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Casa de las Campanas is for the Semi-Retired!

Semi-retired resident at Casa de las Campanas hiking at a nearby trail

A Retirement Community like Casa Isn’t Only for Retirees

A common perception of retirement community residents is that they are a low-key group of seniors who stick close to home — but you might question that perception after meeting some of the residents at Casa de las Campanas, a retirement community in San Diego.  You don’t have to be a retired to live in this community!

If you’re considering moving to a retirement community, a Life Plan Community — like Casa — that offers an active and engaging lifestyle can be an ideal fit for those who are not ready to retire from the workforce or are a semi-retiree.

Meet Bruce M., a Retiree-Turned-Substitute Teacher

The decision to continue working after retirement isn’t always by design. Sometimes it’s a byproduct of other important retirement goals, as Casa resident Bruce M. discovered.

“When I retired, I decided I wanted to be involved in my grandkids’ lives,” Bruce said. “I thought one way was to volunteer in their schools, so I got a substitute teacher’s certificate. I started volunteering in elementary schools nearby, and through that work, I was invited to participate in other activities in the San Diego area.”

The extra time to do the things he had brushed off before led Bruce to Community Park, where he met a couple of Casa residents playing pickleball.

“They told me what living at Casa de las Campanas was like — like living on a cruise ship or in a luxury hotel,” he recalled. “After I sold my home and moved in, I found not having to take care of home maintenance, not having to continually shop for food, not having to take care of electric or water bills, and so on, left me more time. That means I can continue to volunteer in local schools and pass on what I have learned to kids.”

Freedom from past responsibilities is just part of what Bruce enjoys about living at Casa.

“Another great benefit at Casa is having an abundance of friendly people available to chat with and share experiences,” he said. “I wouldn’t have any of this if I had moved into a 55+ community, with no family nearby to talk to or take care of me when I needed assistance.”

Curious about what other Casa residents have to say? Take a look.

Why a Life Plan Community Could Be Right for You

Older adults who are not ready to retire find it easy to achieve work-life balance living in a Life Plan Community. They don’t have to worry about household chores and maintenance, so their off hours are theirs to spend on the activities that bring them joy. From exploring hobbies like woodworking to hitting one of the 10 nearby golf courses, there’s no shortage of ways to fill leisure time with fun at Casa.

When it comes to practical matters, you can expect maintenance-free living, housekeeping and 24/7 campus security. Two dining rooms and a casual bistro mean you’ll always find something tasty and nutritious to eat. If you enjoy a little entertainment with your meal, you’ll be delighted by the on-site Dinner Theatre.

Protecting your well-being is also a top priority. Our Eight Dimensions of Wellness promote a fulfilling and well-rounded lifestyle and you can spend hours at our fully equipped on-site fitness center, which features an indoor pool, fitness studio and massage room.

But Why a Retirement Community if You’re Not Retired?

Retirement is all about enjoying the lifestyle you’ve earned and doing the things that bring you greatest pleasure. If working in some capacity is part of your plan, there’s no reason to delay enjoying the other attractive benefits of a retirement lifestyle.

Moving into independent living as a young, active adult gives you more time to enjoy the freedom and amenities, but it’s also a smart way to establish a secure plan for your future. That’s because a Life Plan Community is a community that offers a full continuum of senior care. If your health care needs change over time, you can access the care you need within the community. Casa offers independent living and residents have access to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and senior rehabilitation.

From a financial standpoint, there are several benefits, as well. If you need additional care, you won’t pay extra in a Type A Life Plan Community like Casa. You can also expect steady monthly fees that make budgeting easier, potential tax benefits on your entrance fee and monthly fees and the opportunity to plan for your estate.

Retired (or Not) at a Retirement Community in San Diego

Nestled among the rolling hills of northern San Diego County in the San Pasqual Valley, Casa de las Campanas is a retirement community in Rancho Bernardo. The only Type A not-for-profit Life Plan Community in the San Diego area, we’re now celebrating our 33rd anniversary. Schedule a visit today and see this community for yourself, including all the ways we’re consistently reinvesting in the campus and community offerings.