At Linden Ponds, Residents Find Less Financial Worries, More Security

July 10, 2019

Hingham, MA – Financial security is one of the cornerstones of a fulfilling retirement. A Gallup poll taken in 2018 noted that 78% of retirees report that they have enough money to live comfortably. A TD AmericaTrade survey of 2,002 adults taken in 2018 noted that 81% see their retirement years as a time to pursue new goals. And 76% see themselves using those years to pursue passions they previously neglected like spending time with friends and family, traveling abroad or taking up a new hobby.

That's why the management team at Linden Ponds, an Erickson Living developed and managed retirement community in Hingham, MA, works so hard to provide good financial value to residents and help them to protect the investments they've built over their lifetimes. The community provides a competitive value for retirement living while also providing residents with many opportunities to pursue new and existing hobbies. With over 100 resident-run clubs and committees, ranging from Pilates to photography to pickle ball, there's never a dull moment at Linden Ponds.

And all of those amenities come at an excellent value. In addition to the abundance of leisure activities, Linden Ponds affordable monthly service package also includes electricity, water, and even the main meal of the day.

"Oftentimes, we find that the cost of living here is equal to or a little bit less than folks' costs in their home," says Linden Ponds' sales director, Christine Hansen. "Once they factor in the 'what ifs' and major appliances and systems that need to be updated or replaced, as well as the maintenance work they pay contractors for throughout the year, they find it surprisingly much less to live here."

When you live in a house, you have to pay for things like lawn care, appliance maintenance and repair, trash removal, pest control, gutter cleaning, roof repairs and real estate taxes — all of which can be serious budget busters. But at Linden Ponds, all of those expenses are included in the monthly service package.

"We ask people to come in with an idea of what they are spending not only to own the house, but run and operate the house," Hansen says. "We have a wonderful cost comparison sheet we send them in advance, and we then we discuss the value for price paid here with everything that is included in the one low monthly fee."

Bill and Susan Humberd moved to Linden Ponds, a not-for-profit organization, developed and operated by Erickson Living® and governed by its own board of directors affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community, last year from a house in Norwell, Massachusetts.

"There is so much more here than there was at home," Bill says. "Meals and activities, plus the security. It's also little things like annual window washing, which is included instead of you having to do it at your own home."

The Humberds also appreciate Linden Ponds' many on-site amenities, such as the medical center, swimming pool, woodshop, fitness center, four restaurants and performing arts centers, where they can enjoy live music and other entertainment. Plus, Linden Ponds offers maintenance-free living, which means residents don't have to worry about unexpected expenses when an appliance breaks or a pipe starts leaking.

"You don't have to call an electrician or a plumber, because these people work right here, and they will come right to your apartment and do whatever work needs to be done," Bill says. "That is a heck of a value."

Another key aspect of Linden Ponds' value proposition is the 90% refundable entrance fee. This one-time fee is held for residents and returned either to them or, if they live at Linden Ponds for the rest of their lives, to their beneficiaries.

"When you have a house, you put a whole lot of money into it for 35 years and when you sell it, you are 'refunded,' if you will," Bill says. "Here, it's the same thing, our sons will get the deposit back and they can split it like it they would have with the house."

Perhaps the most unique element of the financial value at Linden Ponds is the "home for life" commitment." The community maintains a Benevolent Care Fund to assist residents who, despite careful planning, outlive their financial assets.

"If we run out of money, they will use that deposit to pay our fees," Bill says. "We really like that."

About Linden PondsLinden Ponds, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Hingham, Massachusetts. The not-for-profit community of more than 1300 residents and 800 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Linden Ponds can be found at LindenPonds.com.

 

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