Before Charlie Ritter moved to Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., he made many improvements to his house--all by himself.
"I am a retired aerospace engineer, so I'm pretty handy. I finished two basements, did electrical and plumbing work, and fixed leaks in the roof," he says.
After selling his spruced-up house and settling into his Lantern Hill apartment home, Charlie waved maintenance goodbye. "Now, I don't even own a stepladder!" he says with a laugh. "The maintenance-free lifestyle here is great."
Substantial value
Having all maintenance taken care of by knowledgeable staff is just part of the community's appeal. Residents also appreciate Lantern Hill's abundant financial benefits, including the 80% refundable entrance fee* and predictable monthly service package.
At the heart of Lantern Hill's financial structure is the 80% refundable entrance fee, which guarantees that if or when you leave the community, your investment will be returned to you or your beneficiaries.
The monthly service package covers the costs of cable TV, telephone, and Wi-Fi; maintenance, including repair and replacement of appliances; utilities; weekly housekeeping service; a chosen meal plan at on-site restaurants; and access to top-notch amenities.
Residents like Charlie are more than happy to let go of costly, time-consuming house responsibilities--like roof repair, lawn care, and snow removal--and, instead, gain peace of mind.
The perfect location
When Charlie was looking for a retirement community after his wife passed away, he wanted to make sure he wasn't too far away from family.
Once he'd decided on Lantern Hill, just 10 minutes away from his relatives, he had three priorities left to address.
"When choosing an apartment home, I wanted it to have two bedrooms, be on the first floor, and have a view of green space," he explains. "The sales counselor found one for me and reserved it while I prepared for my move."
It didn't take long for Charlie to feel welcome in his new home.
"Within two days, I had a note on my door inviting me to play bocce," he recalls. He quickly made friends and began taking advantage of the available activities, swimming at the aquatic center and attending lectures on current events.
All in one place
Charlie was also interested in moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). "Erickson Senior Living has a great reputation," he says.
"As a CCRC, Lantern Hill residents have access to a full continuum of care right on campus, from the medical center to additional levels of care, if their needs change," says Sales Director Brian Cassidy. "Plus, we have services such as outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy."
The community's fee-for-service model allows residents to pay for only the services they currently want or need, as opposed to a life care model that requires upfront payment for services that residents may never need.
A strong reputation
Erickson Senior Living and its growing national network of retirement communities are known for financial strength and performance. With a current $4 billion expansion plan and $450 million investment to update and enhance existing communities, the company strives to increase value for all residents.
"We are financially secure--not only at Lantern Hill, but at Erickson Senior Living, as well. So, for residents, they view it as another reason why moving here is such a sound financial decision," says Cassidy.
Charlie now splits his time between his Lantern Hill apartment home and a house in North Carolina. "I spent the winter in North Carolina because it's warmer and they don't get much snow, and then I spend summers in New Jersey as the weather is nice," he says.
Making connections
In addition to meeting new friends and playing bocce, Charlie also met someone he connected with on a deeper level.
"I met a woman who had lost her husband, and we are both from New York. I grew up in the Bronx, while she grew up in Brooklyn. I keep reminding her that the Bronx is superior, but she disagrees," he says with a laugh.
He continues, "She's now my significant other, and we have traveled together to South America, on a European cruise, and make trips to New York City to attend the theater. Our families have met, and everyone gets along great. If you pitched this story to Netflix, they probably wouldn't think it was real!"
To learn more about the benefits of moving to this maintenance-free community, request more information today.
*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.