforts and started making more calls.
Gary remembers the day they called John Knox Village of Central Florida and discovered they had just built new villas and were hosting a luncheon for potential residents. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
“We went to the luncheon, met the people, took a tour of several units, and explored other buildings around campus,” Gary recalls. “Before we left, we had made our decision.”
They placed their deposit that same day.
A Community That Felt Immediately Welcoming
What made such a quick decision possible? For Gary and Marie, it wasn’t just the availability of the villas or the appealing floor plans. It was something more personal.
“Everybody seemed very friendly,” Marie says. “The residents, the staff, everyone. Wherever we went, people were waving and saying hello. It was just a very warm feeling that felt comfortable—like somewhere we could spend the rest of our lives.”
That welcoming atmosphere made an immediate impression. It was easy to imagine themselves living there for years to come. Gary and Marie were also thrilled that the community made the transition easier by allowing time to sell their home. They even assisted with the moving process, which helped reduce some of the stress that often comes with any move.
The First Day of the Rest of Their Lives
Gary and Marie moved into their villa in early July, just before the Fourth of July holiday. From that day forward, every day at our maintenance-free community felt like Independence Day for them.
Their first day offered a glimpse into the kind of community they had joined.
“We were standing in the garage while the movers were unloading our stuff,” Marie remembers. “Our roof mate came over, introduced himself, and started telling us about the community.”
That neighbor and his wife quickly became close friends.
“Getting to know them has been really pleasant. They’re just outgoing people,” Marie says. “From day one, they set up dinners with other residents so we could get to know more people. We’re still very good friends with them today.”
Moments like that helped Gary and Marie feel at home almost immediately.
Trading Their To-Do List for Want-To-Do Lists
Like many people planning a move to a senior living community, Gary and Marie were especially excited about leaving behind yard work, maintenance, and the many small (and large) tasks that come with home ownership.
“I was looking forward to having more freedom,” Gary says. “More time to do the things we’re interested in instead of the things we have to do.”
That extra time has opened the door to new activities and experiences. Marie has discovered creative hobbies she never expected to try, including card making and earring quilling. She also enjoys line dancing and participating in craft activities with other residents.
With fewer responsibilities and more free time, Gary and Marie have been traveling more often since moving to John Knox Village. “We’ve got the freedom to do that now since we don’t have to worry about the house and the yard so much, and that’s helped a lot,” Gary says.
He shares, “One vacation we were out of town for about three weeks, and a hurricane came through Orange City. We called, and I talked to the maintenance staff, and they were generous enough to move our front porch furniture and grill inside and place them back out before we got home.”
Marie adds, “And when we go away, we just call them up, and they take us to the airport and drop us right at the door where we go in, then they pick us up from the airport. It’s so easy.”
Dining, Friends, and Conversations
Gary and Marie agree that one unexpected joy of life at John Knox Village has been the social connections.
“We have five different restaurants to choose from,” Gary says. “Before we came here, we rarely ate out, and now it’s like we have to plan ahead to have a night at home.” But it’s not just the wonderful food they enjoy.
The couple has found themselves dining with new friends regularly, sharing stories, and learning about the diverse backgrounds of their neighbors. “The beauty of going out to dinner is being able to talk to so many different people who tell their stories. You meet people from all kinds of careers and experiences. It makes the conversation very interesting,” Marie says. And with nearly 700 residents, the stories keep coming.
A Community That Feels Like Family
Another pleasant surprise has been the relationships they’ve developed with staff members.
“The staff really feels like family,” Marie says. “When you go to dinner, you ask people how their mom is doing or how their kids are doing. They ask you about your day. It’s very personal.”
Those connections have deepened Gary and Marie’s appreciation for the community.
In fact, both became involved in the Employee Appreciation Fund committee, helping recognize the staff members who contribute so much to daily life at John Knox Village. And Gary just took over as chair.
“It’s really rewarding,” Gary says. “I was a little bit surprised as to how much we would get to know the servers, staff, and people who manage the community. It’s nice to be able to give back.”
Peace of Mind for the Future
Beyond the friendships and activities, Gary and Marie say their move has provided something even more valuable.
“Moving here gave me peace of mind,” Marie says. “If something ever happens to Gary, I know there are resources here to help.”
Gary agrees that the move has expanded their lives in unexpected ways.
“It’s really improved our life experience,” he says. “Support is important to both of us, and our circle of friends has grown tremendously. Since neither of us have family in the area and we don’t have any children, this is our big family.”
Advice for Others Considering a Life Plan Community
Looking back, Gary and Marie offer simple advice for anyone considering a move to a senior living community: Don’t wait too long.
“It’s much easier to make the move while you’re still active and able to enjoy everything the community offers,” Gary says. He suggests that anyone touring senior living communities look not only at the campus and amenities, but also at the people. “Pay attention to how residents are interacting with each other—and how many community spaces are available for meeting and socializing, including restaurants, activity rooms, lounges, and outdoor spaces,” he says.
Moving sooner also gives residents time to build friendships and become comfortable with the community before they might need additional services.
For Gary and Marie, the decision has been reaffirmed many times since that first lunch event.
“Every so often when we walk back from dinner,” Gary says, “we look at each other and say, ‘I’m glad we moved here.’”
Ready to Plan Your Future Today?
Whether you’re considering a Life Plan Community down the road or are ready to make a move, we can help you understand your options, provide information about available residences, and even set up a tour. Who knows, you may find a community to call home in one afternoon, too. Call 386-775-0788.