You Deserve a Stress-Free Retirement!

By Michele Harris
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Residents of Fox Run, the Erickson Senior Living community in Novi, find peace of mind through the financial model.

You've reached the time in your life where you deserve to relax, enjoy hobbies, and visit friends and family. However, for many seniors, concerns about the responsibilities of homeownership--particularly the unpredictable, rising costs of repairs and upkeep--can overshadow the joy of this chapter. 

In fact, the average annual cost to maintain a single-family home has risen to a shocking $10,433, according to a report by Thumbtack, a consumer website that offers guidance on home services. The report cites aging homes, extreme weather events, and supply chain issues as the primary factors driving costs upward. 

This financial burden is particularly challenging for those who live on a fixed income. 

Luckily, you can leave the responsibilities of homeownership behind! Erickson Senior Living communities offer the vibrant retirement lifestyle you've been dreaming of--without the stress--thanks to their maintenance-free homes. 

Increased maintenance

"When you have a house that's paid off, and you no longer have a mortgage, it feels good," says Bob Cooney, who lived in Ellicott City, Md., with his wife Connie for many years. 

But the Cooneys discovered that even without a mortgage, homeownership can be expensive. "We were living in an older home, so maintenance was getting more demanding as time went on," says Connie. 

And for most of their time in that house, Bob had tackled much of the home maintenance work himself, so he was shocked to discover how expensive it is to hire experts to do the work for you. 

"When it comes to finances, no one likes to be surprised, especially if you are retired and living on a fixed budget," says Bob. 

'We no longer worry'

When the Cooneys visited Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in nearby Catonsville, Md., they knew their battle with expensive maintenance would soon be over. 

Now, instead of worrying about home repairs, Bob and Connie write one monthly check that covers most utilities; a meal plan at on-site restaurants; maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement; access to amenities; regularly scheduled transportation; and more.

"We no longer worry if something breaks or needs fixing. If we have a problem in our apartment, we just call General Services, and they take care of it," says Connie. 

And their decision to move was timed perfectly. 

"Just before we moved to Charlestown, our former neighbor--whose house is very similar to ours--was having it painted, and it cost $40,000. Old homes like that need to be painted every five or six years," says Connie. 

A great value

Michigan resident Mary Ann Ingram faced a similar situation. Although she loved her home, Mary Ann felt like she was fighting a losing battle. 

"Expenses needed to maintain my old house were starting to creep up," she recalls. "I had to pay for a new hot water tank, a new garage door opener, and some updated electrical work."

Even after covering those updates, Mary Ann still felt uneasy, knowing her house would soon need a new roof. She took control of her future and eliminated the burden of home maintenance by moving to Fox Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Novi, Mich. 

"On top of not having to stress over upkeep, I also have access to all the amenities and activities on campus, including bocce courts and a medical center," she says. "When I was researching Fox Run, everything added up to a great value I couldn't pass up!"

Time for fun 

She continues, "I no longer have to worry about unexpected expenses. With those things off my plate, I can enjoy fun activities like day trips and off-campus get-togethers with friends who live nearby. I can also go on extended vacations, knowing that everything is secure and cared for while I'm away."

Mary Ann's life has changed for the better in other ways as well. "Instead of sitting by myself for meals or trying to keep myself busy, I have friends to meet up with for dinner and an array of activities to explore," she says. "Fox Run truly feels like home!"

Moving to a maintenance-free residence at an Erickson Senior Living community provides the engaging, social lifestyle seniors deserve--without the worries of homeownership.

Request a brochure to learn more about how you can enjoy a vibrant, carefree lifestyle at an Erickson Senior Living community. 

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