The Flexible Retirement Dream: Johannah’s Snowbird Story
For Johannah, a Westerwood resident of two years, the community is more than a place to live—it’s her home that supports her active lifestyle and love of travel. After living in Naples, Florida for more than 50 years, she made the heartfelt decision to move closer to her loved ones in Columbus, while making peace with losing most of her belongings during Hurricane Ian.
Johannah now enjoys the best of both worlds, traveling between Florida and Ohio with her dog by her side. Learn more about her story, and how Westerwood makes an adventure-filled and flexible retirement possible for senior snowbirds, travelers and free spirits alike.
It’s fun (and easy) to be a senior snowbird
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “snowbird,” it describes someone who escapes the cold by spending the winter months in a warmer climate, which is what Johannah loves to do.
Each year, she rents an Airbnb in Florida for three months to reconnect with friends and soak up the sun and tropical scenery. Thanks to Westerwood’s Flexible Lifestyle Program and attentive staff, her snowbird lifestyle has never been so fulfilling or easy to maintain.
“It’s much warmer in Florida during the winter, and the staff at Westerwood do everything they can to make things go smoothly while I’m away,” she says. “I’ve never had a problem.”
How does the Flexible Lifestyle Program Work?
Westerwood’s Flexible Lifestyle Program gives snowbirds the freedom to travel or spend parts of the year elsewhere without paying for services they don’t use. The program is available to all independent living residents with a Life Care or Life Choice contract.
Here’s how it works:
- Residents notify the staff in writing with their departure and return dates. Program discounts are then applied to stays of at least 90 consecutive days, but there’s no maximum time limit, so you can travel as long as you’d like.
- While residents are away, their monthly fees are reduced.
- Individuals receive a 25% discount on their monthly fee and dining charges.
- Couples get a discount equal to the second person’s monthly fee, plus dining savings.
- Residents can request optional services like apartment cleaning or regular check-ins, so everything is monitored, cared for and ready for their return.
“It doesn’t bother me to leave because I know everything will be taken care of,” Johannah says. “When I come back, it’s clean, it’s fresh, it’s like I never left.”
Choosing a community that truly has it all
Westerwood instantly met her needs and then some. It’s close to family, welcomes pets and makes it easy to travel—all with the peace of mind that support is readily available.
After moving in, she personalized her cozy one-bedroom apartment to reflect her style. After losing her Florida home in a hurricane, Johannah embraced her move to Westerwood as a fresh start. Drawing on her background in interior design, she transformed her new space with affordable, modern pieces from IKEA. She has been especially grateful for the freedom to make her apartment feel like home since day one.
The sense of belonging at Westerwood has made the biggest difference for her overall, and even when she’s in Florida, she looks forward to coming back home and embracing the undeniable friendliness at Westerwood. “There’s not one person I’ve met who hasn’t been kind,” Johannah says. “All the staff say hello when you pass by in the hall.”
She’s also a big fan of the active, social lifestyle that Westerwood offers. From her favorite Pilates class with beloved instructor Omar, to attending Monday movie nights or community-wide day trips, there’s never a shortage of adventures to have on- or off site. And when it’s time to escape the Ohio winters, Johannah appreciates how easy Westerwood makes it to travel, while keeping everything at home just the way she left it.
Experience the perks of a flexible retirement at Westerwood
Whether you’re a senior snowbird, a free spirit or someone simply seeking the freedom to live life on their own terms, Westerwood’s unique programs offer plenty of ways to keep your retirement fresh daily. Does retirement on your terms sound good? Contact our team at 614-890-8282 to learn how we can support your goals to live your best life now, and for years to come.
