Perks of the Priority List at Linden Ponds

When Boxborough, Mass., residents Arden and Nina "Niki" Veley decided to move to senior living, they researched several retirement communities in the area. 

With one daughter living in Hingham, Mass., and the other in Needham, Mass., they scheduled a visit to nearby Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass.

"We were impressed right away," recalls Niki.

Eager to learn more about community life, the couple joined the Priority List--the deciding factor of their April 2024 move. 

"Joining the Priority List was key to our decision to move to Linden Ponds," says Arden. "Not only did we reserve a place in line for the apartment home we wanted, but we also attended many Priority [List] member events, joined several resident clubs and activities, and talked with residents. As a result of all these things, we knew we wanted to move here."

A beautiful community

The Veleys were initially drawn to Linden Ponds' lush campus. 

"The campus has the nice, rural feeling that we are used to, especially with the ponds, the landscaping, and the arboretum. It is not crowded or compressed. There is just a lovely feel around campus. We really felt at home," says Niki. 

During their visit, Arden and Niki met with the sales team, who helped them join the Priority List. A onetime, refundable $1,000 deposit and a $150-per-person, nonrefundable entrance fee is required to join. 

"When we joined the Priority List in February 2020, we knew that we could get our $1,000 investment back at any time," says Arden, noting the importance of that peace of mind. 

The Veleys had attended tours of various floor plans, so they were ready to reserve their perfect residence. 

"The tours were extremely helpful," says Arden. "We knew that we wanted a two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner apartment with plenty of sunlight. We also knew that many people want this type. That's why the seniority aspect [or place in line] on the Priority List is so important."

VIP access

With their Priority List status secured, the Veleys were invited to exclusive members-only social and informational events designed to aid in their decision-making process.

The couple recalls attending a garden tour, meeting with leaders of all the Linden Ponds departments, and seminars on the various aspects of moving. 

"We took advantage of most of the invitations we received," says Arden.

"After all the events, we took the opportunity to walk around campus, making a point to talk with many residents, asking them how they felt about Linden Ponds," says Niki. "Their answers were always positive."

Their membership also offered opportunities to take part in resident clubs and activities. 

"I enjoy playing bocce and learned that I could play with residents, on campus, prior to our move," says Arden. "One of the players invited us to dinner. That really gave us a good feel for what it's like to eat in the restaurants."

In addition to playing with the bocce group, Arden joined a book club, and they participated in several walks with the resident walking club. Niki joined the community bell choir.

Moving support

Less than six months after joining the Priority List, the Veleys and their cat Amiga moved to their deluxe two-bedroom, two-bathroom Lancaster residence. 

"We were really picky about the style and location of the apartment we wanted. Joining the Priority List when we did gave us a wonderful advantage," says Arden.

Lynne Smithson-Ford, Linden Ponds' planning and moving consultant, visited the couple in their house before they moved to provide as much support as possible. 

"She helped us see what furniture would work in our new home and what wouldn't fit. And she didn't do it in a way that made us feel like we were losing something," says Arden. "She then gave us a copy of our floor plan so we could see where it all fit. That was very helpful."

'A wonderful decision'

Since their move, the couple continues to pursue the activities they had participated in as Priority List members. 

In addition, Niki, a former math teacher, now volunteers as an English as a Second Language tutor and plays bridge, while Arden enjoys morning swims and working out in the fitness center.

Together, the couple cultivates both plants and friends as members of the garden club.

"There are so many advantages to joining the Priority List--and nothing to lose," says Arden. "For Niki and me, it was a wonderful decision. We couldn't be happier."

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.