Prospective Residents Get a Glimpse of The Charlestown Lifestyle

Whether sampling a spoonful of ice cream or test-driving the latest SUV, trying something firsthand is the best way to know if it's a good fit for you. Choosing a senior living community shouldn't be any different!

Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., offers a Live the Life program that allows prospective residents to experience the community's active, engaging lifestyle--before moving in.

Explore the community 

"Live the Life lets you see what it's like to live as a Charlestown resident by exploring the community for a few days," says Sales Director Matt Dougherty.

During a two-night stay in a well-appointed suite, guests can dine at the six on-site restaurants, utilize amenities like the fitness center, and meet with residents who already call Charlestown home. 

"It's a great opportunity to meet future neighbors and experience the community outside of a sales appointment or group event," says Dougherty. "Plus, we customize your stay based on your preferences and interests. It's the closest you'll get to the real deal!"

Personalized experience

For Glen Burnie, Md., natives Debra "Debby" and Rob Vickerman, their two-night Live the Life stay was the deciding factor in determining that Charlestown was the right place for them. 

"We are active people, so we wanted to be somewhere we could lead active lifestyles," says Debby.

During their visit, Debby signed up for group fitness, yoga, and cardio drumming classes. Rob met a resident who shared his love of fishing and explored Charlestown's well-equipped woodshop.   

Needless to say, the couple quickly realized that they had found the engaging lifestyle they were looking for. 

Lots of activity

"What impressed me the most was the level of activity in the clubhouses. People were completing puzzles, playing cards and board games, and doing crafts. There was always something going on, and that was important to us," says Debby.

"I thought, 'This is perfect!'" says Rob. "The woodshop is better than ones I've worked in, and I was thrilled that there's a beautiful pond on campus. We ate dinner with different residents each night and really had a good time. It turned out that we had a lot of common interests with the people we met." 

The Vickermans moved to Charlestown in March 2023--just a few short months after their Life the Life visit. 

Once Debby and Rob were settled in their apartment home, they picked up right where they left off. 

Debby attends yoga, Zumba, and cardio drumming classes and joined the cheerleading group. Rob uses the woodshop and fitness center. Together, they enjoy growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the garden that surrounds their patio. 

Reflecting on their stay, Rob says, "I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't take advantage of the Live the Life program. You get answers to all of your questions from the experts who are already living here. For us, it was a great experience!" 

Friendly atmosphere

For Pasadena, Md., couple Wayne and Connie Warren, personal connections fostered through their Live the Life stay indicated that Charlestown was the right retirement community for them. 

"We felt at home from the minute we walked on campus," says Wayne. "Everyone was so friendly. I even met a resident that I used to work with at Northrop Grumman Corporation."

He adds, "Staying for two days gave us a better feel for the campus and what life is like on a daily basis."

In November 2022, three months after their Live the Life visit, Wayne and Connie moved into a two-bedroom apartment home with stunning scenic views. 

"Our apartment home overlooks a valley of woods with a stream that runs through it, and we love it! We are right above a nature trail where we can see deer, birds, foxes, and raccoons," says Wayne. 

A bonsai enthusiast, Wayne has already taught an on-site class and workshop on caring for the miniature trees. He uses the fitness center, volunteers with the community's Treasure Sale, and participates in a Bible study. Connie enjoys line dancing and cheerleading with Debby. 

Priority List perks

If you're interested in experiencing Charlestown's vibrant lifestyle like the Vickermans and the Warrens did, join the Priority List!

"Live the Life is just one of the many benefits that Priority List members enjoy," says Dougherty. 

To join the Priority List, a onetime, refundable $1,000 deposit and a $150-per-person processing fee is required. 

"Whether you see yourself moving to senior living in several months or several years, joining the Priority List is the best way to learn about Charlestown and if our active community is right for you!" adds Dougherty.

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Charlestown, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.