Take Control of Your Future by Planning Ahead

When it comes to planning for retirement, there are different schools of thought. Some people like to map everything out, while others prefer a more spontaneous style, simply letting life unfold. 

Both approaches are valid, but exploring your senior living options may uncover some surprising possibilities for the next chapter of your life.

By conducting some research and looking ahead, whether it's two months or two years down the line, you can discover and embrace a more engaging and vibrant lifestyle than you ever dreamed of. 

Planning ahead

After caring for her aging parents, Leah Stancil and her husband Richard realized they wanted to spare their daughter from that burden. They knew that creating a well-thought-out plan for the future would empower them to take charge of their retirement. 

From the start, they knew they wanted to be closer to their daughter and her family, which meant moving to Northern Virginia. 

The couple also knew they wanted to live in an environment that offered a range of services, in case they ever experience health issues in the future, so they narrowed their search to continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

"Memory care was important to us, but we also wanted to live in an active and fun community with established clubs, restaurants, and people to socialize with," says Leah. 

All in one

The Stancils explored various CCRCs in Northern Virginia and discovered that Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., had everything they were looking for. 

They took the next step and joined Ashby Ponds' Priority List, an exclusive membership that gives prospective residents an inside look at community life as well as planning and moving support. 

As Priority List members, the Stancils also received invitations to members-only events, including a champagne brunch orientation, an activities expo, and seminars on moving, finances, and health care services available at the community. 

Next, they took advantage of Ashby Ponds' Live the Life program, which invites Priority List members to experience community life firsthand by staying overnight in a furnished guest suite.

"The overnight stay provided us with wonderful insight into what life is really like as a resident," says Richard. "It puts you in the environment, providing opportunities to check things out for yourself, which is much more impactful than reading about it or watching a video--because you are doing it." 

Their visit offered a chance to meet current residents and try out the community's activities and amenities.

"During our stay, we enjoyed dinner with a couple who were so friendly and helpful, answering our questions and sharing their experiences," says Leah. "I also watched an exercise class, swam in the pool, and took a card-making class. When I asked if there was a Jewish group, I was told there certainly was! We met some of the members and found them to be lovely. We also went out to the resident gardens and toured the medical center. The experience was amazing." 

Making the move

"We knew, from that experience, that we wanted to live at Ashby Ponds," notes Richard. 

"After that weekend, I felt so committed," says Leah. "We were ready, but, of course, there was the reality of the arduous task of moving that lay ahead. It was so overwhelming to think, 'How do I pare this down? What's important?'" 

Luckily, help was on the way! As Priority List members, the Stancils took advantage of their access to Erickson Realty and Moving Services by asking for support with downsizing, selling their house, and moving. 

"They measured all our furniture and helped us figure out what would fit in our new apartment," says Leah. "That was very, very helpful. I highly recommend using the professionals Erickson recommends to help you downsize, plan, and move." 

A vibrant lifestyle

Since moving to Ashby Ponds in July 2024, the Stancils have been quite busy. 

Leah is now a member of the walking club and the card-making club, which she joined during their Live the Life stay. Richard works on projects in the community's woodshop and often takes their dog to the on-campus dog park.

Together, they serve as ambassadors for the Live the Life program, giving sage advice to prospective residents and shedding a light on the vibrant, worry-free lifestyle they now enjoy. 

"Be good to yourself," says Leah, pointing to the peace of mind she and Richard gained by taking control of their future. "Why not just sign up for the Priority List? You may not need it, but at least you have something in place!" 

To learn more about the peace of mind you'll get from having a plan in place for your ideal retirement, find an Erickson Senior Living community near you.