Why Mary Coyne Loves Living at Oak Crest

If you stopped residents of Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, 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 they've gained.

Subscribe

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

Recently, resident Mary Coyne sat down with the Tribune to share why she moved from her three-bedroom Cape Cod in Rosedale, Md., what she likes best about living at Oak Crest, and how she knows she made the right decision.

Tribune: What led you to consider Oak Crest?

Mary: I was living alone and wasn't as active as I used to be. I missed having socialization and felt like I needed to be with other people, so that was my driving force for thinking about a move.

Over the years, I received invitations to tour Oak Crest. During one of my visits, I joined the Priority List. As a member, I was able to participate in the Live the Life program and stay overnight [in a furnished guest suite]. They connected me with a lovely couple for dinner one night and then lunch with a woman who is very active with shuffleboard here. The community is so active and social, which is what I wanted.

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

Mary: It's nice! If I have a problem in my residence, I just call the General Services team. When a piece of flooring came loose in my kitchen, they replaced it. They were in and out! I've also had them professionally hang some stained-glass pieces in my window.

Tribune: Is it easy to meet people and make new friends at Oak Crest?

Mary: Yes. The weekend I moved in, I went to Terrapin Cove, [one of the casual restaurants on campus,] to get a carryout meal. When I went to pick up my food, three residents were sitting there. One of them introduced himself, and we started chatting. They invited me to join them, and we are still friends to this day.

One of the nice things about living here is that if you want to socialize, there are plenty of opportunities. If you don't, you can stay inside your home. Sometimes, I have days like that, but most days, I'm a people person.

Tribune: What amenities and activities do you enjoy most?

Mary: I use the fitness center, go to movie showings, and participate in the walking group. I also play shuffleboard and bocce. Although I haven't been to the ceramic arts studio yet, I hope to find time to take some classes.

I often go down to happy hour, and it's wonderful. I've taken planned bus trips as well. I like that they have a guest swim time at the pool, so when my son and his family come to visit, we can all go there together.

Tribune: How has your move provided peace of mind?

Mary: Whatever happens, this is my forever home now. I have the comfort of knowing that, regardless of my future finances, I have a Home for Life.* That was a big factor in my decision to move here.

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

Mary: Start exploring your options now! It doesn't cost anything to look around and see if a community is right for you. The decision is on your timeline--you're not pressured to make a move before you're ready. If you decide you want to move to Oak Crest, there are so many resources in place to help you, [including preferred downsizing, packing, and moving specialists.]

And once you're here, they have lots of ways to help you become familiar with the community and meet people.

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

Details and conditions are outlined in our Residence and Care Agreement.

Danielle Rexrode