"Creative retirement" is a term used to describe the way that many retirees currently are filling their days. Volunteering, exploring hobbies, preparing family histories, learning about computers, joining fitness programs, and just enjoying life is now their focus instead of meal planning, housekeeping, and finding transportation to go places and getting to the doctor.

Creative retirement does not require time for safety and security concerns, such as home accidents, scams, or crime. Those living this lifestyle do not need to spend time worrying about medical problems, such as locating a proper doctor, scheduling an appointment, and finding transportation. Nor do they have to concern themselves about not having enough funds to cover expenses or the possibility of depleting assets and not having a place to live. Their lives are virtually stress-free!

Residential living in the Village Green Area at the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown may be the perfect place to enjoy creative retirement. Offering a private room with a bath in one of nine majestic buildings, this lifestyle is for people who enjoy a homelike setting but don't want worries to reside with them. A married couple usually is offered a two-room suite with a bath. No kitchen is needed, since three meals are served daily in the Grand Lodge Hall Dining Room. Residents may keep small refrigerators in their rooms, which are perfect for late-night snacks, and they may use the kitchenettes located in each building. Housekeeping and laundry services also are provided; however, laundry rooms are located conveniently throughout the buildings for those who choose to do some or all of their personal laundry. Regularly scheduled transportation is available for travel to appointments and activities on campus, as well as for off­campus recreational trips. Access to the Masonic Health Care Center alleviates health care concerns. A variety of activities and social functions fills the hours that would otherwise be spent arranging, getting to, and taking care of all the things that are so conveniently offered on the campus!

In residential living, no entrance fee or upfront money is required; a daily rate is charged to cover living costs and services. The only requirement to enter this living area is that all applicants maintain eligibility for Medical Assistance, Medicare, and other third-party payers by not transferring or giving away assets. If you have income and assets and are able to pay for residency here, you or your designated person would maintain those funds. Assets are NOT taken upon entrance. If you do not have assets and/or the income to afford the cost, residency is still an option due to fraternal care. Security is assured in that should your funds become depleted while residing at the Masonic Homes, you will not be asked to leave.

If creative retirement sounds good to you or perfect for someone you know, please contact the Admissions & Resident Services staff at 1 (800) 422-1207. For eligibility requirements or a brochure with in-depth information, call the toll-free number listed above or email to admissions@masonichomespa.org. This could be the beginning of your creative retirement years. There is limited availability in residential living, so call to see if there is a room that is just right for you!