Maris Grove Priority List Members Plan with Confidence

Whether you plan for months or years in advance, there's no right or wrong timeline for exploring your senior living options. It is important, however, to find an environment that will best support your goals for retirement.

Chris and Kay Holbrook of Claymont, Del., began looking at retirement communities over three years ago, dedicated to finding a community with a vibrant lifestyle and on-site care. 

Thanks to their Priority List status, they felt confident in their decision that Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania was the community for them. 

'Extended test drive'

After joining the Priority List, Chris and Kay received invitations to social and educational events happening on campus. They were great opportunities to speak with staff members, meet fellow Priority List members, and chat with current residents about their experiences. 

"[The events] allow you to gather information and feel ready when the apartment you want comes up," says Kay.

The couple also got to sample amenities and use the fitness center for personal workouts--before moving in earlier this year. 

"Being on the Priority List at Maris Grove means you are able to experience and use the community," says Chris, noting that they didn't have the same access at other communities. "You have to schedule an appointment to even get in the door. Their lists are just to get in line to get an apartment." 

He adds, "The access we had at Maris Grove really became an important part of our process. It was like an extended test drive."

Kay appreciated the ability to explore the on-site continuing care neighborhood. "It felt really good to me as a nurse. It's an excellent continuing care facility, and Maris Grove is very consistent with what their environment looks like, the care, and the personality of their staff," she says.

Home sweet home

Chris and Kay note that walking around campus and the residence buildings was beneficial for another reason.

"Exploring the community helped us determine and provide to the sales office the [residence] model we liked and also the location of our apartment. It increased our comfort level, big time," says Kay.

Plus, Priority List members get right of first refusal on their choice of available floor plans, so Chris and Kay were set up for success.

With dozens of floor plan designs to choose from, Chris and Kay narrowed their options down to 12. And when one of those 12 became available, they were ready--even though it was few years before they had planned on moving. 

"Timing is never exact or perfect, but if you're prepared, you can react, and it's okay," Chris says. "The Priority List helped with that."

A smooth move

Jan Schechter, planning and moving consultant for Maris Grove, was instrumental in helping the Holbrooks prepare for their move. 

Schechter helped the couple determine which furniture would fit in their new home and where it would go. She also connected them with one of her trusted resources, Move Manager Amanda McDermott of Right Size Relocation. McDermott then arranged a Lancaster, Pa., auction house to pick up Chris' expansive woodshop equipment.

They also worked with a real estate agent and moving resources recommended by Maris Grove. 

"When you've lived somewhere for so long, you accumulate a lot of stuff. It's really hard [to get rid of it], but they took that burden from us and made it much easier," Chris says. 

But none of this would've been possible without Chris and Kay's Priority List status. Members gain exclusive access to planning and moving support from the community's preferred vendors and resources, all of which are vetted for quality and service. 

Risk-free research

If you're interested in learning more about Maris Grove, Sales Director Brett Haas notes that joining the Priority List is one of the most helpful steps a prospective resident can take during the decision-making process. 

"If Maris Grove is a possibility in your future, now's the right time to join the Priority List," Haas says. "It provides plenty of opportunities to ensure that our community is the right fit for you."

He adds, "Plus, it's risk free! The onetime $1,000 deposit is applied to the entrance deposit for your residence or will be fully refunded, should you ultimately decide to move somewhere else."

Grateful for their time on the Priority List, Chris and Kay are excited for all that's ahead of them in their new home.

"We're ready to live our lives at Maris Grove!" says Chris. 

Invest in your future self at Maris Grove. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!