Ashby Ponds Couple Appreciates Endless Support from Their Neighbors

There's lots to love about Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va. 

With state-of-the-art amenities and maintenance-free apartment homes, residents have everything they need on campus to enjoy a rewarding, carefree retirement. 

But for Betty Webb Gressling and her husband Paul, the community's quality care and supportive environment have made the biggest impact. 

"Not only do we appreciate the security of the on-site medical center and continuing care neighborhood, but we've also made the most wonderful friends," says Betty. "We never could have imagined how amazing the residents are here. In fact, they are superheroes!"

A thoughtful decision

Prior to moving to Ashby Ponds, the Gresslings lived in a large single-family house in Great Falls, Va. 

"It was a beautiful house, but we realized it was getting more difficult to maintain the property," explains Betty. "We also did not want our children to have to take care of us as we aged."

With worry-free living and quality care at the top of their list, the couple began researching retirement communities in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. To learn more about Ashby Ponds, they attended an informational event. 

"We had a wonderful discussion with one of the sales counselors," recalls Betty. "Then and there, we decided to join the Priority List."

They took full advantage of their Priority List membership, visiting Ashby Ponds often to attend events and speak with residents. But it didn't take long for the couple to reserve an apartment home.

In June 2019, Betty and Paul moved to the welcoming community with their dog Charlotte. 

"Everyone at Ashby Ponds went above and beyond to help us move," she recalls. "We quickly got involved in activities, expanding our circle of friends. I joined a writers' group and a book group, and I began tending to a garden. Paul and I also regularly visit the dog park with Charlotte--it's a great way to socialize."

Unwavering support

At the time, Betty and Paul had no idea that these new connections would become the backbone of their support system when Paul was taken to the hospital with a serious case of pneumonia. 

"Although we knew about Ashby Ponds' continuing care, we were not prepared for a catastrophic illness, one that came on so suddenly," she notes. "But when Paul got sick, our friends and neighbors immediately took care of us--without being asked."

Over the course of a month, those friends made sure they had everything they needed. 

"When it became clear that Paul would be in the hospital for a longer period of time, one of our friends created a schedule for each day of the week--for people to sign up to take me to the hospital, bring me back, pick up meals, and care for Charlotte," Betty says. "This weekly schedule was completely filled for over four weeks." 

She adds, "I was pleasantly surprised to receive so many phone calls, emails, and texts from our Ashby Ponds friends offering help and support!"

Quality care

Following his stay in the hospital, Paul completed a rehabilitation program at Maple Grove, Ashby Ponds' continuing care neighborhood. 

Once again, friends and neighbors offered their unwavering support. 

"Before our move, we had great friends, but not in this number and not living this close," says Betty. "We are truly surrounded by superheroes."

Soon enough, Paul was back on his feet, looking for ways to get involved and socialize. 

"Paul's turnaround at Maple Grove was just astounding," she says. "And it was so comforting to know that he was here at Ashby Ponds with me."

'An amazing community'

"The care and kindness of our superhero friends made a big difference on Paul's path to recovery," she says. "Paul was relieved because he did not have to worry about me. He knew I was fully supported. Our Ashby Ponds friends made sure I was taken care of, so I could take care of Paul. I was free to be his advocate all day, every day."

Betty continues, "Our daughters tell us that our move gives them peace of mind, and I feel the same way. I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't been living here."

Getting ready to celebrate their fifth anniversary as Ashby Ponds residents, the couple is looking for even more ways to immerse themselves in community life with their friends. 

"Before we moved to Ashby Ponds, Paul and I heard the advice, 'Move sooner rather than later, so you can enjoy everything,'" Betty says. "We completely agree! We live in an amazing community with so many things to do."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Ashby Ponds, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.