Priority List Members Get a Sneak Peek at Community Life Before Moving In

When Mary Ellen LaRubbio and her husband Joe were considering a move to Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., they received some sage advice from friends who were living at Seabrook, another Erickson community, in Tinton Falls, N.J. 

"They told us to get on the Priority List at Lantern Hill and go to all the functions they offer--seminars, lectures, luncheons, and special events," recalls Mary Ellen. "They also suggested that we spend a night at the community to get a feel for the place and meet other residents." 

After following that advice, the couple reserved and moved into a two-bedroom, two-bath residence at Lantern Hill--and they've never looked back!

Living the life

Mary Ellen and Joe took advantage of Lantern Hill's Live the Life program, which allows Priority List members to stay overnight in a furnished guest suite. 

During their stay at the community, they dined at on-campus restaurants; met current residents with similar interests; toured different floor plans; and became familiar with the events, activities, and clubs offered.

"It was so nice to meet other residents and determine if Lantern Hill was the right fit for us," Mary Ellen says. "We had heard about the community a long time ago, as our son and daughter-in-law live in New Providence. When we visited, we thought it was so beautiful." 

The couple moved in last July. "We are so happy here!" she adds. 

"When you're choosing a retirement community, of course you will look at your finances, the location, amenities, and the floor plan designs from a logistical standpoint," explains Sales Director Kate Tanis. 

"However, it's important to visit and perhaps spend a night or two. That is how you determine if you will thrive here!"

Priority List perks

In addition to the Live the Life program, Priority List members are invited to exclusive social and informational events, and they receive a newsletter with special offers. Plus, the $1,000 deposit to join is fully refundable. 

"Once you're on the Priority List, you have so much access to the community," Tanis says. "You can join clubs, attend activities, and meet residents. We can even connect you with people who are in the same phase of life and who share similar interests."

She adds, "When Priority List members move in, they already know so many of their neighbors, making them feel right at home."

Of all the perks, though, the ability to reserve the residence of your dreams is probably the most important, Tanis says. 

"If you want a two-bedroom, two-bath design, or you prefer to live on a lower floor, joining the Priority List is crucial, as Lantern Hill is currently on pace to sell out," she notes. 

Home sweet home

With their decision to move to Lantern Hill made, Mary Ellen and Joe turned their attention to making their selection. 

"Carlos [Aguilera, sales counselor,] showed us a lovely two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home on the fourth floor overlooking a courtyard and bocce courts," recalls Mary Ellen. "It was perfect for us." 

She continues, "We converted the second bedroom into a den and library. And we love the balcony, which was something I had to have. At night, it's so pretty to look at the grounds all lit up, and when they hold concerts below, we can listen from our balcony if we want."

Mary Ellen says that their move to Lantern Hill was seamless, thanks to help and support from the sales team. 

"We had to downsize some to figure out what furniture we wanted to bring, and Erickson helped tremendously by giving us a credit to help cover our moving expenses. We lived an hour away in Hamilton, N.J., so that helped a lot," she says. 

Lots to love

Since settling into their new home, Mary Ellen and Joe have come to appreciate the community's health care, abundance of activities, and proximity to family even more. 

When Joe had surgery in Princeton, N.J., last fall, his doctor recommended a rehabilitation program. "I wanted him to be transferred to Lantern Hill for rehab so that he would be a two-minute walk from me instead of an hour's drive. I called Lantern Hill, and they took care of everything. It was amazing," says Mary Ellen. 

They both look forward to learning line dancing, while Joe is interested in carpentry and cards. "And I am looking at chair aerobics!" she adds. 

Best of all, Mary Ellen and Joe love being close to their grandkids. "My grandson especially likes to visit us. He always says, ‘Grandma, you can't possibly eat all the food they serve you, so I will visit and help you out,'" she says, with a laugh. 

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.