Informational Events Give Future Residents Key Insights

While construction continues on Emerson Lakes, a new Erickson Senior Living community coming to Lakewood Ranch, Fla., Priority List members are doing all they can to learn what to expect when the community opens.

For Jim Atsaides and Ardell Terry, their research has included meeting with a sales counselor; visiting Siena Lakes, a sister Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla.; and attending a variety of informational events hosted by the sales team.

"We encourage people to meet with us, attend events, and ask any questions they have," says Adam Zubowsky, sales director for Emerson Lakes. "We want prospective residents to be as informed as they can be."

Thinking ahead

In 2004, Jim and Ardell retired to Lakewood Ranch. Years later, when the couple heard news that a new Erickson Senior Living community was coming to the area, they were optimistic.

"We perked up, knowing this could be our future," Ardell says.

They were familiar with Erickson Senior Living, having lived in Maryland near the company's flagship community--Charlestown, located in Catonsville, Md.

As soon as Emerson Lakes was officially announced, Jim and Ardell sprung into action.

"We took a trip to see what Siena Lakes was like, and we signed up to be on the Priority List," recalls Ardell. "The dominoes started falling into place."

Gaining insight

Once they began attending informational events, they felt confident in reserving a future home at Emerson Lakes.

Jim and Ardell first attended an informational luncheon at the Sales and Information Center, which included a presentation, a question-and-answer session, and individual conversations with members of the sales team.

They also perused the 20-plus floor plan designs, toured the model kitchen, and previewed sample home finishes, weighing which options would be the best for them.

Lastly, they learned more about their Priority List perks, such as being the first to receive construction updates and access to personalized planning and moving support.

Meet the experts

The "Meet the Expert" series, which invites leaders from Erickson Senior Living's national network of communities to meet with future residents, proved to be especially insightful for Jim and Ardell. Past "Meet the Expert" events have featured leaders from the Finance, Regional Operations, Dining Services, General Services, and Resident Life departments.

Financial experts explain how the monthly service package provides peace of mind. Costs for utilities, meals at on-campus restaurants, access to amenities, regularly scheduled transportation, and more are bundled into one predictable bill.

Dining Services leaders share information about the on-campus restaurants, led by professional executive chefs who source local, fresh ingredients to prepare a variety of made-to-order dishes.

General Services experts have detailed what it means to live "worry-free" at Emerson Lakes. Without the stress of maintenance, including landscaping and repairs, residents will have more time to pursue their interests and make new friends.

"They explained exactly how the community will run, in detail, and addressed all of the most important questions we had," says Ardell. "We were so impressed with the openness of the experts and how they shared specifics about their experiences at other Erickson Senior Living communities."

"Their message was consistent and honest, and we liked that," adds Jim.

'Right for us'

"These informational events, especially the 'Meet the Expert' panels, are important because our Priority List members hear straight from the experts about what they can expect at Emerson Lakes," says Senior Sales and Event Associate Sydney Ditto, who takes pride in her thorough, thoughtful planning.

After hearing about Emerson Lakes' financial model, on-campus restaurants, maintenance-free homes, future continuum of care, and vast selection of amenities and activities, Jim and Ardell knew that this brand-new community would be the right place for them.

"Choosing Emerson Lakes was a no-brainer," Ardell says. "We didn't have to convince each other. We both knew it was right for us!"

Request more information today to learn more about the benefits of pursuing a carefree retirement lifestyle.