Retirement should be about living fully, not worrying constantly. Yet many seniors face uncertainty about their futures: What happens if health needs change? How can they maintain independence while ensuring access to care? Will their savings last?
This is where LifeCare offers a solution. But exactly what is LifeCare, and why does it provide such peace of mind for seniors and their families? In this post, we’ll explore how LifeCare creates a worry-free lifestyle through comprehensive amenities, health services, continuing care, and engaging activities at The Arlington.
What Is LifeCare?
LifeCare is a contractual agreement offered by select Life Plan Communities that provides residents with guaranteed access to a full continuum of healthcare services throughout their lifetimes. Unlike standard senior living arrangements, where residents pay market rates for care as needs arise, LifeCare contracts offer predictable costs and priority access to quality care at significantly reduced rates.
At The Arlington, our Type B LifeCare contract—also called a Modified LifeCare contract—is designed for seniors in good health who want to maximize their retirement years while having a safeguard in place. You’ll pay an entrance fee and monthly fee to enjoy independent living today, with the assurance that if you ever need assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing or short-term rehabilitation, you’ll receive those services at a discounted rate rather than paying market prices.
This differs fundamentally from aging in place at home (where unexpected health costs can devastate savings) or from standard senior living communities (where care transitions often mean relocating and facing unpredictable expenses).
The Security of a Worry-Free Lifestyle
LifeCare delivers something invaluable: peace of mind. For residents and their families, knowing the future is secure creates a foundation for truly enjoying retirement.
Financial Predictability
With a LifeCare contract, you gain protection against escalating healthcare costs. While care needs may change over time, your financial exposure remains controlled. You won’t face the staggering market-rate costs of memory care or skilled nursing that can quickly deplete retirement savings. Instead, you’ve already secured access to these services at a fraction of the cost.
Residents here pay a one-time entrance fee (up to 80% refundable) and an all-inclusive monthly service fee, covering nearly all living expenses. This means burdens like mortgage payments, property taxes, utility bills, and home maintenance costs are a thing of the past. Plus, you can consult your financial advisor or tax professional to see what other tax advantages and financial benefits you may qualify for.
Support at Every Stage
At The Arlington, you’re never alone in navigating aging. Whether you’re thriving in independent living or need more assistance down the road, The Arlington provides the appropriate level of care without requiring you to leave your community, search for new facilities or burden family members with difficult decisions.
Consider the worry-free benefits residents enjoy daily: no home maintenance or yard work; no cooking unless you choose to; no concerns about emergency response; no anxiety about accessing care if health changes. You’re free to focus on what matters—relationships, hobbies, purpose, and joy.
Continuing Care and Seamless Transitions
A Life Plan Community, also called a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or LifeCare Community, allows residents to age in place within one community as needs evolve. The Arlington offers multiple levels of on-site care, including:
- Independent living provides a dynamic, maintenance-free lifestyle for active seniors who want to enjoy resort-style amenities without the responsibilities of homeownership.
- Assisted living offers personalized support with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing, and medication management, while preserving dignity and independence.
- Memory care delivers specialized, compassionate care for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in a secure, supportive environment.
What makes a Life Plan Community exceptional is how seamlessly residents transition between these levels of care. There’s no stressful search for new facilities, no unfamiliar staff, and no adjustment to entirely new surroundings. You remain in your community, surrounded by familiar faces and friends. Your spouse can stay nearby even if you require different levels of care. The logistics are handled smoothly by our team, and, financially, you’re protected by your LifeCare contract rather than facing market-rate charges.
This continuity transforms what could be one of life’s most difficult transitions into a manageable, supported experience.
Amenities of a LifeCare Community
LifeCare isn’t just about healthcare—it’s about living well. The Arlington offers amenities designed to keep residents active, engaged, and connected:
- Multiple dining venues serving chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style settings
- Fitness Center and wellness programs, including group exercise classes, personal training, and aquatic fitness in our heated pool
- Personalized Health & Wellness Navigator
- Rejuvenate Salon & Spa for pampering and self-care
- Arts and crafts studios for creative expression
- Library and computer center for learning and staying connected
- Beautiful outdoor spaces, including walking paths, gardens, and a putting green
- Scheduled transportation for shopping, appointments, and cultural outings
- Social clubs and interest groups, from book clubs to wine appreciation
These amenities aren’t extras—they’re integral to the philosophy and overall benefits of a Life Plan Community. Staying physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially connected directly impacts health and well-being. When you’re engaged in activities you enjoy alongside friends who share your interests, you’re not just passing time—you’re thriving.
The worry-free aspect extends to these amenities as well. You don’t maintain a gym membership, hire lawn care or coordinate social activities. Everything is here, included, and designed specifically for your life stage.
Health Services of LifeCare
Beyond the levels of care, Life Plan Communities like The Arlington provide comprehensive health services that support wellness and address needs promptly:
- On-site healthcare coordination means you have access to medical support without leaving campus. Regular wellness checks, medication management, and care coordination with your Physicians keep you healthy and catch concerns early.
- Short-term rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies, help residents recover from surgery, injury or illness, often preventing the need for higher levels of care.
- Short-term recovery stays offer a place to heal after hospitalization with professional nursing care and therapy; then return to your independent residence when ready.
- Preventive wellness programs focus on maintaining health through fitness, nutrition counseling, chronic disease management, and fall prevention.
- 24/7 emergency response ensures help is always available, providing security for those living alone.
What distinguishes health services of LifeCare is its integration and personalization. Care plans are individualized, staff members know residents personally, and services are coordinated to provide exactly the right level of support—no more, no less. This responsive, preventive approach helps residents maintain independence longer while ensuring seamless access to more intensive care if circumstances change.
Engaging Activities and Community Life
A worry-free lifestyle isn’t complete without purpose, connection, and joy. The Arlington offers abundant opportunities for residents to stay engaged:
- Social events bring the community together, for everything from happy hours and themed dinners to holiday celebrations and live entertainment.
- Educational programs feature guest speakers, book discussions, technology classes, and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Creative pursuits include art classes, music programs, theater outings, and hands-on workshops.
- Volunteer opportunities allow residents to give back and maintain a sense of purpose through community service.
- Fitness and wellness activities range from yoga and tai chi to walking groups and water aerobics.
- Outings and excursions take residents to museums, theaters, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions.
These activities support well-being holistically—physical health through movement, mental acuity through learning, emotional wellness through social connection, and spiritual fulfillment through purpose. Residents form genuine friendships, discover new interests, and create meaningful daily routines.
The worry-free element is key: You don’t have to drive yourself, plan activities or worry about doing things alone. The community provides structure, transportation, and built-in social opportunities, making it easy to stay as active and involved as you choose.
Why Choose LifeCare at The Arlington
LifeCare at The Arlington brings together every element of a secure, fulfilling retirement:
- Security through financial predictability and guaranteed access to care at every level
- Worry-free living with maintenance-free residences, inclusive amenities, and comprehensive services
- Seamless continuing care that allows aging in place within one supportive community
- Exceptional amenities that promote active, engaged living
- Comprehensive health services that keep you well and provide expert care when needed
- Vibrant activities that foster connection, purpose, and joy
Most importantly, you gain peace of mind knowing your needs are met today and will continue to be met tomorrow, all within a warm, welcoming community that feels like home.
As the only true Life Plan Community in Naples, The Arlington offers an elevated approach to retirement living. Our residents don’t just have access to care—they have relationships with staff who know them, friendships with neighbors who support them, and confidence that their futures are secure.
Experience the Peace of Mind That Comes with LifeCare at The Arlington
Contact us today to experience our community, explore our amenities, and see how our health services and continuing care options keep you supported now and in the years ahead.
