Aging in place staying in the home you love as the years go by is a goal many couples share. For Terry and Jerry of Story City, Iowa, it became a plan.
After 62 years of marriage, Terry and Jerry have learned a thing or two about commitment. They’ve built a home. Raised a family. Served their country. Led in their community. Weathered challenges. Celebrated milestones.
And somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, their house in Story City became more than just walls and windows it became their life story.
“We’ve been here 50 years,” they say. “We’ve added on, remodeled, made it exactly what we wanted. It’s home.”
But as the years passed, one question quietly lingered in the background:
What happens when we can’t do it all ourselves anymore?
A Turning Point: Why They Started Planning for Aging in Place
The question became more urgent after helping a family member manage an estate.
“It wrapped him up and spun him out,” they recall. “We thought, we don’t want our son to have to go through that. We need to take care of things ahead of time.”
They had seen postcards about LifeChoices at Bethany Life for years. They assumed it was something “other people” could afford.
“We honestly thought, that sounds great… but probably not for us.”
Then they learned payments could be spread out over time . Suddenly, it wasn’t out of reach.
When Paige and Austin came to explain the program, something else stood out.
“We never felt pressured. Not once. They answered every question. It just felt comfortable.”
And that comfort turned into confidence.
Staying Where They Belong: Aging in Place in Story City
Before LifeChoices, they had quietly considered moving to a condo not because they wanted to,
but because the upkeep was becoming harder.
“I used to do all the yard work,” Terry says. “But I promised I wouldn’t get on ladders anymore.” That’s a wise promise. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury death among adults 65 and older.
Snow removal. Lawn care. Gutter fixes. Small repairs. Those things add up physically and mentally.
Now?
“We know we can stay here. That was the biggest goal. Staying in our home as long as possible.”
Instead of worrying about what they’ll do “someday,” they have a plan.
“All the way to the end,” they say. “We know what will happen. We know where we’ll go if we need more care. That takes a load off your shoulders.”
More Than a Program It’s Personal
What they didn’t expect was how personal it would feel.
“You’re not just calling a number. You’re calling someone who knows you.”
They value that personal connection knowing there’s an advocate nearby. Knowing someone will answer. Knowing they don’t have to navigate aging alone.
“It’s the personal touch that makes the difference.”
They’ve also enjoyed the social events meeting neighbors, sharing meals, getting out of the house.
“It’s easy to become hermits,” they laugh. “This brings you out.”
A Lifetime of Service
Their story is one of service.
Terry served 30 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard. He worked in hospital administration, law enforcement, EMS, private security, veterans affairs rarely holding just one job at a time.
“I wore out more cars than most people driving back and forth to Des Moines,” Terry jokes.
Jerry built a long career at Iowa State University and now fills her days sewing, crocheting, reading, and working on puzzles.
Together, they’ve navigated family health struggles, raised their son, supported grandchildren, and leaned deeply into their faith during difficult seasons.
They’ve carried responsibility for decades. Now, they feel relieved to hand some of that responsibility off.
“We’ve always been planners,” they say. “This just fits who we are.”
Peace of Mind at 82: What Aging in Place Means to Them
At 82, they know the future will bring unknowns. Health changes. Adjustments. Transitions.
But it doesn’t bring fear.
“It’s peace of mind,” they say simply. “We don’t sit around worrying about what’s going to happen anymore.”
They have a plan.
They have options.
They have support.
And if someone asks whether joining LifeChoices is worth it?
Their answer is immediate.
“Do it.”
“Don’t wait until you have to make decisions in a crisis. Do it while you can think clearly and plan calmly.”
They pause.
“It’s one of the best decisions we’ve made.”
Is Aging in Place Right for You?
Terry and Jerry’s story shows that aging in place works best with a plan made early before a crisis forces the decisions.
LifeChoices® at Bethany is a nonprofit life care at home membership the first of its kind in Iowa. Its primary goal is helping members stay in their own homes as long as possible, with a plan for future care if it’s ever needed, including long-term Care.
For general guidance, the National Institute on Aging offers helpful resources on growing older safely at home.
Explore LifeChoices:
- Member benefits
- Your personal advocate
- Investment and payment options
- Attend a Lunch & Learn
- Read more member stories
- Contact LifeChoices
FAQs About Aging in Place with LifeChoices
What does aging in place mean?
Aging in place means continuing to live safely and independently in your own home as you grow older, instead of moving because upkeep or health needs become too much.
How does LifeChoices support aging in place?
LifeChoices is a life care at home membership. Members pay an entry fee and a monthly due, and in return have a plan for lifelong care, a personal advocate. See the LifeChoices FAQs for details.
When should you start planning?
As Terry and Jerry put it: “Don’t wait until you have to make decisions in a crisis.” Planning while
you are healthy keeps the choices in your hands.
