Ann's Choice Residents Enjoy a Fresh Focus on Well-Being

"Being involved in clubs, helping others, and fostering social connections enhance my well-being. At Ann's Choice, I can do it all!" says Naureen Schnee, a resident of the Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa.

And she's in great company, since her neighbors are just as passionate about caring for their overall health. It's also a key component of the Ann's Choice mission. 

"We work hard to infuse elements of health and well-being into all of the programs we offer," says Resident Life Director Trisha Malabuyo. "We understand how important such initiatives are to residents' quality of life. From awareness and education to programs, so much of our identity as a community is connected to well-being!"

Investing in well-being

To support residents in their wellness journeys, Erickson Senior Living is investing $500 million in upgrades to its communities, focusing on amenities and activities that are tied to physical, mental, and spiritual health. 

At Ann's Choice, Erickson Senior Living's investment brought several enhancements to the community, including the printing of a guidebook created by the Well-Being Committee and the creation of an outdoor dog park--both of which Naureen has ties to.

As a member of the Well-Being Committee, Naureen helps plan informational sessions with experts in the wellness field. And as the leader of the Feather and Fur Babies Pet Club, she emphasizes the mental and physical health benefits of having a furry companion.

"I started the Feather and Fur Babies Pet Club soon after I moved here three years ago," says Naureen, a proud pet parent herself. "Having a pet is crucial to my well-being."

She adds, "The new dog park has been a game changer for many club members. So many residents have told me that they wouldn't have moved here if they couldn't bring their pets. They're like family to us!"

Paw-some opportunity

Since its creation, the club has hosted a presentation by the Warminster Police Department that demonstrated how police dogs are trained and welcomed a bright-eyed owl on campus--to celebrate the community's resident-named mascot, Bart the Owl. 

"At one of our events, therapy dogs came on campus," recalls Naureen. "They brought six dogs and talked about the emotional benefits of having a therapy dog, such as reduced anxiety and increased 'happy' endorphins." 

In fact, two of the residents at the event went through the training and certification to make their dogs therapy dogs. 

"Seeing residents enhance their well-being through the club is so rewarding," she says. 

Surrounded by support

In addition to clubs and state-of-the-art amenities, residents are able to reach their health and well-being goals by connecting with compassionate, knowledgeable team members, including on-site health care providers, fitness trainers, and Pastoral Ministries resources.

"Residents can address their physical health by working with a trainer in the fitness center or attending a popular exercise class," explains Malabuyo. "We also offer education on health-related topics, like diabetes management."

She continues, "Many residents engage in reflective exercises with our Pastoral Ministries team. The Pastoral Ministries team and the chapel are integral parts of this interfaith community. A lot of our faith groups are very active. It's such a strong network of residents in the groups that, not only do they do things related to their faith, but they also help support other initiatives in our community."

World of wellness

With over 150 activities to choose from, Ann's Choice residents have a world of wellness at their fingertips.

"Health and well-being are addressed by all disciplines in the community," notes Malabuyo. "We recognize that it takes a village to support residents as they pursue active, engaged lifestyles!"

Naureen, who loves having a busy calendar, appreciates that her health and well-being will continue to be cared for as her needs change. 

"I researched retirement communities for two and a half years before moving here, visiting about ten other places all over Lancaster," she recalls. "What solidified my decision was when they built Chestnut Point, the continuing care neighborhood, here. It provides the option to transition from independent living to assisted living. I wanted peace of mind, and that's what I have here!"

Invest in your future self at Ann's Choice. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!