Word of Mouth Makes Lantern Hill a Top Choice for Seniors

Local reputation drives new residents at New Providence community

When it comes to making major life decisions, a little help from our friends can be invaluable. Deciding where to live post-retirement is one such milestone for seniors. A firsthand recommendation can go a long way in making a choice that will have such a large impact on how you spend your golden years.

Nan and Don Holste were living in Williamsburg, Va., which was a long six-and-a-half hour drive from their daughter, Chris, in Chatham, N.J. When they began to think about downsizing, they wanted to move closer to family. Chris had some friends whose parents lived at Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in nearby New Providence, and she suggested that her parents take a look at the community.

When they visited campus and met with Sales Associate Carlos Aguilera and other staff members, Nan and Don were impressed and loved the prospect of living a short 10-minute drive from their daughter. They quickly made the decision to sell their house and make the move to Lantern Hill.

Personal recommendations are behind many new residents' decision to make Lantern Hill home.

"Many people visit Lantern Hill on the advice of a friend or family member who lives here," says Dan Millender, sales director at Lantern Hill. "That recommendation is what motivates them to check out the community, and once they see all that we have to offer, they're often ready to make the move as soon as possible, much like the Holstes."

A quick and easy transition

Nan and Don thought their home may take a while to sell, but luckily, it sold within three days of hitting the market.

"We had to be out within four weeks, so it all worked out," says Nan. "We stayed in Nantucket for the summer and moved in at Lantern Hill on October 7, 2019."

The move-in process went very smoothly, and the Holstes quickly adjusted to their new home.

Making friends and staying engaged

Nan and Don were some of the first residents to move into Bell Pavilion, the newest and sixth residence building at Lantern Hill. The 168-apartment, five-story building has a restaurant, bar, fitness center, courtyard, bocce courts, community gardens, and underground parking.

They moved in just in time to take advantage of glass-enclosed walkways that connect every building, ensuring that residents don't have to brave the winter weather to get to the gym, aquatics center, dinner, and more.

"We were fortunate to be some of the first residents in Bell Pavilion," says Nan. "Everyone was so friendly right away. People noticed we were new and made the effort to introduce themselves and get to know us."

Nan and Don quickly made friends and began setting up dinner and coffee dates with other couples.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, Lantern Hill got creative with ways to keep residents engaged and entertained. Nan and Don have enjoyed attending online virtual seminars and classes over the past several months, which were delivered via Lantern Hill's in-house TV channel. Many amenities have already reopened including the salon, aquatics center, marketplace, walking and nature trails, resident gardening area, bocce courts, putting green, woodshop, and more.

Over the summer, the outdoors have provided another avenue for remaining engaged. 

"My husband has really enjoyed playing bocce ball, and it's been nice to sit and relax in the courtyard," says Nan.

To learn more about vibrant senior living at Lantern Hill, connect with us today.