Family Connections at Cedar Crest

Having family work where you live and live where you work is an added bonus

Like many physical therapists, Danielle Cusimano chose that career to help people. But when she landed a job at Cedar Crest, the Erickson Living community in Pequannock Township, N.J., 13 years ago, she found her "why."

"What I appreciate now is being able to do this job in a setting where I really form a relationship with the people I work with because you're in their home, essentially. They really begin to feel like your extended family," Danielle says.

While all of her clients feel like family after a time, none compare to her father- and mother-in-law, Vicki and Andy Cusimano, who moved to Cedar Crest in Dec. 2017, for its conveniences, amenities, on-site medical care, and activities. "There is everything you could possibly need here," Danielle says.

Vicki and Andy feel the same way.

"Every single club that we would be even remotely be interested in is here," Vicki says. "It's so convenient as far as the amenities and niceties available. If you're not able to drive or leave campus for any reason, you can have a very good quality of life. There's nothing Cedar Crest hasn't thought of as far as growing older gracefully and independently."

Vicki, who was the assistant to the head of a small Quaker boarding school, loves not having to cook or clean much at all. Andy, a former IBM programming manager, is pleased someone else mows the lawn and takes care of all home maintenance.

One check a month covers most day-to-day expenses, including apartment home maintenance, property taxes, heating and air-conditioning, trash and recycling collection at your door, dining plans and options, basic cable TV, regularly scheduled transportation, 24-hour security and emergency first response services, plus access to a wealth of campus amenities.

But what they love most is having Danielle nearby every day.

"We have a set Wednesday date where Andy [our son] and Danielle and the boys come here, or we go there for dinner. Danielle is very busy at work so aside from her birthday I really don't like to disturb her, although it's a tremendous comfort knowing she is across the parking lot," Vicki says.

"She's one of the most nurturing people I know. Just her presence makes you feel like everything's going to be okay. That's an emotional comfort," Vicki continues.

The feeling is mutual. "It's a comfort to me that they have, in addition to us, a nice support group of friends around them," says Danielle.

"It's wonderful to see employees and their families coming together at work," said Executive Director Todd DeLaney.  "It adds to our family atmosphere on campus and truly makes Cedar Crest a great place to live and work."

Cedar Crest, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 130-acre campus in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The community is located in Morris County and is home to 1,800 residents. Additional information about Cedar Crest can be found at CedarCrestCommunity.com.

Article written by Julia Collins