Twins Enjoy Time Together and Making New Friends at Ann's Choice

For twins Kathy Clark and Patty Lampi, life has always been about togetherness. "There's always been that person who's been there," notes Kathy.

Patty agrees, saying, "Being a 'we' is the only way we know how to live."

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Now, the sisters are continuing their lifelong bond at Ann's Choice, an Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa. But they aren't the only twins who have discovered the benefits of community living.

Twin brothers Saul Katz and Lewis Katz also call Ann's Choice home, reconnecting in retirement after decades of living in different states.

For these siblings, moving to Ann's Choice has offered the best of both worlds--the comfort of close family connections and the freedom to pursue activities they're each interested in.

Time together

Patty and her husband, John, moved to Ann's Choice seven years ago from Harrisburg, Pa. Kathy and her husband, Mike, followed about five years later from Bensalem, Pa.

For both couples, the move was about simplifying life. Without the responsibilities of home maintenance and repairs, residents have more time to participate in clubs and activities.

"Ann's Choice checked all the boxes," says Patty. "Everything is indoors, and they have so many clubs and activities. The fitness center was important too."

"We wanted to come when we were young enough to enjoy everything," adds Kathy.

This also means the sisters have more time to spend with each other. You'll often find them attending fitness classes and enjoying Sunday dinners together at one of the on-campus restaurants.

"It was a blessing for me to move [to Ann's Choice] with Pat here," Kathy says. "Almost all of our married lives, we've lived three hours apart."

"The best part about living here is being part of each other's daily lives," adds Patty.

Reconnecting

Saul and his wife, Ilene, moved to Ann's Choice about four and a half years ago from nearby Warminster, Pa. Lewis and his wife, Joan, followed two years ago from Easton, Pa.

"We moved here not knowing anybody within a 40-mile radius, other than my brother," Lewis says. "But right after we moved in, we made a whole lot of friends. It was very easy! People are very friendly and very welcoming."

Like many residents, the brothers quickly became immersed in community life. Today, they regularly play bocce, shuffleboard, and Wii bowling together.

"We've become close again," Lewis says. "Our paths cross rather frequently now."

At the same time, the twins appreciate having the opportunity to participate in separate activities and join their own social circles.

"Lewis has a lot of friends from Easton who still come down to see him," Saul says. "And I have my friends too."

Peace of mind

Both sets of twins agree that one of the greatest benefits of moving is gaining peace of mind. As a continuing care retirement community, Ann's Choice offers a range of health care services--including a medical center, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation--right on campus.

"The on-site continuing care was a consideration for us. We felt it was a gift we could give our kids," says Kathy.

"And the medical center here is wonderful," Saul says. "There are all kinds of support services," including timely visits for things like flu shots, tests, and screenings.

"You have all the services you need," adds Lewis.

Don't wait!

Whether participating in activities with friends, gathering for dinner, or simply checking in on one another, these twins have discovered that retirement at Ann's Choice is truly special.

"It feels like home. You're able to get involved," Patty says.

"You have transportation, activities, restaurants, and everything is very well run," says Saul.

"We rarely, if ever, eat dinner by ourselves in the dining room," Lewis says. "We always have somebody to eat dinner with. It's just a very happy place to be."

Kathy encourages anyone considering a move to Ann's Choice not to wait. "Do it while you're young enough to have fun here," she says. "And it is fun!"

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

By Julia Collins