Priority List Members Test-Drive Fox Run's Vibrant Lifestyle

Before Mary Jo and Frank Wilczewski moved to their two-bedroom, two-bath residence at Fox Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Novi, Mich., they participated in the Live the Life program, which allows Priority List members to spend one or two nights in a guest suite on campus.

During their stay, it was Mary Jo's birthday. On the morning of her special day, she found a birthday card and cupcakes on the shelf outside the door of their suite. "It really was amazing," says Mary Jo.

In addition to savoring some birthday treats, the Wilczewskis had the opportunity to visit Fox Run's amenities, dine in the on-campus restaurants, and attend club and group meetings. Essentially, they got to experience the community as if they were already residents.  

The Live the Life program helps many retirees make the decision to move to Fox Run--Mary Jo and Frank included. "We stayed for two nights, and it was a blast!" says Mary Jo. "We didn't want to leave."

Time to explore

When Priority List members sign up for a Live the Life stay, they get to choose from three fully furnished guest suites.

Once members select their suite, Sales Associate Lisa Sygit, who coordinates the Live the Life program, reaches out to ask what they would like to do during their stay or if anything at the community has piqued their interest.

"I gather all that information and then create a custom itinerary for them," explains Sygit. "They can participate in all the clubs, activities, and lectures. They can go to a movie night or team trivia--anything they want to do, really--and I will incorporate that into their schedule."

Everything during their stay, including meals and access to amenities, is complimentary.

She adds, "I'll build in some free time, too, because they might not want to always follow a schedule. Some people just like to walk around campus and explore."

Sygit also checks in with Priority List members during their stay to make sure they are having a pleasant experience and see if they have any questions.

‘Loved everything'

When the Wilczewskis visited, Frank wanted to see the woodworking shop, so a resident took them for a tour, and the couple loved it.

"We had to drag Frank out of there," Mary Jo recalls, with a laugh. "He was just like a kid in a candy store."

"I loved everything!" says Frank.

Mary Jo and Frank also saw a number of homes during their stay, as several residents welcomed them in for a visit.

"We hadn't even made it halfway down the hallway outside our guest suite when people were saying hi, asking us when we were moving in, and even inviting us in to see their apartments," says Mary Jo.

Personalized experiences

On top of enjoying activities and amenities, Priority List members can get an appointment to learn more about the on-campus medical center and see the Custom Interiors design center, if they have an interest in personalizing their future residence.

Sygit has arranged other meetings and experiences as well. For example, when two different couples following a vegan diet wanted to make sure their dietary needs could be met at the community, she arranged for them to meet with Executive Chef Michael Bootz.

"He had lunch with each couple, reviewed the restaurant menu options, and explained how they could customize their orders, if need be," says Sygit, who made sure the couples tried all the restaurants on campus as well.

Another Priority List member loved Fox Run, but he was worried about his dog adapting to life at the community.

"So, I encouraged him to bring his dog with him for his Live the Life stay, and I connected him with people involved with the dog park," says Sygit.

Making connections

Regardless of what's on their itinerary, many Priority List members appreciate the chance to chat with current residents, as it's an opportunity to ask questions about community life and start to form friendships with future neighbors.  

The Wilczewskis shared so many meals with residents that Frank, who is usually an introvert, really opened up.

"Frank was a chatterbox! I couldn't believe it. He was talking to everybody," says Mary Jo. "We really enjoyed talking with people who had similar life experiences. It was just the best."

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