Ocala Couple Finds Retirement Answers Right Up the Road

Gainesville, FL -- June 13, 2005 -- Merrill and Bette Archard welcomed Gigi, their toy poodle, into their home five years ago. They expected in return the typical happiness, satisfaction and rewards of loving a pet, but never guessed that Gigi would also lead them to the most important retirement decision they would ever make.

Like many active, older adults, the Archards of Ocala found planning for the future in today's uncertain economic conditions a challenge. Former college educators and owners of a children's camp in Maine, they loved the outdoors,  prized their independence, but also felt they should plan for future health care needs.

Enter Gigi. Her chance romp one day last year in a dog park near Ocala Palms led the Archards to strike up a conversation with a nearby dog owner who, in retirement, faced the same questions they faced.

"She spoke very enthusiastically about Oak Hammock at the University of Florida," recalled Bette. "She told us it was just up the road, it was very pet-friendly, and it was going to be her new home, so we went to take a look."

It proved the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

"The people here are a major bonus -- they are really very lovely people," said Bette, recently settled into Oak Hammock and enjoying her first spring.

Before deciding, the Archards made three visits to Oak Hammock to look at all aspects of the UF-affiliated retirement community, bringing along a son-in-law who was "very knowledgeable about financing."

"Someone might move in here because they're interested in the health care, but the fact that it's affiliated with the university is what really makes it great. The beautiful pools, the wooded trails, the lectures, the book reviews. We could just feel that it was the right place for us -- and we haven't been disappointed," said Bette.

So far, Bette has been swimming -- conquering 40 laps every other morning in the lap pool -- while Merrill is taking Great Decisions and Jazz, both courses offered through Oak Hammock's Institute for Learning in Retirement.

Dave Stauffer, CEO of Oak Hammock, said what people like most about the community is its financial security: virtually all health care programs are included and provided as needed within a single monthly service fee, adding up to the most comprehensive Life Care program in the country.

"As your health care needs increase, your expense does not," Stauffer said. "It takes a lot of the scary part out of the aging process."

The Archards are among those reassured by this, along with their son in Maine, their daughter in New York, and their two daughters living on a horse farm outside of Ocala. They have 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, six of whom have already visited them in their new home. Active and healthy now, Bette and Merrill regard their move to Oak Hammock as a solid plan for their future well-being and happiness.

As for Gigi, she's gearing up for the dog days of summer, getting used to her new terrain and continuing to introduce her owners to lots of new friends.

For more information, visit www.oakhammock.org or call 548.1024.