Why moving to Seabrook now is a smart choice

Monmouth County community offers distinct lifestyle

During this unprecedented time, residents at Seabrook, an Erickson Living-managed community in Tinton Falls, N.J., are reassured by the measures the community has taken to ensure their safety. As part of the Erickson Living enterprise, Seabrook draws on the company's nearly 40-year history of managing communities through crises, including recessions and natural disasters.

Residents have peace of mind that precautions are in place to protect their health, including screening of all visitors at the community's secure entrance, disinfecting high-touch areas, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. Seabrook's on-site medical center is another attractive amenity for community members, especially during these unique times.

"Based on the exceptional work of Seabrook's dedicated team of professionals, along with the support of residents, we have managed the challenges of COVID-19 very well," says Philip Jean, executive director of Seabrook. "For those looking for a safe environment to live and a community where essential services like security and medical care are right at your fingertips, there is no better time to call Seabrook home."

For staff at Seabrook, the goal is to not just to help community members stay safe but to also thrive in these challenging times. Residents were able to stay entertained and connected during the state's stay-at-home order through the community's dedicated in-house television channel, which produced a wide range of specialized programming, from virtual fitness classes and interactive game shows to worship services and more.

A smooth move-in process

The prospect of moving during this unusual time may seem daunting, but Erickson Living is committed to ensuring that the process is as seamless as possible. As a long-time resident of Bergen County, N.J., Martha Savoia was familiar with the Erickson Living-managed community of Cedar Crest in nearby Pompton Plains, N.J. Looking to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren in Monmouth County, she was delighted to discover Seabrook in Tinton Falls, a community that would put her in close proximity to her family.

Martha's condo in Hackensack, N.J. had only been on the market for about a week when New Jersey's statewide stay-at-home order was enacted on March 21. Amid the uncertainty, she worried that she would be unable to move to Seabrook as planned but was relieved to see how smooth the process was, even under the difficult circumstances.

An Erickson Realty Moving and Services staff member came to her condo to measure her furniture and help Martha determine which pieces she'd be bringing with her to her new home at Seabrook and how they'd fit in her chosen floor plan (for those who may be uncomfortable with an in person visit during this time, a virtual visit is just a phone call away). The program also helped her select a real estate professional to sell her condo, which sold just two weeks after it was listed. According to Angela Sicoli, president of New Jersey Realtors, "tight inventory" coupled with low interest rates has made 2020 a great year for sellers.

"Anyone considering a move to Seabrook should not hesitate to contact us online, over the phone, or in person with any questions or concerns," says Dan Simms, sales director at Seabrook. "Our goal is to meet people where they are to help in a way that's most comfortable for them."

Someone always looking out for you

When Martha arrived at Seabrook on move-in day, she was greeted at the gate by Sales Counselor Dennise Baldwin, who helped her through every step of getting settled in her new home.

"I don't know where I'd be without Dennise," says Martha. "She was an absolute godsend. She answered all of my questions, and if she couldn't answer something, she found the right person to help me."

Baldwin assisted Martha with setting up her cable service and even personally delivered her mail.

"Dennise would text me just to check in and see how I was doing," says Martha. "She has a million jobs to do, but she still took the time to make sure I was okay."

Everything at your fingertips

Now that she's been a Seabrook resident for several months, Martha is impressed with the way the community has adapted to obstacles presented by the pandemic. If she was still living alone, Martha says she'd worry about the risk posed by going out to obtain food and essentials, but at Seabrook, all her meals are provided for, and staff also delivers prescriptions, mail, and newspapers.

"I feel like I'm safest here," says Martha. "I have everything I need. There's always somebody to call if I need anything at all."

Indeed, campus staff is on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Seabrook, ensuring that community members' needs are met at all times.

Staying informed and connected

If she were still living alone and farther from her family, Martha feels that she would be very socially isolated during this difficult time. Now, when she walks around campus, she waves at her friendly neighbors and looks forward to getting to know them better when it's safe. As a former line dancer who likes to keep fit, Martha has enjoyed taking part in a variety of virtual fitness classes offered through Seabrook's in-house TV station, including pilates, Zumba, and "Stretch and Tone."

Group fitness classes have also been offered outdoors when weather permits, and Martha plans to join these as well.

When it comes to staying on top of the latest developments related to COVID-19, Seabrook provides comprehensive communication to residents, staff, family members, and visitors through prerecorded phone messages, hand-delivered letters, and live programming on Seabrook's in-house TV channel, which Martha says she turns to for timely updates regarding reopening.

To learn more about Seabrook, please visit our website at SeabrookCommunity.com.

About Seabrook: Seabrook, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 98-acre campus in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,400 residents and 750 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Seabrook can be found at SeabrookCommunity.com.

Photo:  Martha Savoia moved to Seabrook during the pandemic and says she feels so much safer and less isolated than she did in her condo in Hackensack, N.J.

Written by Kate Streit