From deciding how you spend your days to enjoying the comfort of your own space, your independence is key to your happiness. It can be difficult to enjoy that independence, though, if you’re worried about the future.
WellAhead — A WesleyLife Well-Being Experience helps members invest in their wellness and enhance their ability to remain independent at home while securing a plan for future care needs.
Remaining Independent as You Age: Challenges and Opportunities
If your independence is important to you, you’re far from alone; 93% of adults 55 and older hope to age in place, according to U.S. News and World Report. Realizing this goal, however, requires some intentionality and practical support.
Many older adults lack the support they need for active aging at home.
A University of Michigan study found that many older adults are unprepared to age in place successfully, lacking the home modifications, support services, and community needed to thrive at home as their needs evolve. Notably, 40% of older adults said they did not know of “places or organizations in their community that are welcoming for people their age to socialize, exercise, or participate in activities.” Left unsupported, many people feel isolated and discover they aren’t able to enjoy the level of independence and well-being they desire.
Planning for future needs can cause anxiety.
Even if you can access the support you need to remain at home now, you may still worry about the issue of long-term planning. Needs can change, and without proper planning, moving from living in your home to a higher level of care can present serious financial hurdles. Plus, as our population ages, accessing care may become increasingly difficult.
WellAhead offers practical solutions to empower your independence.
Older adults who desire to remain independent at home need practical solutions that empower that independence and provide peace of mind and financial planning for the future. Enter WellAhead! WesleyLife created WellAhead to address common challenges around remaining independent at home and offer vibrant opportunities for enhanced well-being.
What Is WellAhead?
WellAhead is an innovative continuing care at home program and an excellent option for any older adult who wants to remain independent at home. This program is designed for individuals and couples who want to live with greater intention as they invest in their well-being and plan for their futures.
How does it work? To join the program, you’ll pay a one-time entry fee. As a member of WellAhead, you’ll continue to pay monthly membership dues that grant you access to wellness programming. WellAhead supports you in a variety of ways, including one-on-one sessions with your personal wellness coach, fitness classes with peers, and at-home services that help you enjoy comfort, safety, and convenience.
Perhaps the greatest perk of this program is that it doesn’t just help you now; your membership also secures any future care you need at no additional cost. If you need to move to a WesleyLife community, you’re guaranteed access, and your costs will be 100% covered.
How Does WellAhead Compare to Other Independent Living Options?
WellAhead is one of three valuable options available from WesleyLife for older adults who prize their independence. Here’s how the other options compare to WellAhead:
Independent Living
Independent living communities can be incredible places to call home. You can enjoy your own private space but still access the community life, amenities, and maintenance-free living you can only find on a senior living campus. However, because community living necessitates a move, it’s not the right fit for those who want to remain in their current homes. WellAhead can allow you to access senior living perks while remaining in the home you love.
At-Home Services
At-home services are a great option to consider when you need extra support in your current home. For example, this might include help with routine healthcare needs or household tasks that are challenging to tackle on your own. At-home services can be a part of WellAhead, but they do not include many of the benefits of WellAhead — such as wellness coaching or fitness classes — and don’t include a provision for future needs.
Benefits of WellAhead for Independent Seniors
Why should independent seniors consider joining WellAhead? Here are a few key benefits to consider:
- Enhanced physical health
- Mental and emotional well-being
- Community and social engagement
- Financial planning and peace of mind
Take it from Kevin and Patty LaGree, the program’s inaugural members. Kevin, 75, and Patty, 74, struggled to decide whether to move to a WesleyLife community or maintain their independence at home for the time being. "We had talked about remaining in our home and obtaining services, if we need them later on, from WesleyLife at Home,” Kevin explains. “But the problem with that is that while there would be home healthcare, there would be no continuum of care. So [WellAhead] was our answer: Stay at home, but be eligible for that valuable continuum."
The LaGrees also emphasize the incredible financial benefits of the program. "Anyone who questions the cost of a WellAhead membership most likely has not experienced the realities of the cost of healthcare," Kevin says. "The buy-in cost of the program would be equaled in five or six months in memory support or in a health center. It's not only a sound decision in terms of health and wellness, but financially, it is just a superior choice.”
Embark on the Path to Long-Term Independence and Support
Remaining independent as you age is a worthwhile goal, and it’s more realistic with the proper support. It also doesn’t need to mean neglecting to plan for future needs. With WellAhead, you can enjoy independence at home and peace of mind, knowing WesleyLife will be there for you—no matter what.
Find out if you qualify to join WellAhead and learn more about your membership fee and monthly costs by speaking with our team. If you think this program may be a great fit for you, take a moment to explore WellAhead further and learn more about how to join this program.
