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Sample Amenities and Dining Experiences After Joining the Priority List
Community Contributor
You've earned your retirement years! Whether you want to relax with a good book or pick up a new hobby, it's important to find an environment that best supports your goals for retirement.
Determined to find the perfect place to pursue a vibrant lifestyle, Earl Huch and Lois Eldred began researching retirement communities ahead of their planned move.
Part of their research included joining the Priority List at Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., as well as lists at other communities they were considering.
"It's never too soon to begin researching your retirement living options," says Matt Dougherty, sales director at Charlestown. "And the Priority List is a great place to start."
Priority List members gain right of first refusal on desired floor plans, exclusive invites to social and informational events, and planning and moving support.
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"Joining the Priority List is the best way to get to know our community," he adds. "There is nothing like being able to ‘test drive' a community before making the commitment to move."
Living the lifeAfter joining the Priority List, Earl and Lois were also given the opportunity to sign up for a Live the Life stay--an overnight experience in a furnished residence that allows members to sample amenities, dine at on-campus restaurants, and chat with current residents.
Sales team members ensure overnight stays offer a true taste of the lifestyle by coordinating activities and introductions to clubs that are tailored to guests' interests.
"I think spending a few nights on campus and meeting different people who already lived here is really what sold me," says Lois. "We were able to experience firsthand what it is like to live at Charlestown. We stayed overnight during the fall, and the campus was just so gorgeous."
In fact, Earl and Lois' stay was so impactful that they went from exploring their senior living options to finding the perfect home at Charlestown and moving in in just two months.
A smooth moveFollowing their Live the Life stay, Earl and Lois turned their attention to finding a floor plan--for four.
"We wanted easy access to the outdoors for our two dogs," says Earl.
Once a desired residence becomes available, it is offered to Priority List members--based on the date they joined--ahead of members of the public.
Thanks to their Priority List status, Earl, Lois, and their furry companions didn't have to wait long. "We were able to get an apartment with lots of natural light just steps from the outdoors. It's absolutely perfect!"
Once they reserved their residence, the couple reached out to Meagan Deal, Charlestown's planning and moving consultant, for help determining what to bring to their new home, selling their house, and creating a moving plan.
"Meagan came [to our house] and measured the furniture that we wanted to bring, so that we could make sure everything would fit and have a place," says Lois.
New chapterThanks to all their research and careful preparation, the couple experienced a stress-free move and have been living life to the fullest since their 2024 move.
"There are so many activities to choose from. I am involved in genealogy. I also do water aerobics and we belong to the gym. I think we have become healthier since we moved," says Earl.
"Being able to have dinner with different people several nights a week is wonderful," adds Lois. "It has really been a joy."
Whether you just started your research or are already envisioning life at Charlestown, joining the Priority List is the way to go.
"It's risk free! The onetime $1,000 deposit gets applied to the entrance fee for your residence or will be fully refunded, if you ultimately decide to move somewhere else," explains Dougherty. "When you consider all of the benefits that come with joining the Priority List, there's really no downside."
He adds, "Even if you're not quite ready to make a move now, you can still enjoy the vibrant lifestyle at Charlestown by making new friends. The sooner you join, the better!"
Invest in your future self at Charlestown. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!
By Danielle Rexrode