When Renate reflects on the decision she and Dieter made to join LifeChoices at Bethany, one reason rises clearly to the surface: the financial security.
“Financially, it made sense,” she explains. Compared to other communities, LifeChoices was attractive, especially because they already owned their home. The program provides the assurance that care will be brought right to their front door without requiring members to move out of the comfort of their own home, wherever they call home.
“That mattered.”
But financial security and asset protection were only part of the story.
A Clear Goal
Before joining, they explored other options. Still, their goal was always clear:
“To stay in our home until we die. That was always the goal.”
She says it plainly. Without hesitation.
“My personal plan,” she adds with gentle humor, “is to wake up one morning and simply be gone. But if that doesn’t happen, option two is staying in this house as long as possible.”
For Renate, home is not just a place. It is memory. It is partnership. It is nearly 70 years of shared life.
The Help That Makes It Possible
LifeChoices made the greatest difference during the three years when Dieter slowly grew weaker. Home health aides became essential as they were helping with personal care, housework, accompanying him to Reiman Gardens, sitting with him on the deck, and offering companionship.
And then there was Gwen, one of Renate and Dieter’s most cherished home health aides.
“Gwen will always hold a special place in my life — not just for the work she did with her hands, but for her presence and her heart.”
When asked about the most valuable service now, her answer is immediate:
Jeremy with Bethany at Home.
“He does everything I cannot do.” Each month he checks the safety of her home — batteries, sump pump, heavy-duty repairs, even computer troubleshooting when she fears she might “break something permanently.”
“When Dieter was healthy, he quietly handled so many things I didn’t even notice. Now I do. Jeremy has filled much of that gap.”
And she adds warmly, “We also have wonderful conversations.”
Independence, Preserved
Because of that support, Renate remains fully herself.
“I can still drive.
I can still think.
I cook.
I garden.
I sing in choir.
I practice yoga.”
Yoga has been part of her life for decades. Recently, she returned to classes again. Her role model is Charlotte Chopin, a 103-year-old French woman who still lives at home, tends her garden, and continues teaching yoga in her village. “That’s my goal,” Renate says. “Not to teach — but to continue practicing as long as I can.”
Peace of Mind — For Everyone
Knowing LifeChoices was in place brought deep reassurance, not just to Renate and Dieter, but to their children as well. They joined in 2017. Nearly nine years later, she knows the promises were real. “When Dieter needed help, everything was provided. Hospice. In-home care. Advocacy support. As much help as one could possibly have.”
The Top Three Reasons to Join
- You can stay in your own home.
- The financial security and protection of hard earned assets.
- Peace of mind, for you and your family members.
Grief & Love
Dieter has since passed. “Grief never goes away,” Renate says quietly. “You just carry the person with you.”
One of the most meaningful moments for her is a photograph she still has: Dieter had just returned home from the hospital, and Austin, the Director of LifeChoices, was hugging him in his home. That compassion — that presence — means everything to Renate. “We had a good life. An interesting life. I just miss him.”
And yet, even in grief, there is gratitude. She is still in the home they shared. Still tending her garden. Still practicing yoga. Still living fully.
In One Sentence
LifeChoices is peace of mind, the confidence that you can remain in the home you love, with support in place for whatever tomorrow may bring.
