Southampton Couple Make Quick Decision to Move to Ann's Choice

Merilyn and Ken Kastle are enjoying worry-free retirement after selling house quickly

During a tour of apartment homes early this year at Ann's Choice, Erickson Living's senior living community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, priority list members Merilyn and Ken Kastle felt drawn to the Jackson floor plan, a large two-bedroom, two-bathroom, corner apartment home.

They listed the Jackson as one of their preferred floor plans and planned to move in two years, estimating it would take that long to downsize from their five-bedroom house of 35 years in nearby Southampton, Pennsylvania.

Then, because priority list members may participate in campus activities and dine in campus restaurants at discounted prices, the Kastles found themselves visiting Ann's Choice often.

With each visit, they felt more comfortable.

"We were blown away by the quality of the food and the variety of offerings," says Ken. "Every meal was excellent."

"And the community is well-maintained and well-run," Merilyn says. "Everyone we dealt with has been very professional and knowledgeable."

An important amenity for Merilyn is the ability to get to any campus building via Ann's Choice's circuit of hallways and climate-controlled bridges. "Everything is approachable from the inside," she says. "At other places, you have to get in your car."

Three months later, the Kastles got a call from Ann's Choice's sales office. A Jackson apartment had just become available. Did they want to see it?

The demand to live at an Erickson Living community is high, boasting an above-average occupancy rate of 96% in Independent Living. Because the rate is even higher at Ann's Choice, it was anyone's guess when another Jackson would become available.

So the Kastles rushed right over, saw the courtyard view from the home's bay window, and reserved it then and there.

"Then we asked ourselves, 'What have we done?'" says Ken. They hadn't thought about marketing their house.

They needn't have worried. Priority list members can take advantage of help from Erickson Realty and Moving Services for every step of their move.

Ann's Choice Personal Moving Consultant Colleen Rosica paid the Kastles a complimentary home visit to measure their furniture and draw up a floor plan for arranging it. She also gave them referrals to a preferred real estate agent and a preferred mover.

"Our agent moved quickly," says Merilyn. "The For Sale sign went up on Friday, and the house sold at an Open House that weekend." Immediately, the weight of maintaining a big house for just two people slid off Ken's shoulders.

The Kastles moved in mid-June. "This was one of those times when things just worked out," says Merilyn.

Moving to Ann's Choice keeps her and Ken within an hour's drive of their daughters and grandchildren.

It puts them even closer to William Tennent High School in Warminster where Ken had been principal for 20 years and where many of Ann's Choice's student servers attend.

Ann's Choice also provides a 90-percent refundable entrance deposit and a full-service medical center and a continuing care neighborhood right on campus.

Merilyn, a former music teacher and church organist, and Ken both have keen interests in art and music, so they're attending the fall lecture series put on by the Ann's Choice Lifelong Learning Academy. They're also patronizing the well-stocked campus libraries.

"Our goal is to live as closely as possible to how we lived before," Ken says.

"The satisfaction of our residents is our highest priority," says Sales Director Deborah Olcese. "Our on-site amenities, extensive activities, and solicitous staff keep residents engaged and thriving in mind, body, and spirit."

Had the Kastles put off moving, they'd soon face another winter as homeowners. At Ann's Choice, they live a carefree lifestyle; General Services handles seasonal chores.

"Erickson Living knows how to do retirement living right," Merilyn says. "They want you to enjoy life as problem-free as possible."

"Merilyn and Ken are like many of our residents who decided to move to campus earlier than expected," says Olcese. "Why wait to enjoy our vibrant and maintenance-free lifestyle?"

About Ann's Choice: Ann's Choice, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 103-acre campus in Warminster, Pennsylvania. The community is located in Bucks County and is home to nearly 2,000 residents. Additional information about Ann's Choice can be found at AnnsChoice.com.

PHOTO: Merilyn and Ken Kastle relax in the campus library at Ann's Choice. (Photo credit: Harry Beam)

Story written by Jacqueline Kimball