FULLERTON : Lifetime Care Draws Seniors to Facility
Natalie and Jerry Roth this week moved out of their luxurious Los Angeles home and settled into a two-bedroom apartment in the Morningside retirement community here because of its guarantee to take care of them for the rest of their lives.
“We had a marvelous home with three terraces, 80 rosebushes and all kinds of fruit trees and yet, we left it without regret because of the lifetime care offered here,” said Natalie Roth, 79.
The Roths and about 50 other senior citizens organized their belongings in Morningside’s new building, Gardenside, which was recently built. The couple now joins about 300 Morningside residents who live there for the same reason.
“This is a big step but one has to be realistic,” Natalie Roth said. “We’ve seen too many friends end up in miserable nursing homes because they postponed taking care of their futures too long. . . . Moving here is like living in a very, very resort area.”
Her husband, who is 83, added: “Once we got here, we felt a big relief of responsibility.”
Other residents agreed.
“You get security because you know you’ll be taken care of,” said Rick Aschenbrenner, Morningside’s executive vice president.
The community is the only place in the city that offers the lifetime care guarantee in which a 24-hour nursing facility and hospital are provided, Morningside officials said. But it isn’t cheap.
Entrance fees range from $97,950 to $372,950 and residents must pay between $1,226 and $2,450 a month, depending on whether they live in villas or apartments.
Officials point out that the cost includes a meal a day, utilities, transportation and housekeeping services and computer classes. In addition, a billiards parlor and a pool are available. Activities such as golfing, crochet and dancing also are held on the site.
The state’s senior citizen population grew from 10.2% to 11.7% in 10 years, according to U.S. Census figures. Because of that growth, the $90-million Morningside project was built, Aschenbrenner said.
“People buy this product and get a feeling of freedom and peace of mind,” he said. “It’s a continuing care retirement community that really cares for its residents. . . . Many people feel it’s like living in a fine hotel or being on a cruise.”
