'Why We Chose a Vibrant Retirement at Maris Grove'

There are many reasons why thousands of retirees have said 'yes' to a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle at Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania.

For some, it's the array of clubs and activities. Others appreciate the variety of made-to-order meals served at on-site restaurants. And who doesn't want a stylish, maintenance-free apartment home suited to entertaining friends?

Resident Arthur Joblin and his wife Anna Marie Zabielski are enjoying all of the above, but what first caught their eye was the community's stunning campus. 

"It feels like a village with winding roads and wooded areas," says Arthur. "Just last week, we stopped to watch deer grazing outside."

Recently, the Tribune sat down with Arthur to learn more about what motivated the couple to make the move and how much they're loving life at Maris Grove. 

Tribune: What initially brought you to Maris Grove?

Arthur: We lived in Glen Mills, Pa., before we moved to Cape May, N.J., where we stayed for 22 years. We knew that we wanted to move back "home," but a retirement community made more sense for us. So, we started researching communities near Glen Mills. Maris Grove just stood out in many ways.

First, the campus was immaculate and well-tended to! The dining options were also a draw, as were the friendly residents and staff members. We made a point of speaking with everyone we passed, and they all expressed how happy they were, living and working at Maris Grove. That said a lot. And because Maris Grove is part of Erickson Senior Living's national network of communities, they are able to do more for less--that affordability was a perk. 

But most importantly, Maris Grove felt like home. We knew it was the right choice.

Tribune: What was your move to Maris Grove like?

Arthur: We'd seen several lovely apartment homes, but when Sales Manager Caroline Bickel noted that a two-bedroom, two-bath floor plan was available, we said, "That's it!" They were renovating the space, so we got to choose kitchen cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and appliances. 

And the Custom Interiors team helped us transform the second bedroom into an office--with areas for both of us--using closets, file cabinets, and desks. 

Once the design of our apartment home was solidified, we contacted Maris Grove's planning and moving consultant to nail down the details of our move. It was one of the smartest things we did when coming here! Thanks to their help, our entire move was stress-free. Hometown Movers, a moving company that partners with Maris Grove, was recommended to us, and they were amazing as well. 

Tribune: What's it like living at Maris Grove? 

Arthur: Completely maintenance- and worry-free. It was becoming hard to handle our large house in Cape May, with all the upkeep and repairs--not to mention all the steps. Here, our apartment home is on one floor, and all the amenities in the community are really accessible. 

Previously, we would have had to drive miles to visit a doctor. Now, we can walk to the on-campus medical center indoors from our apartment home. We've gone there a few times for checkups, and the doctors are great. 

Maris Grove's pricing structure has also added to our peace of mind. With the 90% refundable entrance deposit,* we know that, if or when we leave the community, our investment will be given to our beneficiaries. And with the predictable monthly service package, our finances are a lot easier to manage. One check covers what would have been eight bills in our house! 

Tribune: How are you involved on campus?

Arthur: We established close friendships with three couples and have made connections with plenty of neighbors. I'm a member of the classical music club and the astronomy club, and Anna Marie is an accomplished watercolor artist, so she has enjoyed being in the artist program here. There was even a craft fair where some of her paintings were on display. She sold three! Now, some of her paintings are being shown in the glass display case in the Cardinal Clubhouse. 

We're proud to call Maris Grove our new home. 

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today. 

*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.