Cedar Crest Is a Sound Financial Decision

When West Milford, N.J., natives Bob and Patti Puccini decided to explore their retirement living options, friends encouraged them to visit Cedar Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J.

"As a result, we began investigating," says Bob.

"We were very impressed," says Patti. "We thought, 'This is somewhere we could see ourselves in the future.'"

After learning about everything at the community--maintenance-free apartment homes; top-notch amenities, including a fitness center and multiple restaurants; on-site continuing care--Bob and Patti knew that Cedar Crest offered real value. 

"Moving to Cedar Crest was definitely a smart financial decision for us, for many reasons," says Bob. "Here, we enjoy many more opportunities and activities, and we are making new friends all the time!"

Predictable costs

Cedar Crest's pricing structure is made up of two attractive components: a 90% refundable entrance fee* and a predictable monthly service package. 

The 90% refundable entrance fee, used to secure your desired apartment home, goes back to you or your beneficiaries, if or when you leave the community. 

The monthly service package covers the costs of all utilities, except phone and internet; a meal plan at on-site restaurants; maintenance, including repair and replacement of appliances; access to amenities; regularly scheduled transportation, and more. 

For the Puccinis, the monthly service package was a game changer. 

"It got to the point where I was no longer able to do a lot of things around the house that I used to. That's one of the main reasons we looked more closely at Cedar Crest," says Bob. "I crunched the numbers to compare what we were spending in our house to what we would spend at Cedar Crest. Moving was the clear winner!"

Now, Bob doesn't have to worry about maintenance and upkeep. When a light bulb burns out or a faucet starts to leak, he simply calls General Services. 

More for your money

"When people visit Cedar Crest, they're often surprised to learn how much value they can get for their money," says Sales Director Ray Guarino. "Living at Cedar Crest is more affordable than many people realize."

Finance Director Michelle Lynch notes that crunching the numbers, just as Bob did, helps illustrate how moving to Cedar Crest is a smart financial decision. 

"By consolidating living expenses into one predictable monthly bill, residents gain greater control over their budget," she says. "And as a fee-for-service community, residents only pay for the care they need, which means they get to hold onto their assets for longer."

More outside your door

Confident in the financial benefits of moving to Cedar Crest, the Puccinis began exploring the community's various floor plans. They chose The Manchester, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home. 

"Before moving to Cedar Crest, we lived in a semiremote area with very few neighbors. And, the neighbors we did know started to move away," he recalls. "Now, we live on a floor with a dozen friendly residents!"

Located in the Ridgely Court neighborhood, their apartment home overlooks a park-like green with beautiful flowering trees. 

"We selected our unit because of the view from our balcony, not realizing that Ridgely Court is so close to many of the amenities in Belmont Clubhouse," says Bob. 

Convenient amenities

Inside the Belmont Clubhouse, Bob and Patti enjoy the Oak Room restaurant, Tuscan Tavern, Belmont Beans coffee bar, a theater, fitness center, and convenience store. 

"Thanks to the monthly service package, we don't have to cook anymore!" he adds. "This gives us the opportunity to dine out with different people at a different restaurant every night."

Lynch notes that these amenities continue to evolve over time, as administration invests in refreshing shared spaces throughout the community--to meet the needs of current and future residents. 

"Through ongoing upgrades, we ensure that Cedar Crest remains a vibrant, modern community," she says. "Every investment is made to enrich the resident experience."

Reaping the rewards

Looking back on their time at Cedar Crest, the Puccinis couldn't imagine calling another community home. 

"You really can't put a price on all the benefits and activities we enjoy at Cedar Crest," says Bob. "And the reality is, all of that turned out, financially, in the 'plus' column across the board!"

Invest in your future self at Cedar Crest. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!

*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.