Comprehensive Approach to Senior Living Research Helps Couples Make Confident Transition

When Roger Heinrich and Beverly Lukas planned their transition to senior living, they initially considered moving closer to family in Philadelphia before realizing the value of remaining in their established community. Their decision to explore Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., just 10 minutes from their former Scotch Plains home, allowed them to maintain connections with doctors, church, and longtime friends while accessing comprehensive senior living amenities.

The couple's research process highlights the importance of multiple engagement methods when evaluating retirement communities. According to Sales Director Kate Tanis, the Lantern Hill sales team offers personal appointments, educational events, and group tours designed to help prospective residents become familiar with the community and gather necessary information. These introductory appointments focus on understanding individual priorities while sharing details about amenities, finances, floor plans, and lifestyle options.

After their initial appointment, Roger and Beverly joined Lantern Hill's Priority List, which provides members with invitations to exclusive informational and social events while securing their position for future residence availability. The program's most valuable feature proved to be the Live the Life stay, an overnight experience in a furnished suite complete with preferred snacks and beverages. During their two-night stay, members can utilize community amenities, participate in club meetings, dine at on-campus restaurants, and interact with current residents.

Roger emphasized the program's effectiveness, noting that staying at Lantern Hill made them more comfortable with the community before committing to the move. Beverly added that sharing six meals with different residents and attending exercise classes provided genuine insight into daily community life. This hands-on experience proved crucial in their decision-making process, demonstrating how immersive opportunities can bridge the gap between research and reality for seniors considering lifestyle changes.

When selecting their new residence, the couple prioritized a two-bedroom layout with pleasant views, ultimately choosing a third-floor apartment backing to wooded areas. The single-level living arrangement addressed their concerns about navigating multiple floors, while proximity to elevators ensures easy access to all community amenities. Tanis explained that during home showings, the sales team continuously notes prospective residents' preferences regarding space, views, and sunlight exposure to match them with ideal living arrangements.

Since moving in, Roger looks forward to swimming and joining the Bogey Bunch golf group, while both plan to continue taking community transportation to Broadway theater performances in New York City. The flexible dining options, including restaurant meals and takeout service, have already facilitated social gatherings with other couples in their new home. Beverly noted the unexpected benefit of reconnecting with acquaintances from their previous neighborhood who had also chosen Lantern Hill.

Beyond social and recreational advantages, the couple values the peace of mind that comprehensive senior living provides for themselves and their family. Roger observed that their children no longer need to worry about their well-being, highlighting how quality senior living communities can reduce family concerns while maintaining residents' independence and social engagement. The comprehensive approach to introducing prospective residents to community life through multiple touchpoints represents an industry best practice for ensuring successful transitions to senior living environments.