by Marj Kaiser
Friendsview “Founder”
Jeff and I had both reached our mid-fifties when we moved to Oregon in 2008. He had already retired, but I continued to work. The “12 acres of heaven” we bought on Bald Peak included views of vineyards,the coast range, and mature fruit trees. With the help of a newly purchased tractor, we established the perfect little farmlette that nurtured chickens, vegetables, and flowers. Our hard work paid out in wonderful results to see and enjoy! We also developed many close friendships in Newberg and the Chehalem Valley. After a few years this little corner of the valley had clearly become our “home.”
As we grew older it became apparent another move might be needed, leading me to start researching next steps. Several friends mentioned that Friendsview was a Life Plan Community here in Newberg. To learn what that meant, we attended a “Lunch and Learn” presentation. Ready for more, we toured Friendsview and were specifically drawn to these
aspects:
- Increasing levels of care guaranteed as our needs change;
- Well-designed independent living accommodations;
- Christ-centered, not-for-profit management.
We also researched and toured similar facilities in the area. I admit Friendsview’s Newberg location gave it a high advantage. After our financial advisor reviewed the fiscal health of the organization, Friendsview became our first choice. In 2015 we added our names to the intent list, which for a small fee ensures our place in “line” and includes invitations to the annual Intent List Gathering and other events hosted by the residency planning staff. Then in 2019, upon learning about the expansion in the Springbrook Meadows neighborhood, we joined the Off Campus Resident program, uniquely designed for people like us who are unable to move to Friendsview right away yet want the security of knowing we have short- and long-term care when we need it. Our goal was to move into Springbrook Meadows in the middle of 2022.
However, in early 2021 the pandemic created an unexpected demand for small farmlettes with acreage. This perfectly fit our desire to travel. So we sold our home and became full-time RVers!
All went according to our plan, until we both experienced relatively significant health issues—at the same time—and we quickly learned what it means to be part of the Friendsview community. The social worker for independent living provided support and coordinated a short stay in the health center. She oversaw most of the details while we navigated our surgical procedures. The director of residency planning even helped us move into a temporary independent living apartment. It felt as though a whole Friendsview team helped us through this unanticipated crisis. Turns out it felt this way because a whole Friendsview team did actually help us!
We have both returned to good health, are enjoying our very nice apartment and looking forward to moving into our new duplex cottage this summer.
