Cedar Crest Attracts 55-Plus Community Residents

With predictable costs, maintenance-free homes, and an array of on-site activities, it's no surprise that Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., is attracting so many residents of 55-plus communities.

"Many people choose a 55-plus community first as a stepping stone," says Sales Manager Jessica Cirelli, "but we often hear that they wish they had chosen Cedar Crest from the start!"

She continues, "While 55-plus communities have some amenities, Cedar Crest boasts a larger range of clubs, amenities, activities, and resources, just steps from residents' homes. Cedar Crest also provides easy access to a continuum of health care services, which 55-plus communities do not offer."

As a result, 55-plus communities become a short-term living option for some. Just ask Angelo and Lucille DiNome, who moved to Cedar Crest last year.

Convenience matters

After living in a condo at a 55-plus community in Wayne, N.J., for 26 years, Angelo and Lucille decided to explore other senior living options nearby.

"Our condo had a lot of maintenance issues, like plumbing and electrical," Angelo says. "That was an annual occurrence, and the costs were increasing."

The couple also wanted to adopt an active lifestyle--something that proved to be challenging during the colder months and inclement weather at their 55-plus community.

At Cedar Crest, home maintenance and repairs are included in the monthly service package, and members of the expert General Services team handle all requests in a timely manner. Also, buildings are connected via climate-controlled walkways, making it easy for residents to get to the fitness center, medical center, or any of the community's seven restaurants--no matter the weather.

Once Angelo and Lucille discovered these benefits as well as the variety of engaging activities, they knew they had found their new home.

Out and about

The DiNomes love their two-bedroom, two-bath residence at Cedar Crest. Angelo especially appreciates that it's maintenance-free. Plus, all utilities are included in their monthly service package.

Once Angelo and Lucille settled in, they wasted no time getting involved in the community. Lucille joined an art class and sings in the choir. Angelo has also joined a bocce league, and they are both exploring the continuing education offerings.

"Our participation in activities has increased at Cedar Crest because we don't have to go outside to the clubhouse," says Angelo. "Here, if we get bad weather, I can just go down to the gym or walk anywhere I want indoors."

The couple also enjoys playing cards and dining with their many new friends.

"We immediately loved it here!" Lucille adds.

'An easy choice'

Like Angelo and Lucille, David and Shirley Cowan moved to Cedar Crest after living at a 55-plus community in Wanaque, N.J., for 19 years.

David and Shirley both grew up in Los Angeles, Calif., where they met as teenagers and later married. During David's career with Lockheed Martin, they traveled extensively and lived in many places, including Geneva, Switzerland; Maryland; and Connecticut.

When they started planning for retirement, they decided to move to New Jersey to be closer to one of their daughters and grandchildren. The 55-plus community suited their lifestyle for many years, but after nearly two decades, the couple decided to explore nearby continuing care retirement communities as an alternative.

"[We checked out several places,] but nothing compared financially to Cedar Crest--or the perks you have here," says David. "We visited, did a tour, and spoke with Jessica. It was an easy choice for us."

The Cowans were especially drawn to Cedar Crest's pricing structure, which includes a monthly service package and a 90% refundable entrance fee.*

The entrance fee, collected as part of the residency process, will go back to you or your beneficiaries, if or when you leave the community.

An engaging lifestyle

David and Shirley were glad to hear that the monthly service package also includes a meal plan at on-site restaurants and access to the dozens of amenities.

"You have so many choices, which is amazing, and the food is pretty darn good! Having lived all over the world, we're foodies," says Shirley.

David plays poker and bocce, works out in the fitness center, and attends exercise classes. Shirley enjoys teaching chair yoga and gentle mat yoga classes.

"We've been here almost a year, and we are very busy," says Shirley. "We've met a lot of new people here and have picked up friendships that we had at [our former community] as well."

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

*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.

By Susan Ingram