Six Pillars of Solid Retirement Communities

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I live at Greenspring, an Erickson community in Virginia. I can't speak about other retirement communities, but the healthcare plan at my community is great. My doctor on campus spends plenty of time with me and it's easy to get to see him. I actually make all of my regular checkups now and feel better than I have in years!

Maude of VA 10:32AM May 15, 2009

Meg's right. Do your research. I looked around and ended up chosing an Erickson community because of its healthcare. Mine has anything I could ever need. It's affordable on a pension and the communities don't look like hospitals. It's the best decision I've ever made.

Thomas of MD 9:53AM May 15, 2009

My parents live in an Erickson community here in PA and it is the greatest thing they ever did. My dad had all but given up - it was him and the TV and the easy chair. My mom wanted to be social and having fun, but wouldn't do anything without him. It was a few weeks after they moved in (which the Maris Grove made so easy) that I called one night and my mom answered the phone. When I asked what dad was doing, she said he was off shooting pool with the guys. You could have knocked me over with a feaather! My dad? Out having fun?
They are definately healthier now, walking and swimming - they are in better health than they were 10 years ago. It is true that you pay for health care at Erickson, but wouldn't you pay for it if you were in your house and needed to leave for care? Unlike the Type A that the other writer mentioned, you pay for it "if" you use it. Type A is like a really expensive insurance policy, where if you never need health care at Erickson, you never pay for it.
Moving to an Erickson community was like a gift to my family - Thank you to John Erickson!

June of PA 4:06PM May 14, 2009

What happens if health care is needed? What this story doesn't tell you is how much Erickson will charge you if you or your spouse need medical care. People often require higher levels of care as they age, and the costs of care is extremely high (about $80K per year or more for skilled care) in some states.
These costs can quickly deplete one's savings. Read the fine print with places offering "refundable entrance fees." These are actually interest-free loans to the owner, with no security at all from long-term care costs that continue to soar. It's like purchasing a big fancy car with no insurance!
When visiting, make sure to ask how much they charge for medical care if it becomes necessary! You may want to check out CCRCs that offer a Type A contract, which pre-pays any future health care needs and provides a significant tax benefit as portions of the entrance and monthly fees may be tax deductible!

Meg of PA 1:29PM May 14, 2009

Erickson is a great company and has very nice communities. They offer everything you could want and are very well priced for how much they offer. They have communities all over the east coast and in Texas, Kansas, Michigan and a few other places I believe. They helped me sell my old house so I could move in quicker. They are definately worth investigating if you're looking.

Michael of MD 12:34PM May 14, 2009