This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Thanks to their Priority List membership, Paul Kirby and Susan Endler felt well informed about Devonshire's lifestyle and prepared to move
When it comes to researching a retirement community, there's nothing quite like seeing it for yourself. At Devonshire, an Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., there are countless ways to do just that!
From personalized appointments to informational events and group tours, Devonshire invites prospective community members to explore the campus at their own pace--with no added pressure.
"You gain the knowledge you need to make this important decision," says Susan Endler, who took advantage of these learning opportunities with her husband, Paul Kirby, before moving to the community in 2022.
"We never felt that we were under any kind of pressure to make a decision or that we were being sold to," she notes. "The sales team really wants to make sure you are making the right decision. They only want you to move to Devonshire if it's right for you."
Exploring their options
Several years ago, while living in a condo in Jonathan's Landing in Jupiter, Fla., Susan and Paul began thinking about their senior living options.
"We'd seen friends go through experiences where they've needed help," says Paul. "Because our family is scattered across the country and Mexico, if we ever needed help, our kids would have no idea what's available near us--what's good, what's bad."
So, the couple started researching retirement communities in the area.
"Two of our dear friends had mothers living at senior living communities--one in Boca Raton and one at Devonshire," says Susan. "They both agreed that Devonshire was the better choice, not only offering more value for the money, but that it was a very friendly place."
See for yourself
Susan and Paul scheduled an appointment with Donna Schneider, Devonshire's sales director, to learn more about the community.
"Scheduling an appointment with a sales team member is a great way to see the campus and have your questions and unique needs addressed one-on-one," notes Schneider.
"Walking into Devonshire, the first impression was very strong," says Paul.
"I got a good feeling," adds Susan. "I immediately knew I could be comfortable in these surroundings, right from the get-go."
Schneider provided the couple with additional information about luncheons, educational seminars, residence tours, and social gatherings--all designed to help them learn more about life at the community.
Eager to explore more and hear about the vibrant lifestyle firsthand, they signed up for a brunch with current community members.
"We found everyone to be so friendly," says Susan. "They shared with us how acquaintances can quickly become friends, which we've found to be true. In fact, one of the couples we met at that brunch are now our good friends!"
A supportive team
The helpfulness and support of the sales team continued after the couple made the decision to move to Devonshire.
"From a legal and financial standpoint, the conversations we had with the sales team made us feel most comfortable," says Paul. "They answered all our questions and clearly explained the whole process. They welcomed our questions, even pointing out things they thought were important and didn't want us to miss."
And because they joined the Priority List, Susan and Paul had access to Planning and Moving Consultant Laurie Lovely, who helped them create the best layout for their new home.
"Laurie came to visit us in our condo to see how we live. She talked with us about the furniture we wanted to take with us, laying it all out to show us how it might fit," says Susan. "She also put us in touch with a senior move company."
In addition to gaining access to planning and moving support, Priority List members save their spot in line for a residence, receive invitations to exclusive events, and stay up-to-date on community happenings.
'Come for a visit'
Since moving to the community, Susan and Paul have discovered that the life they planned for is even better than they imagined.
"It's been so easy to meet new people," says Paul. "When we eat in the restaurants, people go out of their way to introduce themselves or talk with us. It's an environment that makes you happy."
"To anyone considering a move, my biggest piece of advice is to come for a visit," says Susan. "There's that old expression, the proof is in the pudding. My hope is that other people get the same feeling I did. And that feeling is bolstered by all the information that the sales team shares with you."
Request more information today to learn more about all the different ways you can explore the vibrant lifestyle at Devonshire.
By Kelly Shue
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?