Special
Features / January 2007
Future Destination
 Debbie Brown
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By Pat Lawrence
Women can find downsizing ‘stuff’ more difficult than downsizing their weight. It can be an overwhelming task for the individual who is preparing for a lifestyle change like entering a personal care or assisted living residence, and just as daunting to the family members who want to help. Sometimes it’s the biggest obstacle to making that decision.
Debbie Brown, the marketing director for Glenwood Retirement Community says helping people downsize is a big part of her job. “People don’t want to give up their homes, their things. It’s an emotional decision. We know that. The most common objection we hear is “I’m not ready yet!’” But people who wait until they’re ‘ready’ sometimes miss getting to enjoy independent retirement living. The minimum age for Glenwood is 62 years. We suggest people move in while they are physically capable and mentally able to enjoy the lifestyle.”
For the undecided, Debbie offers her undivided attention and frank discussion about their fears, their finances and their plans for the future.
But, she has the advantage of knowing just how good their life can be.
Debbie was a proponent of Glenwood Retirement Community even before the first shovel broke ground. An interior designer for twenty two years, Debbie was working with Marietta Memorial Hospital as a client when the concept was being developed.
Debbie says, “The project really appealed to me. I was so interested, I got completely involved, to the point, I took a year off to market the idea. That was in 1996. Construction took a year and a half. I had no knowledge then of what a huge industry this is and how it is constantly changing and growing.” Part of her initial responsibility was getting the training and counseling information to help people handle their feelings of fear or loss of control and to help them plan. She says, “Making the decision to plan for the future is really the hardest part.”
Cost is always a big question for those considering the retirement community. Because it is a non-profit enterprise, Glenwood has different pricing than for- profit facilities. New residents put down a deposit based on the size of their apartment and pay a monthly service fee. The deposit ranges from $72,500 to $137,000 and the monthly fee is about $1500. But, a large portion of the deposit is refundable, to either the individual or the estate, when residency is no longer required. According to Debbie “If someone moves out, it’s refunded as soon as a new occupant moves in.”
Debbie is experienced in helping people compare the costs of retirement living at Glenwood and at home. “Many people are not sure they can afford it-and they’re frequently surprised at how affordable Glenwood will be. We have tools and information they can use to compare costs. It’s important to keep in mind that many normal costs, like property taxes, utilities, home maintenance, home owner’s insurance, cable, food and transportation costs are eliminated or reduced. And, there’s no lawn care, no worrying about the roof or plumbing problems or climbing on ladders. And, there are so many benefits - planned activities, cultural and social events, educational programs from Marietta College and Washington Community College events, the camaraderie, the safety, the security, the walking paths, the dining. It’s such an attractive setting and there are different floor plans to choose from, everyone can bring the furnishings they want. Every apartment is completely refurbished for each new tenant. Its a complete lifestyle, not just a place to live.”
If someone is thinking about making the change, but feeling overwhelmed with how much ‘stuff’ they have, Debbie says, “Take a deep breath! The first step is to figure out just what and how much ‘stuff’ there is. Select and label what you will take with you and tag all your favorites. Invite your children to take what they would like to have, including all the things they’ve stored at your house over the years! Invite relatives and friends to take what they want.”
For ‘the stuff’ that is left, which is not nearly as dear or as much as it was before, she says, “Call an estate sales service and try to sell everything. Donate whatever doesn’t sell, ask a consignment shop pick them up or call favorite charities to find out what they accept and would come pick up. Special items can often be sold through specialty outlets like secondhand bookstores, auction houses, antique or jewelry dealers.”
After that, life is going to get much easier, Debbie says. “Residents can enjoy their retirement-and the company of the wonderful, amazing mix of people that live here.”
For more information, call 800-464-0161 or visit glenwoodretirement.org.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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