New Seabrook Residents Embrace Connection, Convenience, and a Worry-Free Lifestyle

For 21 years, Arthur "Art" and Laura Pote lived in a 55-plus community in Somerset, N.J. As time went on, though, they began considering what they wanted their next chapter to look like. That's when they began considering Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J.

The Potes were already familiar with life in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), as Laura previously served as a nurse in a similar community.

"As our friends and neighbors moved on, we began to realize that the natural next step was relocating to a CCRC ourselves. We wanted to be able to age in place and spend our time enjoying life," Art explains.

"Often, residents come to Seabrook after spending many years in a 55-plus community," notes Macie Fisher, Seabrook's planning and moving consultant.

"They're ready to leave the burden of home maintenance behind. Plus, as friends move away, they lose the social aspect of living in a community. Moving to Seabrook offers independence with a built-in social network right outside the door."

The Potes approached their search thoughtfully, spending months exploring potential communities. They explored options in Virginia, where two of their children reside, and locally in New Jersey, near their son in Atlantic Highlands.

"We didn't want to make a decision by looking at a brochure," Art says. "You have to visit more than once and traveling that far for repeated tours wasn't practical for us. So, we concentrated on New Jersey."

The Potes considered three Erickson Senior Living communities in New Jersey: Seabrook, Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains, and Lantern Hill in New Providence. Seabrook, close to the Jersey Shore and 20 minutes from their son and his family, was ideal.

For the Potes, their old community handled basic exterior upkeep, but much of the household responsibility still fell on their shoulders. They bore the burden and expense of maintenance and repairs. Contractors often failed to show, causing repeated delays and frustrations.

Now, at Seabrook, if the couple needs a light bulb changed or an appliance repaired, they simply call General Services and a team member responds quickly. Whether a repair or replacement, the service is included in their monthly service package.

The Potes also take comfort in Seabrook's commitment to safety. Residents are safe and secure thanks to 24-hour security patrols staffed by emergency responders who are trainedEmergency Medical Responders.

So much to offer

Although their 55-plus community offered a clubhouse and amenities, the Potes were ready for a lifestyle with more variety, convenience, and opportunities to engage.

"We were impressed to learn that at Seabrook, there was so much more we could take advantage of without leaving the campus," Laura notes. "We both attend fitness classes. I especially enjoy chair tap dancing and Conductorcise®, an exercise class using a baton to follow musical rhythms."

In addition, the Potes attend adult education classes on oceanography and orchestrations rewritten for piano. They also participate in the men's and women's breakfasts and mass on Saturday afternoons. Laura joined the Retired Nurses Club and volunteers with Intermissions, the community's memory care program.

Making a smooth move

To ensure a smooth move, the Potes hired a senior move manager who measured their furniture and used markers on a board to show where it would fit in their
new two-bedroom, two-bath home with a sunroom. They gave some of their furniture to their children, held an estate sale, and donated what remained.

The senior move manager also hired a recommended packing company that efficiently boxed all their belongings--helping them to purge many unnecessary domestic items and clothes--and unpacked them on move-in day.

"It was the first time in my life that I've opened a drawer and had all of my clothes folded when I moved in," Art says. "When we went to bed that night, everything was where we wanted it."

The Potes are happy at Seabrook and share their enthusiasm with others. They serve as community ambassadors, meeting and dining with prospective residents in the five community restaurants.

When friends come to visit, they walk them around the community. They are warmly greeted by everyone who passes by, whether it's a fellow resident or Seabrook team member.

"One friend asked me what was in the water here," Art says with a laugh. "Everyone is so friendly."

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

By Linda Esterson