Business & Tech
Retire Your Worries at Brooksby
Maintenance and weather events prompted Linda and Tony Macone to move to Brooksby, where they now enjoy a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle.

Tony and Linda Macone loved their house in the beachfront town of Nahant, Mass., but increasing maintenance costs, weather-related incidents, and rising home insurance were becoming stressful.
"The coastal storms were getting more intense, causing a lot of beach erosion. Every time we had a nor'easter, we'd have to get the sandbags out," recalls Tony. "We also took a hard look at our bills. The costs of maintenance and house insurance were skyrocketing. The roof would need replacing, and so would our sliding glass doors and large skylight."
So, when the Macones started exploring their senior living options, financial predictability was as the top of their wish list. They found exactly what they were looking for--and more--at Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass.
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"Brooksby's pricing structure features predictable costs that provide both peace of mind and access to an array of amenities and activities," says Executive Director Tracie Bettano. "We are committed to offering an engaging lifestyle as well as exceptional value."
Predictable costs
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Tony and Linda were drawn to Brooksby's monthly service package, which bundles the costs of utilities; maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement; a meal plan at seven on-site restaurants; and more into one predictable bill.
"Now, I don't have to worry about all the future projects, all the things that need to be done," says Tony.
Instead, when something needs to be fixed, he simply calls the expert General Services team, whose members address all maintenance requests in a timely manner.
Tony, who is considered "the cook in the family," brought all of his special cookware to Brooksby, anticipating doing lots of cooking in their new home. But, given the convenience of the dining venues on campus, "He has barely cooked since we moved in!" notes Linda.
Peace of mind
The couple's financial stability is further strengthened by Brooksby's industry-leading, 90% refundable entrance fee*--the heart of the community's pricing structure. The entrance fee, collected as part of the residency process, will go back to you or your beneficiaries if or when you leave the community.
They also appreciate the community's Home for Life promise.* No one ever expects to run out of money, but sometimes unforeseen issues arise that can quickly deplete your hard-earned savings and put you at risk.
At Brooksby, we've planned for life's uncertainties and are prepared to assist eligible residents who outlive their resources. No one will be asked to leave the community because of a genuine inability to pay.
A vibrant lifestyle
Without the stress and hassle of home maintenance, residents have more time to pursue their hobbies--especially since access to many of the community's amenities is also included in the monthly service package.
Brooksby boasts a woodshop, salon, expansive fitness center, library, community garden, in-house TV studio, and dozens of clubs, offering plenty of opportunities for residents to connect with neighbors who share similar interests.
Tony and Linda were pleasantly surprised by the number of groups, events, trips, and activities at Brooksby. They enjoy visiting the fitness and aquatics centers and walking the beautifully landscaped grounds, and Tony tends to vegetables and flowers in his personal space in the community garden.
Tony also points to the on-site medical center, which is staffed with full-time health care professionals. "It doesn't get better than that," he says.
"We are constantly reinvesting in the community," notes Bettano. "We are nearing completion of an extensive renovation of the McIntosh Clubhouse--we refreshed The Overlook restaurant and added a new fast-casual cafe. We are always looking for ways to increase value."
'Don't have to worry'
Reflecting on their journey to Brooksby, Tony recalls one of their visits to the community. "We were having lunch in one of the restaurants," he says. "It was snowing out. I looked at Linda and said, 'I like the grounds, I like what I see.'"
Now, the couple is enjoying the snowy scenes of winter without the chore of shoveling snow.
"The first night we slept here, I heard a big sigh from the other room. It was Tony," Linda recalls, with a laugh. "It is a great relief living here. The peace of mind is worth so much--it is priceless. We don't have to worry anymore!"
"As I talk with residents, what I hear again and again is that moving to Brooksby provides freedom," says Bettano. "Freedom from worry, freedom to spend more time with friends and family, and freedom to focus on the things that matter most in this stage of life. That's what makes Brooksby such a special place to call home."
Request more information today to learn more about the financial benefits of moving to Brooksby.
*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.
By Susan Ingram