At Branchlands Senior Living, we happily accommodate married seniors who wish to stay together. As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re answering frequently asked questions about senior living for couples, as well as spotlighting some of our community’s happy pairings.
“A rental agreement offered the flexibility we might need as our situation changed. And we were impressed with the community atmosphere among the residents and staff we had a chance to meet.”
– Branchlands residents
Can couples live together in a senior community?
Many happy couples enjoy beautifully appointed and generously proportioned residences. With independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities, we offer a choice of senior living options for couples.
At both The Manor House Independent Living and Linden House Assisted Living, two people can comfortably live in the spacious apartments. Couples can choose a floorplan to fit their lifestyle from our available studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. View sample floorplans on our Independent Living Apartments page and Assisted Living Residences page.
But you don’t spend life in your apartment! Residents enjoy beautiful shared spaces throughout the Branchlands community, including gardens, a movie theater, exercise spaces, and lounge areas.
“[Our favorite activity is] spending time together outside in the garden and on the patios.”
– Linden House residents
What if spouses have different care needs?
Even when each individual requires a different level of care, couples can continue together to enjoy living life to the fullest. At Linden House, if only one spouse requires assistance, the couple may live together in the assisted living residence. In these cases, the residents only pay for care for one of them (the other spouse is listed as independent).
Our team respects the personal preferences and needs of each individual, while accommodating living requests for the couple. Before each resident moves in, we provide a thorough assessment to determine a care plan for the level of support required. As needs change, we’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
“We feel very supported and feel the love the staff has for residents. We need caring support and we have that at Linden House.”
– Linden House Assisted Living couple
How can senior living help couples?
Without the burden of caring for a home or providing caregiving support, elderly couples are free to spend more quality time together. The amenities, concierge services, and care we provide make life easier and more enjoyable: a positive result for any couple!
In addition, Branchlands’ robust activities calendar provides opportunities to try new things, whether explored independently or together as a couple. Our residents enjoy an active social life!
“Branchlands’ location promised easy access to our anticipated needs, yet just far enough off busy traffic to feel quiet and safe. Restaurants, theaters, etc. are readily accessible, but we find it enjoyable to just “stay home” and participate together in a cardio exercise session, a Saturday evening movie, or a weekly “Happy Hour” with a group of our fellow residents.”
– Branchlands couple
What’s the secret to a long, happy relationship?
Love is in the air at Branchlands! For Valentine’s Day, we asked some of our favorite Branchlands love birds for their relationship words of wisdom.
“A common answer to this question would be ‘a sense of humor.’ We do not disagree, but at 67 years of married life, that is a severely abbreviated answer. That ability to laugh and absorb the memory gaps, stumbles, and dropped dishes without criticism is built on a shared perspective of what is truly important. That, in turn, is built on mutual selflessness, often referred to as ‘LOVE’.”
–Bill and Carol O., married 67 years
“[The secret is a] close connection with each other from the beginning. And a ‘Lean-O’ system; we lean on each other when needed and take care of one another, which is needed when living a long time. It’s helped us both live longer!”
– Jim and Sue D., married 53 years
“[The secret is to] compromise, laugh a lot, work hard, and spend a lot of time together.”
– Jack and Grace B., married 34 years
Branchlands Senior Living in Charlottesville provides personalized care with kindness and respect in a vibrant environment. Above all, we believe in helping our residents live life to the fullest. Learn more about Branchlands’ independent living and assisted living communities.
