Cedar Crest's Medical Center Provides a Personalized Approach to Well-Being

When Carolyn and Ted Krause began exploring their senior living options, they were looking for a retirement community that offered a worry-free lifestyle, as maintenance on their house and yard was becoming too much.

Boasting maintenance-free residences with easy access to an array of activities, Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., stood above the rest. 

"So, Ted and I moved in," Carolyn says. "We soon found a wonderful social group. We partied with everybody and had a great time."

While health care wasn't on the couple's checklist, Cedar Crest's on-campus medical center was a welcome bonus. In the 17 years since their move, Carolyn has witnessed firsthand just how important accessibility to quality health care is.

At first, they continued seeing their existing doctors, but after Ted passed in 2014, Carolyn began taking advantage of the health care services available at Cedar Crest. 

"Most of my doctors are retiring. I'm using the medical facilities here more and more; it's so convenient," she says. "The care here is phenomenal!"

'All in one place'

Staffed with three full-time physicians, two nurse practitioners, a social worker, and a podiatrist, the on-site medical center offers high quality, senior-focused care--just steps from residents' front doors. 

Medical Director Dr. Peter Orlic came to Cedar Crest in September 2015 from a private practice, where scheduling additional care for patients could be quite the challenge. 

"What drew me to Cedar Crest was the support all in one place," notes Orlic. "In private practice, I would have to arrange for physical or occupational therapy at different facilities. And if I needed the support of a specialist, I would have to send my patients to another office."

He continues, "Cedar Crest has everything here--on-site physical and occupational therapy, a pharmacy, a wide array of specialists, social workers, visiting nurses, and home support." 

The support you need

For Carolyn, the importance of convenient, senior-focused health care can't be overstated. 

"The rehabilitation programs here are wonderful," Carolyn says. "After returning from a problematic hip replacement and multiple challenges, they got me up and about. And after a knee replacement and pulling a back muscle, physical therapy got me on my feet."

She adds, "The physical therapists are specialists, helping us to keep doing what we want to do!" 

Carolyn also appreciates that her health care providers take all the time they need to address her questions and concerns. In the medical center, new patient appointments are 60 minutes, and all subsequent visits last 30 minutes. 

"What really sold me on Cedar Crest was the 30-minute appointments. You just can't do that in private practice these days," Orlic says. "It really allows me to get to know the residents better and treat the whole person. I can't think of any other continuing care retirement community that has embraced this model and made it work like Erickson Senior Living has."

In addition to in-person appointments, telehealth check-ins and home visits are available upon request.

Comprehensive care

While Carolyn chose Cedar Crest's medical center as her primary care provider, residents can continue seeing their existing doctors and still use the medical center for flu shots, tests, and screenings. 

And with security--trained in emergency response--on call 24/7, residents know they will always have a quick response after medical center hours and on weekends.

"Where else are you going to find 24-hour security personnel to help out when you're not feeling well?" Orlic says. 

Should the health care needs of a resident change, higher levels of care are available on site--skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care. All providers, from the medical center to the on-campus continuing care neighborhood, work together to provide top-notch care. 

"Everyone communicates, which makes a big difference," notes Orlic. 

An engaging community

Carolyn is looking forward to a happy and healthy 2025, taking advantage of Cedar Crest's variety of activities and convenient health care options, when she needs them.

"When we moved in, I got involved immediately," she recalls. "I ran for the Resident Advisory Council--was president twice--and joined the health committee. I am a cashier at the Treasure Shoppe. I like to sing, so I'm in the choir here, too, among other activities."

"Meanwhile," she adds, "I'm very happy with the dentist, I love the beauty parlor, and it's so wonderful having the CVS and the bank right here. I really enjoy living in this community!"

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