Bev Morey Loves the Friendships and Activities She's Found at Seabrook

When Beverly "Bev" Morey decided to return to her native New Jersey, she chose Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls. And she's glad she did, since moving to the sought-after community three years ago has given her a renewed sense of belonging, enjoyment, and purpose.

"Previously, my life has been about helping young people as a teacher and a basketball coach; now I have the opportunity to live for myself," she says. "I talk with people in the hallways, eat lunch with friends, and serve on committees with the Resident Advisory Council."

An easy decision

While living in a Florida condominium during the height of the pandemic, Bev started to consider her retirement plans. After talking with the Seabrook sales team via Zoom, she joined the Priority List with a plan to relocate in three years. 

However, by spring of 2021, the booming real estate market encouraged her to list her condo on the market, where it received a "shocking" amount of interest, she recalls.

The timing worked out perfectly. "I reached out to the sales department at Seabrook and learned that an apartment home in my price range was available. I sold my condo and moved within two months," she says. 

The maintenance-free lifestyle was very appealing. "It was all about finding a safe place to live that didn't require checking the basement, buying a new dishwasher, or setting money aside for repairs," she says. "And, with the onsite medical center and the Erickson Advantage Medicare Plan, I'm taking care of myself. I live independently and have a full support system."

That support includes members of the caring staff, many of whom assisted Bev even before the move. Working with an experienced team of planning and moving professionals, she received help with budgeting, selecting an apartment home, choosing items to bring with her to her new home, and making the move north. 

"I can't say enough good things about how Seabrook facilitated my move so quickly and efficiently," she recalls.

A typical day 

Bev says she's at her best when she follows a routine, and that begins with walking her dog, Buddy, an 8-year-old rescue. After breakfast, Buddy and Bev take a long walk around the grounds. 

"I find our walks therapeutic," she says. "I enjoy breathing in the fresh air while observing the beauty of Seabrook's landscaping."

She likes to dedicate mornings to being active, so Bev follows the walk with an exercise routine in her apartment home. As her schedule allows, she also visits Seabrook's fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center for a swim or a ride on the stationary bike.

Following her workout, Bev meets friends for lunch at one of the community's five restaurants. She enjoys choosing from the extensive menus, developed with care by the community's executive chefs, who are also happy to customize dishes to her liking. 

Busy afternoons of service

Bev dedicates her afternoons to volunteer work. She's volunteered in the auditorium, where she has been a greeter at events and now serves as the community liaison for visiting performers. She also serves as a community contact for new residents, reaching out, visiting, and assisting them with questions about recycling, dining, and health care. 

"I enjoy connecting with new residents every day," she says.

Bev also serves on the General Services committee of the Resident Advisory Council, providing input on maintenance of the common areas and grounds and serving as a liaison to the maintenance staff. In addition, she assists the Resident Life team by promoting events and volunteers weekly with the Intermissions Program, an enrichment program for residents in need of memory support. 

She also chairs the LGBTQ+ subcommittee, which meets monthly to help educate the community and promote inclusion. 

"We also work with the sales department and connect with prospective residents inquiring about LGBTQ+ activities and hold open forums for residents to share their stories and open up avenues for discussion," she says.

In addition to finding ways to serve her community, Bev enjoys access to Seabrook's 100-plus clubs and groups, dedicated to a wide variety of interests including card and table games, woodworking, crafting, and gardening. Residents also take advantage of on-site amenities like mini golf, pickleball, bocce, the library, and the Seabrook Active Learners program."

"We connect with each other, have meals together, and enjoy meaningful conversations during our activities. I've met many people swimming, sitting outside before getting in the pool, or walking along the grounds," says Bev.

"The beauty of a community like Seabrook is that it can be whatever you want it to be," says Executive Director Jen McNamara. "We provide the services, amenities, and resources needed for residents to enjoy an engaged lifestyle without having to leave campus."

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.