Folks agree that St. James Place is one of the most sought-after senior living communities in Baton Rouge. But making the decision to downsize can still be challenging and fraught with emotion—unless, of course, you’re Linda and Wayne Barker.
For 55 years, this enterprising couple owned and operated an antique jewelry business located next to their spacious dream home in Baton Rouge. Yet in 2023, it only took them about three hours to decide that St. James Place was where they wanted to begin their next chapter. “The people were friendly, the amenities were great and the timing was perfect,” Linda says. And while their home today might be a bit smaller, Linda and Wayne are still living large.
Expert Help Simplifies a Complex Move
After making their decision to downsize, Linda and Wayne faced the herculean task of selling their store’s inventory while deciding which belongings would fill the rooms of their new Patio Home.
“It was a process,” Wayne explains, “but the team at St. James Place was there from the get-go, along with Sharon from Cardinal Solutions. First, we held the estate sale, which was handled beautifully. Then, everything that remained was packed, delivered and set up exactly the way we asked. It couldn’t have run more smoothly.”
Linda, in particular, appreciated the extra help, especially when she became sick with COVID-19 as moving day approached. “I didn’t have a whole lot of energy at the time, so having Sharon and the folks from St. James Place by our side was a lifesaver,” she recalls.
“Now that we’ve been here for a year, it really feels like home,” Linda says. “In fact, people who knew us before say that our new place has the exact same look and feel as our former house… without all the antique jewelry.”
“Sometimes friends also ask whether we miss the hustle and fun of running our jewelry shop,” she says. “We’re almost embarrassed to tell them ‘not at all.’”
Like a Summer Camp for Adults
When Linda and Wayne were raising their family, they were a bit jealous when their kids came home from summer camp and spoke of days filled with fun and new experiences. “I remember thinking ‘why can’t there be a summer camp for adults?’” Linda laughs. “Well, now that we’re in our eighties, we’ve finally found one here at St. James Place!”
Like kids away at camp, Linda and Wayne love pursuing new interests and passions. “I finally have an opportunity to join a book club,” Linda says. “That’s something I could never squeeze into my schedule when I was busy running the store!” She’s also a big fan of the many game nights arranged by her St. James Place neighbors. “Since moving here, I’ve learned how to play Rummikub® and Mexican Train. And best of all, I don’t have to worry about rushing home to clean the house or cook dinner.”
Speaking of food, there’s one big difference between a summer camp and our senior living community in Baton Rouge: the dining options. “When people think of retirement community food, they picture meatloaf and taters,” Wayne says. “No one believes it when we tell them how amazing the meals and cocktail hours are. I just have to remember to stay active, so I don’t put on any weight.”
There’s More Than One Way of Staying Social After Retirement
Linda and Wayne have shared many things throughout their decades of marriage, including a business and a love of traveling coast to coast in their RV. However, their ideas about staying social after retirement couldn’t be more different.
“I’m definitely more social than ‘Mr. Happy-to-Stay-Home,’” Linda laughs. “One of the things I like most about St. James Place is that you can walk into the restaurant and sit down with anyone you want. Everyone’s welcome … you never feel like you’re intruding. And the stories! So many people here have led amazing lives. I had dinner with a man in his nineties, and his brain and wit were still razor sharp.”
While Wayne isn’t quite as much of a social butterfly as his wife, the connections he’s formed at our Baton Rouge retirement community hold great meaning for him. “I like to pick and choose which events I attend and that’s just fine with everyone,” he explains. “And when I do make the rounds, everyone is so friendly, from the administration to the wait staff to my fellow residents. There’s no room for grumpy geezers here!”
When You Make Your Decision to Downsize, Our Team Can Help
We asked Linda what advice she’d give to folks thinking about moving to St. James Place, and she didn’t mince words. “Do it now, while you’re still active and can enjoy all the food, amenities and fun things to do. If you wait five or 10 years, you’ll have your tail in a crack.”
We invite you to explore our 52-acre campus and discover how well-appointed homes, exciting activities and vibrant people make St. James Place feel like a summer camp for adults. Schedule your tour of our Baton Rouge senior living community by calling (225) 215-4510.