Lots to Love About Life at Charlestown

If you stopped residents of Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., and asked them why they love living there, you'd hear a variety of reasons.

Some will tell you about the freedom that comes with leaving maintenance and upkeep behind. Others will point to the friendships they've formed, the activities they enjoy each day, or the peace of mind that comes from having quality health care on site.

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While every resident's experience is unique, they all have one thing in common--moving to Charlestown has made their retirement more rewarding.

Recently, resident Ann Densler sat down with the Tribune to share why she chose Charlestown, why she's loving community life now, and how she knows she made the right decision.

Tribune: What led you to consider Charlestown?

Ann: My husband and I lived in Westminster, Md., for 42 years before retiring to Arizona, where we lived in a beautiful 2,600-square-foot house in a senior resort community. When I started looking for a place to spend this chapter of my life, health care services and peace of mind were my top priorities. I wanted to find a friendly community where I could make new connections easily.

Charlestown has an abundance of amenities and endless social activities--right here on my doorstep! And because Charlestown is a continuing care retirement community, if my needs change in the future, my lifestyle will not be interrupted. I can continue to live in the same community but with a different level of care.

Charlestown offers everything I was looking for. I thought, "With all of the amenities and peace of mind, how can you possibly go wrong?" I moved in October 2024.

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

Ann: Living in a maintenance-free home can be summed up in two words: stress-free. I don't have the worry and responsibility I had when I owned a house. For example, if I had a plumbing problem, I would have to find and call a reliable plumber, and you would be lucky if they could come out next week. Now, all I have to do is call the General Services team, and someone will be here the same day to troubleshoot and make repairs. It's incredible.

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

Ann: I've discovered new opportunities like volunteering at the Treasure Sale, [the on-campus thrift shop,] and serving as a sales ambassador. I hope to do even more as time allows. Moving across the country to Charlestown marked the beginning of a new chapter for me.

The worry-free lifestyle also gives me more time to relax and enjoy moments with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tribune: How has Charlestown enhanced your social life?

Ann: Making new friends couldn't be easier! Just going to the fitness center or walking to your mailbox, you meet people. You can join a club and instantly meet other residents. As a new resident, you are invited to dinner by other residents, and once a month, we have a meet-and-greet event.

When you're alone in your home, you are isolated unless you go out and make the effort to talk to your neighbors. Here, I open the door and walk down the hall. I'm bound to see somebody I know, and they will always say hello.

Tribune: What would you tell someone who is considering a move to Charlestown?

Ann: I would tell them to explore everything Charlestown offers and ask questions. Take a tour and attend sales events. Once you're comfortable, join the Priority List--it will benefit you in many ways.

Tribune: Do you feel like you made the right decision moving to Charlestown?

Ann: The longer I'm here, the more I know I made the right decision. I enjoy going to the fitness center, dining at the various restaurants, and having a hair and nail salon right at my fingertips. We also have a pharmacy on-site and a library I can walk to or reach by campus shuttle. The shuttle also goes off campus to the grocery store, which makes life incredibly easy.

Everything contributes immensely to my peace of mind and quality of life!

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

By Danielle Rexrode