Are you thinking about your next move? Maybe you’re empty nesters and you hardly use half the rooms in your house. Maybe you want to move, but not too far from your kids and grandchildren. Or maybe you’re thinking ahead and want a place that offers independent living with more care in the future. Luckily our area offers plenty of choices.

Purchasing A CCRC
Former astronaut 75-year-old Mary Cleave had a very exciting career. She went into space twice on Atlantis, and worked at NASA-Goddard and NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “When I went to work at Goddard, my cousin suggested I move to Annapolis,” she says. Cleave lived in her house for 30 years. “I would have kept living there, but one night my hearing aids were out when the low battery on the fire alarm kept beeping, and I never heard it. My sister happened to be visiting and said, ‘You can’t live alone anymore, it isn’t safe.’”

“Since I love the water, I knew I wanted to stay in Annapolis,” she continues. After visiting several communities and talking to people at each, Cleave decided on Bay-Woods of Annapolis, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

“In the morning I sit and watch the sunrise over the Bay Bridge. . .”

Cleave moved in 2017. What attracted her to BayWoods is that it is a resident-owned-and-run co-operative community where residents provide vital input on operations. (In Maryland there are only two co-op CCRCs.) Also a must for Cleave was that it was pet-friendly. “I think for people who live alone, a pet is very important,” says Cleave, who lives with her dog Brinx.

“In the morning I sit and watch the sunrise over the Bay Bridge,” says Cleave, who has a one-bedroom with a patio. “It’s a great way to start the day.” Although downsizing can be difficult, Cleave found getting rid of a lot of her stuff to be liberating. And when she has company, she reserves a guestroom at BayWoods.

Elizabeth O’Conner, director of marketing and sales at Blakehurst, says, “Today’s residents are very active.” A gym is a must-have, and many CCRCs have more than equipment and classes. They may offer trainers, indoor pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, walking trails, a putting green—even gardens where residents can grow flowers and vegetables.

BayWoods has plenty of activities and amenities, some unique to that community, such as swimming in the bay off their dock. Cleave says, “With the gym right here, I take classes three times a week and do tai chi once a week. And Brinx, my ‘trainer,’ makes sure we get out and walk,” laughs Cleave.

Is a CCRC Right For You?
A CCRC is a type of retirement community that is part independent living, part assisted living, and part skilled nursing home. Today, many communities offer memory care too, and on-site rehabilitation therapy. According to AARP, a CCRC offers a tiered approach to the aging process, accommodating residents’ changing needs. Upon entering, healthy adults can reside independently in single-family homes, apartments, or condominiums. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can move into assisted living, memory care, or nursing care facilities. These communities give older adults the option to live in one location for the duration of their lives, with much of their future care already figured out.

“I came in needing a walker, graduated to a cane and, thanks to the in-house physical therapy, I now need nothing.”

When you choose a facility, it’s also important to know what type of contract it offers. These contracts can be very complex; treat this decision like you would any major investment, including seeking assistance from a lawyer or someone very knowledgeable. In addition, you should determine that the finances of the CCRC are healthy so that your present and future services are safeguarded.

Ray, 83, and Phoebe Sachs, 80, are no strangers to moving. “We’ve lived in New York, Chicago, Delaware, D.C., and moved about 10 or 12, times,” says Ray. While living in a Baltimore condo, with their three children living all over the country, the couple decided a CCRC would give them the future security they wanted. Their children agreed.

“We are very active and decided we’d make the move while we could participate in the activities and be part of the community,” says Ray. After checking out several CCRCs, they chose Blakehurst. “It had what we wanted—care if we need it, attractive surroundings, lots of activities including woodworking (where my wife is the only woman), walking trails, and we were able to make changes to the apartment.”

Making changes was very important to Phoebe, who was a builder and does interior design. “We made our second bedroom into a library and totally redid the kitchen,” she says. “We can cook, but they do such a remarkable job with the food and it’s so convenient, we don’t.”

“Our new appliances aren’t getting much of a workout,” admits Ray.

Typically, residents in independent living get at least one meal a day. In assisted living, memory care, and nursing, there are three meals provided. “At BayWoods the food is fabulous and healthy,” says Cleave. “I’m eating better than I ever did. And I don’t have to think about what I’m going to make for dinner, shop for it, and cook it.” Many CCRCs offer a variety of dining options beyond a dining room, including informal choices such as a café, bistro, deli, or pub. Some even have outdoor dining.

A Rental CCRC
Kathryn Lewis, age 72 and retired from working for the State of Maryland, was living with her son and his family. But after she had a knee replacement and ended up in rehab, she knew she could not return to her son’s house and its stairs. “The staff at the rehab facility suggested I consider moving to the Atrium Village in Owings Mills,” she says. Lewis moved there in 2021.

“I came in needing a walker, graduated to a cane and, thanks to the in-house physical therapy, I now need nothing. What was so great was that I didn’t need to leave Atrium Village and didn’t need family to take me to therapy,” says Lewis. As an ordained minister, Lewis loves volunteering at Atrium Village and doing activities: Bible study, choir, trivia, happy hour, movies, games, discussions, and exercise classes including Zumba and yoga.

At Atrium Village there are no entry or buy-in fees, or a commitment of retirement assets, as with most senior living communities. The cost of an apartment, dining options, all activities, fitness, housekeeping, and other services is included in a monthly lease.

Atrium Village has independent, assisted, and memory care. And it just underwent a $13 million renovation. Angela Spence, senior divisional director of sales and marketing for Senior Lifestyle, the company that manages Atrium Village, was involved in the renovation. According to Spence, the multimillion-dollar renovation is part of a 20-year anniversary transformation to create a next generation senior living experience.

“There are still some people who think of senior living communities as nursing homes. We need to overcome that stigma. Since COVID and with the renovation, our goal is to have programs that help residents get back into life and find a purpose. Living well is all about having a purpose,” says Spence.

Anyone visiting many of today’s CCRCs would never think of them as nursing homes. Many who live there say it’s like living on a cruise ship; it just doesn’t move.

Part of the renovation at Atrium Village included an array of new services and upscale amenities. In addition to two restaurant-style dining venues, there are two new bistros, a library, wellness center, salon, art studio, hospitality lounge, movie theater, and family center.

Happy hour is also big at many CCRCs. Spence says, “We added more happy hours after the residents requested them.”

Many of the CCRCs have continuing education. At BayWoods there are lectures given by neighboring St. John’s College scholars. Atrium Village partners with the Community College of Baltimore County to offer instructor-led classes.

CCRCs arrange trips, art classes and, yes, the list of activities and amenities goes on and on. But don’t worry, you can be as active as you want, or if you prefer a quieter experience, you can have that too. It’s all up to you.

An Over-55 Community
The Weidmans, Hope, 70, and Tim, 69, were no strangers to life at a 55-and-over community. They had lived in one in New Jersey for seven years and loved it. “When I retired after 38 years of teaching, we decided to move to a place that would be fun. A 55-and-over community fits the bill,” says Hope.

But trips to visit their son and his family in Virgina became too much. “So we started looking. We checked out Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland. When we visited Four Seasons on Kent Island it was everything we wanted.” There were single-family units and condos, walking trails, a pool, pickleball, and, best of all, there were other people their age for socializing. The Weidmans moved into a two-bedroom, two-and-half-bath home with a den and screened-in porch in 2021.

According to Veronica Lawson, an associate broker at Real Broker, LLC, these communities are ready-made for like-minded individuals for whom physical and emotional well-being are key.
Things like social activities and planned trips to local events create a strong sense of community that in turn create a fun and safe environment. Fifty-five-plus communities are becoming more and more popular as many healthy retirees look for active communities once retired.

And for some, buying before they retire is part of their long-range retirement plan. That was true for Gamini Dharmasena, 62, and his wife Desilva, 59, both scientists living in New Jersey. “We aren’t planning to retire for five years but thought prices would only keep going up. For my wife, who grew up in Sri Lanka, being by the water was a must. We checked out several places on the East Coast but were afraid of hurricanes in North Carolina,” says Gamini.

After filling out information online for Four Season on Kent Island, they got a call from a realtor. They visited and fell in love with the area and were attracted to a 55-plus active community with lots of activities and opportunities to be social.

The Dharmasenas purchased a single family, 3,500-square-foot home with the master bedroom on the first floor and a screened-in porch. It backs on trees and is a five-minute walk to the water. “Our 5,000-square-foot home on five acres is a lot to look after. When we retire, we’ll be ready to downsize,” says Gamini. Plus, they love to travel and won’t have to worry about the house. For now, the Dharmasenas plan to use it as a vacation home twice a month until it becomes their permanent home.

 

To learn more about retirement options check out these helpful websites:
• aging.maryland.gov
• continuingcarecommunities.org
• aarp.org/caregiving/basics
• seniorliving.org/continuing-careretirement-communities

Chances are, you probably know someone who gets their brows, lashes, facials, or all of the above done at The Loft in Canton. That’s because, over the past four years, owner Natalie Sams and her team have established themselves as the experts in perfectly sculpted brows, sky-high lashes, and flawless skin care. Not only are the services well-executed, but the space—filled with lush greens, modern furniture, and world music—ushers clients into an instant state of relaxation.

And now visiting The Loft just got a lot easier with a second location that opened in Federal Hill in May. “I am so excited to be in Federal Hill and to connect with a new community of people,” says Sams. “There is nothing really like us in this area, so I think it will be a great fit.”

The new location offers all of the same services, including brow design, brow henna, facials, peels, lash lifts and extensions—with a new service called volume lash extensions that splits a regular extension into three for a lightweight feeling that creates a full and feathery look.

With growth still on the horizon for Sams, her plan for maintaining the quality of her service is to use only the best supplies in the industry while still making sure each client feels cared for.

“We are in the human connection industry,” she says. “It’s important for us to be intentional with our services and to customize them for each and every client. We think women should have the freedom to feel confident—whether that means working out, putting on a sexy outfit, or spending a little more time on your eyelashes, we fully support it.”

After an awkward pedicure in 2013, Michael Elliot swore off nail salons indefinitely. Something about the experience made him uncomfortable, and he began to analyze it. 

“From the predominantly female clients to the paint color on the wall, that place was clearly designed to appeal to women,” he says. “I thought to myself, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if there was a place that would appeal to a guy when he needed this type of service?’” 

That was Elliot’s “Aha!” moment, and the birth of Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys. After an unsuccessful appearance on Shark Tank in 2014, Hammer & Nails is now a successful franchise with locations in Miami and Los Angeles, and a new location coming to Metro Centre at Owings Mills this month. 

Elliot has created the ultimate “man cave nirvana” with big bison leather chairs, personal TVs, noise- cancelling headphones, and a complimentary frosty beverage for each client who enters the shop. “From the moment you walk in, you feel like you’re in a different place,” says Elliot. “You’re leaving the world outside.”

While all the hand- and foot-care services include nail trimming, a soak, cuticle care, a hot towel, and a massage—that’s where the similarities to traditional nail salons end. Some of the premium treatments include a Citrus White Ale Pedicure with a Dead Sea salt scrub, the “Jack and Hammer Experience” with a whiskey-spiked soak and scrub, and a Guinness-laced hand and foot repair. Men’s hair and shaving services will also be available at the Metro Centre location. 

“I saw an opportunity to create a place that wasn’t just going to be about getting a service you could get anywhere else,” says Elliot. “I wanted it to be experiential—the kind of place a guy would want to be for an hour or more and get a manicure and pedicure in a comfortable and relaxing state.”

We’ve all experienced that moment of panic when we realize spring is here and we have done absolutely nothing to get our bodies ready. Whether blowing the dust off our cute sandals and realizing we need a pedicure or trying on that short dress and wishing we had gotten a spray tan, the time is now to take some action. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite salons, spas, and studios to take care of those warm weather needs.

About Faces Day Spa
We are all ready to shed the stress of the winter months and the anti-stress facial at About Faces is meant for just that. Intended to “restore the balance of mind and body,” this hour-long treatment also includes a massage of the back, face, and hands to aide in complete stress relief. Also debuting this spring is a new body contouring treatment that involves a waterless scrub and firming massage that leaves the skin toned and smooth. 1501 S. Clinton St. 410-675-0099

Elizabeth Jacob Spa & Salon
Treat yourself to a full day of Nirvana with a head-to-toe recharge for the summer. Enjoy an aromatherapy facial and massage along with a salt scrub, main/pedi, and shampoo and style. If that isn’t enough to get you feeling right, add on a wax service to complete a day of bliss. 18821 Frederick Rd., Parkton 410-357-0833

FX Studios
Men, we know you’ve been hitting the gym to get summer abs, but there’s more to getting beach ready than just ripped muscles. Relax in a private room watching ESPN while receiving a deluxe mani/pedi. Along with a basic shaping and cuticle cleansing, the service also includes an arm and hand massage, and exfoliation for added hydration. If nail care isn’t your thing, the spa is currently offering a “Spring Escape” package that includes a facial and massage. Multiple locations, including 11270 Pepper Rd., Hunt Valley. 410-771-1500

K.Co Design Salon & Day Spa
If spending hours baking on the beach or lying in a tanning bed isn’t your idea of getting that “fresh off the beach glow,” K.Co has a special for you. Receive $5 off a Norvell spray tan. This UV-free, vegan, paraben-free, and gluten-free tan allows you to have the perfect sun kissed glow without any damage to your skin. 6080 Falls Rd. 410-377-7727

Ojas Wellness Center
Sometimes we need a little more than a basic massage to recharge. At Ojas, all massages include aromatherapy, warm stones, and hot towels. If you want to step it up a notch, the spa offers a cupping massage designed to grab hold of your deepest muscles to release toxins and stimulate circulation. You may sport a few circular bruises afterwards like Michael Phelps, but it fades within a few days leaving you refreshed. Multiple locations, including 1501 Sulgrave Ave., Ste. 103. 410-664-6527

Red Door Spa
Treat yourself to luxury pampering with big plush robes, fruit-infused water, and soothing ambiance. Red Door Spa offers a multitude of massage, body, and facial treatments to choose from. In case you are interested in ridding your body of unwanted hair, the spa also offers face and body waxing including: bikini, legs, arms, back, and chest. The Village of Cross Keys, 42 Village Sq. 410-323-3636

Salon by Debbie
Treat yourself to a mock trip to the tropics with the spa package of the same name at any of the three locations under Salon by Debbie. Experience raindrop therapy, a form of aromatherapy treatment that involves dropping essential oils along your spine—like raindrops—followed by a back massage and warm towels. You’ll conclude your simulated tropical vacation with a mango butter pedicure that leaves your feet feeling baby soft. Multiple locations, including Spa on the Avenue, 8165 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh. 410-931-1130

Spa at Four Seasons Baltimore
Immerse yourself in total extravagance at this haven housed in the Four Seasons Baltimore hotel. The spa menu includes nine types of massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, and nail services. Complimentary perks with every spa treatment include access to relaxation rooms, steam room, sauna, and the illustrious infinity pool that overlooks the Inner Harbor.  200 International Dr. 410-576-5800

Studio 921
Freshen up your hair color with some new highlights or go for a bold new all over color to embrace the warmer weather. Deep conditioning treatments are also offered (and necessary) to liven up your dull hair. Once your hair is taken care of, indulge in a hydrating facial or 921 essential manicure to jump-start the summer season. 921 E. Fort Ave., Ste. 108. 410-783-7727