The Gift of Peace of Mind: Talking with Your Family About Retirement Plans
The holidays have a way of bringing everyone back to the same table. Children come home, grandchildren fill the house, and familiar traditions remind us…
After decades of building a life together, senior couples begin thinking less about where they’ll live and more about how they’ll care for one another if life changes. Then they ask this question:
“What happens if my spouse needs more care than I do?”
As a nonprofit Life Care Community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Santa Marta is designed to help couples continue living life together, even as health needs change over time, all within the same community.
If one spouse needs more care than the other, Santa Marta’s full continuum of care allows couples to remain on the same campus while receiving the support each person needs. Spouses can continue sharing meals, attending Mass, participating in activities, and spending time together, all without the stress of moving to separate communities.
Many couples move to Santa Marta while they’re both active and independent. Over time, one person may need Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing, or short-term Rehabilitation while the other continues living independently.
That doesn’t mean life together has to change in the ways people often fear.
Because every level of care is available on Santa Marta’s campus, couples remain close to one another. Daily visits are easy. Lunch together is still on the calendar. Mass can still be shared. Favorite activities and family celebrations continue to be part of everyday life.
Instead of becoming a full-time caregiver, the healthier spouse can return to being exactly that: a husband or wife.
For eligible couples whose needs differ but don’t yet require a move to Assisted Living, Santa Marta also offers another option through Shared Care provided by Catholic Community Health. This service allows one spouse to receive additional support while both continue living together in their residence whenever appropriate. It’s another way Santa Marta helps couples age at their own pace while remaining side by side.
One couple, a retired administrator and nurse, chose Santa Marta because they never wanted to worry about being separated if one of them ever needed additional care. Their story is one we hear often because planning ahead removes uncertainty before a health crisis ever occurs.
That kind of continuity is something not every retirement community can offer.
It’s one of the greatest advantages of choosing a Life Care Community like Santa Marta before you need it.
Planning ahead also gives adult children and loved ones peace of mind.
Rather than coordinating care across multiple locations or worrying about how parents will stay connected, families know both parents are receiving the support they need while remaining close to one another.
Research continues to show that maintaining close relationships and meaningful social connections contributes to better emotional well-being and overall health as we age. Having the people you love nearby is more than comforting. It’s an important part of living well.
For many couples, marriage is a lifelong covenant built on faith, love, and companionship. At Santa Marta, we believe aging and care should strengthen those bonds, not separate them.
Whether you’re attending Mass together, enjoying dinner with friends, walking the campus, or spending a quiet afternoon together, our goal is to help couples continue flourishing through every season of life.
None of us knows exactly what the future holds. But choosing a community with a full continuum of care means important decisions don’t have to be made during a health crisis.
If you choose Santa Marta, you’ll have a thoughtful plan, trusted support, and the confidence of knowing you’re already home.
What happens if my spouse needs nursing care but I don’t?
At Santa Marta, one spouse can receive Skilled Nursing while the other continues living independently. Because every level of care is located on the same campus, couples can continue spending time together every day.
Can couples stay together if one person has memory loss?
Yes. If one spouse moves to Memory Support, the other can remain nearby in Independent Living or another level of care. Couples can continue visiting, attending Mass, enjoying meals together, and more.
What is a Life Care Community?
A Life Care Community offers a full continuum of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation. Residents have the reassurance of knowing additional care is available on the same campus if their needs change over time.
Why do couples choose Santa Marta?
Many couples choose Santa Marta because they can enjoy an active, independent lifestyle today while knowing they won’t have to leave the community if one spouse ever needs more support.
Can I still see my spouse every day if they move to a different level of care?
Yes. One of the greatest benefits of Santa Marta’s Life Care model is proximity. Couples can continue visiting daily and remaining actively involved in each other’s lives.
If you’re exploring senior living in Johnson County, Kansas, including Olathe, Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, or the greater Kansas City area, and want a community where mission, hospitality, and meaningful living come together, we would love to connect with you. Whether you’re just beginning your research or ready to take the next step, our team is here to answer questions, schedule a personal visit, or simply have a conversation. Contact one of our senior living sales counselors today.
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