📖 FURTHER READING

Good questions start with good sources.

Independent reporting, local data and official resources for a better informed conversation.

ARTICLES & OFFICIAL SOURCES

Read before you decide.

These links open the original publishers. Some Wall Street Journal articles may require a subscription. The short notes below explain why each link may be useful; no article text is reproduced here.

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL · OCTOBER 2024

Wealthier Americans Are Paying Millions to Age in Luxury Campuses

A look at high-end Life Plan communities, including a mention of Willow Valley in Lancaster, and how fees and services can vary.

Read at WSJ ↗
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL · 2024

Retirees’ Life Savings Can Vanish in Continuing Care Bankruptcies

National reporting on the risk to refundable entrance fees when a continuing care operator fails. Use it to frame contract questions.

Read at WSJ ↗
LANCASTER INDICATORS

Population by Age

Local demographic trends and Census American Community Survey comparisons.

See local data ↗
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

QuickFacts: Lancaster County

County population, age and housing estimates with definitions and source years.

See Census data ↗
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING

Aging Our Way, PA

The state plan for aging, independence and services.

Explore state plan ↗
COUNTY RESOURCE

Lancaster County Office of Aging

Information on services for older adults and caregivers.

Visit county office ↗
LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE

Explore Retirement Living

A directory and educational resources from Lancaster County Life Plan communities.

Explore local guide ↗

Use the articles as a conversation starter.

Before committing to a community, ask how the contract handles fee refunds, changes in care, monthly increases and a move away. Compare those answers with your financial and legal advisers.

A LOCAL CONVERSATION

Find a place that fits this chapter.

Connie is a Lancaster County native with more than 35 years in real estate and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation. She can help with the home sale and housing search as you compare options.

Connect with Connie ↗