Lots to Love About Life at Devonshire

By Kelly Shue

When Allen and Bridget Grappone started exploring their senior living options, they were looking for a retirement community that offers a carefree lifestyle, lots of opportunities to stay engaged, and peace of mind for the future.

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Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., checked all their boxes.

The couple moved to Devonshire this past March after spending nearly three decades in Hobe Sound, Fla. Although they are new community members, they already feel at home and are enjoying the many benefits of a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle.

Recently, Bridget sat down with the Tribune to share their story and how they know they made the right decision.

Tribune: What led you to move to Devonshire?

Bridget: We spent about three years exploring our options because we wanted to plan ahead and understand what was available before making a decision. We fell in love with Devonshire. The entire community felt bright, cheerful, and welcoming from the moment we walked in.

At first, we weren't quite ready to move, but eventually, maintaining our house became more work than we wanted. There always seemed to be something that needed attention. We realized it was time to simplify our lives. We could picture ourselves being happy at Devonshire, and that made the decision easy to make.

Moving after 28 years in the same house was an undertaking, but we received a great deal of support throughout the process. We had help with packing, moving, and answering the many questions that come with a move like this. Everyone we worked with made the process easier. Looking back, the move was far less stressful than we expected because there were so many resources available to help us every step of the way.

Tribune: How has your maintenance-free home improved your life?

Bridget: The difference has been tremendous. We feel more relaxed and have fewer day-to-day worries. We spend more time enjoying life instead of worrying about home maintenance and repairs.

Tribune: What are some ways you've gotten involved on campus?

Bridget: There is always something to do at Devonshire. I attend exercise classes five times a week, which has been wonderful for staying active and healthy. Allen visits the fitness center three times a week.

We also enjoy the entertainment offered throughout the community. There are performances and events on a regular basis, so there is always an opportunity to get out, meet people, and see something new.

One of the things we've appreciated most is how easy it is to stay engaged. There are plenty of opportunities available right outside your door.

Tribune: How has Devonshire impacted your social life?

Bridget: The community members have been wonderful. From the beginning, everyone made us feel welcome. One concern people sometimes have when moving to a retirement community is whether it will be difficult to meet people and make friends. That certainly hasn't been our experience. We've received many invitations to dinner and have met numerous couples in a very short period of time.

These new friendships have made our transition much easier. Everyone has been kind and eager to help us feel at home. The social connections we've already made have become one of our favorite parts of living here.

Tribune: How has your move provided peace of mind?

Bridget: It has provided tremendous peace of mind--for us and for our family. One of the things that mattered most to us was knowing our children wouldn't have to worry about what might happen if we ever needed additional support. Knowing that continuing care is available, if needed in the future, helps relieve that concern.

Our two sons are very happy with our decision to move to Devonshire. One lives in Palm City, Fla., with our granddaughter, and the other lives in New Hampshire. They've both visited the community and were pleasantly surprised by everything Devonshire has to offer. It means a great deal to know that our children feel comfortable knowing we're here. That peace of mind benefits them just as much as it benefits us.

Tribune: What advice do you have for someone considering a move to Devonshire?

Bridget: I would encourage anyone considering retirement living to visit Devonshire and see it for themselves. Because we spent three years researching our options, we feel confident when we say that Devonshire stood out from the other communities we visited.

Most importantly, we are happy here. We felt comfortable from the very beginning, and that feeling has only grown stronger since we moved in. We know we made the right decision!

To learn more about vibrant, carefree senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Kelly Shue