The Freedom of Independence

For many, a carefree retirement is a dream come true. The first step toward making that dream a reality is eliminating stress. 

Moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can not only lighten your daily responsibilities and costs but allow you to spend time doing what you love. 

Since moving to Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., Becky and Bob Osterberg have been relishing their well-deserved retirement--free from worry and full of independence. 

All-in-one

Since retiring 35 years ago, the Osterbergs have lived in senior communities in North Carolina, California, New Mexico, and Florida. While each community was lovely, they always felt that something was missing.

"We were never sure we had found the right one," says Bob. "I kept thinking, 'There's something better than this.'"

Spending time in various retirement communities gave them valuable insights as to what their ideal community would look like. For example, they realized they no longer wanted to deal with the headache of home maintenance and landscaping. 

They also wanted to live in a community with multiple restaurants serving high-quality food and health care services that would adequately support them if their needs ever changed in the future. 

"We felt that it was necessary to have a plan to take care of ourselves in our later years," says Becky. 

"The other places were strictly adult communities. They had nothing to do with any kind of care," adds Bob. "They didn't have a medical center or multiple restaurants, and we didn't feel a sense of security, which is so important as you age." 

Boasting maintenance-free residences, several restaurants, a medical center, and a continuing care neighborhood, Bob and Becky found exactly what they we were looking for at Siena Lakes. 

"When we visited Siena Lakes, we said, 'This is it!'" recalls Becky. 

'We just love it'

After settling into their home at Siena Lakes three years ago, Bob and Becky quickly discovered additional benefits.   

"Siena Lakes is the whole package. The focus on well-being is much more comprehensive than anything available at our previous communities. The level of service provided by the medical staff here is fabulous," says Bob, who regularly sees the doctors at the on-site medical center.

Becky agrees, saying, "The spotlight on health here is significant. If you want to take advantage of a healthy lifestyle, you really can and be better off for it." 

Relieved of the responsibility of home maintenance, Bob and Becky have more free time to compete on the community's bocce courts, play cards, and visit the pool.

A social environment

But what they enjoy most is attending community parties, special dinners, and entertainment nights.

"We like going to themed dinners, such as French or Italian Night," says Becky. "We like the many types of entertainment, whether somewhere on campus or at the bar. We just love it."

And at the end of the day, the Osterbergs are delighted to return to their one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath with den residence, which they personalized with their collection of art. 

"We are art collectors and like decorating our homes with art. One of the criteria we had for our apartment is that it had to have good wall space," says Bob. "People come in and say it's like an art gallery. It pleases us tremendously." 

Carefree living

Reflecting on their senior living experiences, nothing compares to Siena Lakes and the carefree lifestyle it offers residents. Plus, as a CCRC, Siena Lakes can help retirees plan for the future with peace of mind. 

"It's like comparing the minor leagues to the major leagues because there's more of everything at Siena Lakes," says Becky. "Everything here is on a much grander scale."

"We feel very blessed to be here. It's pretty wonderful," says Bob.

If you're interested in pursuing a carefree, independent retirement, find an Erickson Senior Living community near you to get started.