On Sunday, July 31, 1994, the Philadelphia Inquirer published an article about the recent launch of a new company in Blue Bell. It was entitled “Friends Life Care assists people who don’t want to live in a retirement village” and “Friends Life Care: Helping people enjoy retirement at their homes”.

Some things have remained the same since this article was written so long ago. Friends Life Care continues in its commitment to Quaker-based values and is dedicated to serving older adults who wish to remain in their own home as they age. And “each member is assigned a ‘care coordinator’ and an around the clock telephone service is maintained to permit members to seek help at any time.”

Other things have evolved through the decades. For instance, Friends Life Care now has an award-winning program that delivers on its philosophy surrounding health, wellness and prevention. This is called VigR® Vitality Independence Growth Resilience ™. And the original plan detailed in the 1994 write up has been transformed to better reflect changes in the marketplace and consumer expectations.

The 1994 article described the mission of Friends Life Care. It went on to outline various plan options available at that time. And it clearly explained the extensive list of important benefits which members received. More importantly, it featured interviews of Friends Life Care members including Frank and Rita Procopio. Excerpts from the article which pictured them in and around their home follow:

“Rita Precopio of Fort Washington, who with her husband, Frank, joined Friends Life Care in early 1992, says they consider their membership a form of insurance that lets them stay in  their home and enjoy hobbies such as gardening.”

 “We haven’t used the service and hope we never have to use it,” said Precopio, 67. “But we feel much better because we have it.”

 “We looked at some retirement homes, but didn’t like the lifestyle, though some are beautiful places,” she said.

Frank and Rita Precopio have been Friends Life Care members since 1992. They became members when Frank was 66 and Rita was 64. In an October 1994 article in CARING magazine, they explain the most compelling reason why they joined: “Our main concern was that we wanted to free our children from concerns about our daily care. They were both in excellent health and felt they joined at the right time, because, as Frank says, “We look at this program as a safety net. We hope we never have to use it, but if we do, we know we will get the best care available.”

Fast forward to 2019. Friends Life Care had the opportunity to again get feedback from Frank and Rita Precopio regarding their experience with membership. This time the conversation occurred at a different place. Now that they are in their 90s and have encountered some health challenges, the retirement home lifestyle is a good fit. And they found a beautiful life planned community to call home. They moved in about 2 years ago after their sons suggested that it would be a good lifestyle change for them. Friends Life Care went along with them.

Frank expressed his delight now with the smart decision he and Rita made 25 years ago. Click the video below to hear about Friends Life Care in his own words. “Friends did what they said they would do.”

Thank you, Rita and Frank, for your kind words.  Friends Life Care is pleased to serve you and all the members.