Living Well at Maris Grove

When Lois and Lynn Bickel were exploring their senior living options, they were looking for a retirement community that offers an engaging, worry-free lifestyle.

They found that--and so much more--at Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania.

Without the responsibilities of homeownership, residents like the Bickels have more time to connect with neighbors through clubs, exercise classes, volunteer efforts, creative pursuits, and shared meals.

A warm welcome

For Lois and Lynn, who moved to Maris Grove from Palmyra, Pa., the community's warmth was evident from day one.

"The first week we got here, we had cookies on the shelf outside our door and invitations to dinner," Lois recalls. "We've been with people ever since we moved in, and we're still making new friends."

Community Resources Manager Missy Scheer notes that this welcoming atmosphere is woven into the fabric of life at Maris Grove.

"What's nice about community living is you never have to be alone, unless you want to be," Scheer explains. "You'll find activities happening on any given day. The ease of being able to do things is nice."

Lois agrees, saying, "We meet people in the hallway and elevators. They're the most friendly people I've ever met, always saying hello or asking if you need anything."

"There's a lot of camaraderie here," Lynn adds. "Anytime you go for a meal or to the library, everybody says hello. It makes you feel welcome."

Active and engaged

The array of clubs, fitness classes, and social events on campus help residents build meaningful connections.

"We encourage new residents to tell us what they enjoy because we'll connect them directly with a club lead," says Scheer. "Shared interests make it easier to start conversations and deepen bonds over time."

From line dancing and bocce to chess and mah-jongg, residents can easily find activities that match their interests. Lynn found appeal in the woodworking and veterans' clubs, while Lois is drawn to sewing and crochet. "There's no shortage of clubs or games to play here," she says.

The community's fitness programs are especially popular. "The fitness center is a great place to be," says Scheer. "The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and residents have fun working out together."

Residents even formed a "breakfast club" for those who exercise early in the morning--a chance to socialize over coffee after their workouts.

"Lynn goes to the gym, and I go to the pool. We're there three days a week," Lois notes. "I swim 30 laps, and he does 30 minutes of weights."

Other ways to connect

Maris Grove's volunteer efforts and distinct restaurants offer even more opportunities for socialization.

The Resident Outreach Committee organizes efforts like a mitten tree, food drives, and Stockings for Soldiers. "Residents love knowing they're making a difference, both within Maris Grove and in the greater community," Scheer says.

The seven on-site restaurants, where meals are prepared to order by skilled chefs, are vibrant places for residents to catch up with friends or get to know a new neighbor over dinner.

"We have dinner plans tonight!" says Lois. "We still have dinner with the neighbors who first greeted us."

The couple has also enjoyed exploring their surroundings. "You're in the Philly area, but you're not overwhelmed because you're not in the city," says Lynn. "You still have everything you want to do nearby. And if you're a sports fan, it's great--Maris Grove even organizes trips to games and other events."

A worry-free lifestyle

Lois and Lynn are able to maintain such busy, active calendars thanks to the community's worry-free lifestyle. Home maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement, is handled by the expert General Services team.

"Here, we don't have to mow the grass, weed whack, or wait around for plumbers. If something needs fixing, it's taken care of. We can just enjoy our day," says Lois.

The community's climate-controlled walkways offer additional peace of mind. "We come and go so easily," Lois says. "We even take the shuttle to other buildings on campus for dinner or wine and cheese events. We don't have to worry about moving the car or driving in bad weather."

For the Bickels, moving to Maris Grove has been a life-changing experience. Now, they can focus on fitness, fun, and friendships.

"Where we came from, our friends were our neighbors," Lois reflects. "That's what's happening here, too--our neighbors have become our friends."

Lynn sums it up best: "When you move here, you'll fall in love with it!"

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

By Julia Collins