Since Meth-Wick Community was founded in 1961, we’ve been a pioneer in senior living by offering multiple levels of care on one campus, a model known as a Life Plan Community.

This approach promotes active lifestyles, community engagement, and seamless care transitions for older adults.

What is a Life Plan Community?

Life Plan Communities, formerly known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), are residential communities designed with more than one level of care on a single campus. This means residents can move through different types of care as their needs change, without leaving the community.

At Meth-Wick, we have stayed committed to this model, which was just as innovative in the 1960s as it is today. In the past, this simply meant residents had options for independent living or nursing care. Today, we offer a broader range of care options, including two types of assisted living (for physical care and memory care), along with Independence Plus—Meth-Wick’s unique living option for residents who want to live independently but require help with certain tasks.

What Makes a Life Plan Community More Innovative Than Other Senior Living Options?

The key advantage is the increasing levels of care available in one place. In other senior housing options, a person might have to move to a different community when they need more care, such as assisted living or nursing care. At a Life Plan Community like Meth-Wick, everything is available on the same campus. Residents can rest assured that no matter how their needs change, they can be cared for within the community.

What’s the Most Valuable Aspect of a Life Plan Community for an Older Adult?

One of the greatest benefits of a Life Plan Community is the strong sense of connection and community. As people age, it can become more challenging to maintain social ties due to factors like weather, mobility issues, or the loss of a partner. These obstacles can lead to isolation and loneliness.

In a Life Plan Community, many of those barriers are removed. Residents have opportunities to dine with others, play games, enjoy shared activities, or even just bump into a neighbor while getting the mail. These small, everyday moments contribute significantly to quality of life.

Over the past few years, especially during the pandemic and the 2020 derecho, the benefits of community and comprehensive care have been more apparent than ever. Residents have expressed gratitude for meal deliveries, on-campus vaccination clinics, and the televised fitness, worship, and entertainment programs developed by staff. In times of crisis, they could feel secure knowing they had support and services right where they lived, without the worries that come with maintaining a home during difficult circumstances.

Looking Ahead

People naturally seek community and stability as they age. Life Plan Communities like Meth-Wick are uniquely positioned to provide both, with multiple levels of care and built-in opportunities for social connection. This forward-thinking philosophy, which began with our founding in 1961, continues to guide us today.