Across the state, many Westminster Life Plan Communities are home to second-generation residents—those choosing to live in the same communities where their family members once lived.
Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee is a prime example of this trend, with a significant number of its residents having familial connections to the community. Of the approximately 600 residents, more than 65 have relatives who previously lived there, including Carolyn Shackelford, whose mother, Lucy, was a resident for 23 years.
Carolyn and her husband of 68 years, Steven, made the move to Westminster Oaks in October of 2011, just two months after her mother passed.
Carolyn recalls her initial reluctance: “My mantra was, ‘I will never live here,’” she admitted. Despite enjoying her visits to see her mother, she never envisioned herself living in the same place. The decision came when the couple was looking to downsize from their two-story home, which required extensive upkeep. Steven said, “I’m moving one time. Where do you want to go?”
Carolyn reconsidered. “All those years I said I never wanted to live here, it wasn’t because of the place or the staff. It was just the idea of being in the same place where my mom had been for so many years, and where I visited for so many years, but then it got to be a blessing,” she explained. Carolyn wanted a place that felt like home and where family could visit—a wish that has been fulfilled over the past 13 years.
The compassionate care her mother received also played a significant role in her decision. Her mother was in Assisted Living when Carolyn took a trip abroad for a few weeks. She left a series of cards and notes for her mother for each day she would be gone. Every day, team members at the community would give Lucy one of Carolyn’s cards.
Reflecting on the experience, Carolyn expressed her gratitude: “I could not have asked for a nicer place to have a mother that you love,” she said. “Knowing that I didn’t have to be with her every minute. They were all so good to her.”
Similarly, Happy Schuur and his wife Glenda decided to move to Westminster Towers on Lake Lucerne in Orlando, where Happy’s mother lived more than 20 years ago. When they were ready to move out of their home, give up the yard work and upkeep, Happy confidently chose Westminster Towers. He remarked, “We wanted some place to go, and I knew this was the best. We didn’t even look around.”
Happy and Glenda are brand-new residents, having only lived at Westminster Towers for a few weeks, but they have already received an incredibly warm welcome. The positive experiences his mother had at Westminster Towers was also a large motivator in their decision to move. “She was treated so good here,” Happy said. “People are so nice and friendly here. It’s great, great community.”
A native of central Florida, Happy has cherished memories of visiting his mother at Westminster Towers, especially watching the Independence Day fireworks over Lake Eola from her residence. Now, he and Glenda are excited to create new memories in their own space.
Happy appreciates the lifelong care commitment of the community, saying, “One thing about this place is when you’re here, they take care of you for life and that’s why I’m here. They will take care of me.”
Reflecting on their decision, Happy expressed contentment: “I’m glad I did it. My wife’s glad we did it. You don’t have to worry about anything,” he said. “We are very happy here and I hope we get even happier.”
Meanwhile, Carolyn, who lives more than 250 miles away from Happy, echoed his feelings about her own community at Westminster Oaks. “Where else would I find so much support, nice neighbors, and a welcoming, wonderful, and helpful administration than right here at Westminster Oaks? I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” she shared.
Carolyn and Happy’s stories highlight a trend at Westminster Communities, where the legacy of family and the assurance of quality care draw second-generation residents to follow in their relatives’ footsteps. This underscores the deep trust and satisfaction these communities generate, emphasizing their role in strengthening family ties and enhancing life. As more people like Carolyn and Happy choose these nurturing environments, Westminster Communities continue to prove themselves as spaces where generations of families can thrive in comfort and happiness.
Interested in exploring a Westminster Community for yourself or a loved one? Visit our website today to locate the community that fits your needs perfectly!
