The Best Way to Explore Your Senior Living Options

When exploring senior living options, it's important to consider what you want in this next phase of life. You want to be sure that your choice supports your ability to thrive and make the most of your well-earned retirement.

It's a big decision. Knowing this, Erickson Senior Living offers those considering a move to one of the communities in their national network the opportunity to join the Priority List.

The Priority List puts members in the driver's seat, providing peace of mind as they review their options on how they want to shape their retirement lifestyle.

We recently spoke with Tom Neubauer, chief sales and marketing officer at Erickson Senior Living, about the benefits of joining the Priority List and how membership helps make the transition to a retirement community engaging and seamless.  

Q: For those considering a move to a senior living community, what's the best place to start? 
A: When people ask me this question, I strongly encourage them to visit the community and meet with a member of the sales team. They are subject matter experts and can help you understand all about pricing, amenities, and activities. While doing online research and talking to family and friends are important, nothing replaces experiencing how a community feels firsthand. It's similar to a college visit as you can scope out the culture, size, and personality of the campus.

I also advise people to join the Priority List. In addition to access to experts and special events, you gain peace of mind by securing your place in line when you're ready to move into the residence of your choice. Membership puts you in control of your destiny, no matter your timeline. Joining the Priority List is totally risk-free as the deposit is fully refundable, which is one reason I so highly recommend joining.

Q: What other benefits come with Priority List membership?
A: Members receive special access to the community. This means receiving news and information before the general public, invitations to special events and social gatherings, and the ability to connect with experts in senior living during seminars created especially for Priority List members. You can also meet your future neighbors over lunch or dinner!

Priority List members also learn about community life in ways that the general public cannot. They're invited to experience an array of activities and amenities--like continuing education programs and the fitness center, for example--and speak to those involved. They will also receive special insight into our unparalleled integrated health care system, which features on-site medical centers and Erickson Advantage, the highly rated Medicare Advantage program.

Q: As the spring real estate market begins to heat up, how can Priority List members make the most of Erickson Realty and Moving Services?
A: With more than 40 years of experience serving seniors and their families, we designed the popular Erickson Realty and Moving Services program to offer support every step of the way. Our Priority List members love it!

With help from our established network of preferred partners, including real estate agents, downsizing experts, and senior move managers, you will have all the expert help you need. Each community has dedicated planning and moving support to make the transition from your front door to our front door as smooth as possible.

Q: What else can Priority List members expect?
A: We're particularly excited about the opportunities associated with Live the Life. This program provides Priority List members an invitation to try the community on for size. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurants with current residents who share similar interests, utilize amenities like the fitness center, and attend events or club meetings. The sales counselor can let you know if overnight stays are available, too.

Understanding that selecting a senior living option can be a challenging decision, the Live the Life program has provided many residents the chance to "test drive" the community. Priority List members get to experience the feel of the community by talking with residents, tasting the food, and observing daily life. It's the ideal way to have your questions about senior living answered firsthand.

Find an Erickson Senior Living community near you to schedule a tour and see the difference for yourself!