Planning for a secure, stable retirement at Brooksby Village

Traditional concerns of home ownership replaced with maintenance-free living 

Peabody, Mass. – Margaret Raymond is all too familiar with the escalating costs of home ownership.

"I had to buy a pool cover for $2,000," says Raymond. "That's when I realized I didn't want to keep paying for unexpected expenses."

Raymond's home of 35 years in Malden, MA, was set on a 10,000 square foot lot with a gunite pool in the backyard.

"The home was special because my mom and I had it built," says Raymond, a former nun and retired teacher. "Selling it and moving away was a big decision."

Raymond toured several senior living options, including Brooksby Village, an Erickson Living developed and managed retirement community in Peabody, MA.

"I knew I wanted to move to Brooksby Village," says Raymond. "The lifestyle and amenities are unparalleled."

Raymond's not alone when it comes to prioritizing financial considerations for future living arrangements.

Retirement planning a top priority

"Retirement continues to be the most important priority and the biggest financial liability we face," says John Spoto, a certified financial planner and president and CEO of Sentry Financial Planning in Danvers, Mass., and Andover, Mass. "Planning for it is a multi-decade process that involves saving and investing throughout our working careers and then spending with confidence during retirement."

Raymond met with Jane Kiegel, sales counselor at Brooksby Village, and moved to the Peabody community in December 2018.

"I'm in heaven," says Raymond. "Any time I see people walk into the sales office, I tell them to go for it. It's a wonderful lifestyle."

Clear and sensible financial structure

The financial structure at Brooksby Village, a not-for-profit organization, developed and operated by Erickson Living®. The community is governed by its own board of directors affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community, has two basic components, an entrance deposit that's 90 percent refundable to you or your heirs and a monthly service package that covers most utilities, 24-hour security and emergency first response, flexible dining plans, scheduled shuttle service, trash collection and recycling at your door, and all maintenance and repairs.

"When customers compare their current living expenses to what's provided at Brooksby, they often find they'll spend less here and receive more in terms of services and amenities than they would if they stayed in their home," says Director of Sales Suzanne Davis.

Brooksby Village also houses an onsite continuing care neighborhood, offering assisted care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. As a fee-for-service community, residents pay for advanced levels of care only if and when they need it. It's a financial model that's secure for most retirees.

As part of its Home for Life commitment, Brooksby Village maintains a Resident Care Fund, designed specifically to assist eligible residents who outlive their resources. No one has ever been asked to leave the community because of a genuine inability to pay. Funds are raised through a combination of annual and legacy-giving campaigns, managed by Brooksby's philanthropy department.

"Brooksby Village provides financial value and security to residents through a transparent sales process, predictable expenses, and the long-term benefits of our 90 percent refundable entrance deposit and Resident Care Fund," says Davis. "Our residents enjoy a quality lifestyle with exceptional care at a great value."

About Brooksby Village: Brooksby Village is one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living® and is situated on a scenic 90-acre campus in Peabody, Massachusetts.  The not-for-profit community, located in Essex County, is home to nearly 1700 residents and is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Brooksby Village can be found at BrooksbyVillage.com.