Senior Living Decisions Emphasize Personal Experience Over Proximity to Family
A New Jersey couple's experience choosing a retirement community demonstrates how hands-on exploration through tours, overnight stays, and personal consultations helps seniors make informed decisions about their living arrangements.
When Roger Heinrich and Beverly Lukas planned to sell their house and move to a retirement community, they initially considered relocating closer to their son in Philadelphia. However, they ultimately chose Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., just 10 minutes from their former Scotch Plains home. The decision highlights how personal connections and familiarity often outweigh proximity to family in senior living choices.
The couple's research process underscores the importance of firsthand experience when evaluating retirement communities. Lantern Hill's sales team offers personal appointments, educational events, and group tours designed to help prospective residents become familiar with the community. Sales Director Kate Tanis explains that introductory appointments focus on sharing information about amenities, finances, floor plans, and lifestyle while learning about residents' priorities.
After their initial appointment, Roger and Beverly joined Lantern Hill's Priority List, which provides invitations to exclusive events and access to the Live the Life program—an overnight experience in a furnished suite. Priority List members can explore amenities, join club meetings, dine at on-campus restaurants, and interact with current residents. Roger highly recommends the program, noting that their two-night stay made them more comfortable with the community before committing.
Beverly adds that during their stay, they shared six meals with different residents and attended exercise classes, giving them genuine insight into community life. This hands-on approach helped them feel more comfortable navigating the community and solidified their decision. When selecting their new home, they specifically sought a two-bedroom residence with a view, ultimately choosing a third-floor apartment backing up to woods.
The couple appreciates the practical benefits of their new home, including single-level living that eliminates stair climbing and easy elevator access to campus amenities. Tanis notes that during home showings, her team continuously documents what matters most to prospective residents, such as space, views, and sun exposure. Roger looks forward to swimming in the pool and joining the Bogey Bunch golf group, while both plan to continue taking the bus to New York City for Broadway performances.
They also value the dining flexibility, with options to eat at restaurants or order takeout, and have already hosted two couples for dinner at their apartment. Beverly recently reconnected with an old acquaintance from Scotch Plains who was among the first Lantern Hill residents. Most importantly, the couple appreciates the peace of mind their decision provides for themselves and their family, knowing their children no longer need to worry about their living situation.