Make Your Dream Retirement a Reality at Oak Crest

For 42 years, Jim and Judy Gach juggled the increasing responsibilities of their three-bedroom house in Perry Hall, Md.

But when they moved to Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., they unlocked a new, worry-free chapter in their lives.

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"I didn't realize how much mental space owning a house required--always worrying about what might break next. The upkeep never seemed to end," says Jim. "Now, if something needs attention in our apartment, we simply call [the community's General Services team]. It's a huge relief!"

Freed from the burdens of homeownership like mowing lawns, raking leaves, and making ongoing repairs, Oak Crest residents have more time to participate in engaging activities, make new friends, and enjoy an array of on-site amenities.

Live your best life

"We talked about moving to a retirement community for years," says Jim.

They were looking for a community that would eliminate the hassles of homeownership and provide plenty of ways to get involved. Oak Crest checked those boxes, but what really stood out to Jim and Judy was "its spaciousness and the friendliness of the people. From the start, everyone we met was just lovely," recalls Jim.

This sense of community runs deeper than first impressions. The warmth residents describe stems from Oak Crest's mission to help people live better lives. "You can feel the difference when you visit our campus. There's something truly special here that you won't find anywhere else," says Sales Director Dan Plakatoris.

Now, Jim and Judy are living their best lives. Jim leads a veterans' group at Oak Crest and teaches yoga five days a week at the local YMCA. Judy volunteers by reading to residents of the on-site continuing care neighborhood and preparing casseroles for Our Daily Bread, a local charity.

The couple also appreciates that cleaning is a lot easier and that they don't have to cook, if they don't want to.

"Cleaning our apartment is far easier than taking care of a whole house," says Jim. "And the food is wonderful! We both like to cook and have a very nice kitchen, but we don't cook as often as we thought we would."

Convenience matters

George Raley and Sue Raley-Lyon, former Towson, Md., residents, have also found that moving to Oak Crest provides freedom to make the most of retirement.

"We lived in a four-bedroom house with a large yard to maintain, but now, we no longer worry about upkeep and enjoy the many conveniences the community offers," says Sue.

After some health challenges, George--a former long-distance runner--benefits from the community's exercise classes and on-site medical care. And Sue, who has mobility issues, is no longer limited to the first floor of their old house.

"We lived in our house for 16 years, and now we're independent again!" Sue shares. "It's made such a meaningful difference in our health."

"I used to be mostly housebound, only able to leave for doctor appointments. Now, I can go anywhere on campus--something I could never do before," she adds, noting that all amenities can be accessed via elevators from their one-level residence.

'A wonderful place'

Since moving to Oak Crest last year, socializing has also become much easier for George and Sue, who have already made new friends.

Sue is learning how to play bridge with neighbors and plans to join the book club and the choir. George is part of a walking group.

"I made a friend who was also a marathoner, and we walk together in the group that meets twice a week," he says. "Everyone is so gracious and friendly. It's just a wonderful place to live."

He continues, "There are so many wonderful benefits to living here, including great restaurants, friends, exercise opportunities, and support groups. There's even on-site medical care, a bank, and a pharmacy! We used to have to drive everywhere. Now, everything we need is right here."

Enjoying retirement

Thanks to Oak Crest's worry-free lifestyle, residents like these two couples can enjoy this exciting chapter of their lives.

"People unfamiliar with Oak Crest may mistakenly believe that moving to a senior living community means losing your independence, when in reality, the opposite is true," says Plakatoris. "By moving to Oak Crest, you gain independence, giving you more time to truly enjoy life."

"We know we made the right choice and feel blessed to be here!" says Jim.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Danielle Rexrode