Comprehensive Approach to Senior Living Exploration Helps Couple Find Ideal Community

The journey to finding the right senior living community requires careful consideration and multiple opportunities for exploration, as demonstrated by Jeff and Judy Kalla's experience with Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Massachusetts. The couple emphasized the importance of spending substantial time on campus and interacting with current residents before making their final decision, highlighting the community's pressure-free approach to helping prospective residents determine if the environment suits their needs.

Sales Director Susan Sheehan explained the philosophy behind this comprehensive approach, stating that providing all necessary information to help people determine whether Linden Ponds represents the right fit stands as the most important objective. The Kallas began considering senior living options several years before their actual move, understanding the value of early research and planning. Their exploration intensified after attending an informational luncheon where they met Sales Counselor Karmin Der, who demonstrated thorough understanding of their preferences and showed them whatever aspects they wanted to examine.

Following their initial positive experience, Jeff and Judy joined the Priority List, which not only secured their position for future residence availability but also provided invitations to exclusive social and informational events on campus. The annual garden party luncheon and tour proved particularly valuable, allowing them to socialize amidst the community's well-maintained garden patches that residents tend regularly. This experience resonated with the couple, who had previously maintained half an acre at their former house and appreciated the opportunity to continue gardening activities.

The tour of current residents' homes offered practical insights that helped the Kallas envision their future living space. Judy noted that seeing a variety of lived-in homes assisted them in selecting the Jackson floor plan, particularly appreciating the five large windows that filled the space with natural light. The opportunity to observe how residents personalized their living spaces provided additional valuable perspective for their decision-making process.

Perhaps the most impactful component of their exploration was the Live the Life program, available through the Priority List membership. This immersive experience allowed them to stay overnight in a furnished guest suite, utilize community amenities, participate in club meetings, dine at on-campus restaurants, and engage in conversations with current residents. During their stay, Jeff attended the men's discussion group and visited the woodshop while Judy explored the nature and photography groups. Together, they dined with residents, walked around campus, and joined the Born in the '50s group, connecting with peers who shared similar life experiences.

This comprehensive exposure to community life solidified their decision to move to Linden Ponds while they remained young enough to establish new relationships. Since moving in March, they have found the community exceptionally warm and welcoming, with Judy recalling one resident's comment that while she might never reach heaven, Linden Ponds comes close enough. The couple expresses great satisfaction with their decision and their current living situation, validating the importance of thorough, multi-faceted exploration before committing to a senior living community.