Maris Grove Offers Impressive Amenities, Predictable Finances, and Lasting Value

Chris and Kay Holbrook researched several retirement communities before deciding to move to Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania, in December 2024.

"We visited many communities," recalls Chris, who was particularly impressed by Maris Grove's array of amenities, including multiple restaurants and fitness centers, and continuum of on-site health care. But he cites one deciding factor--predictable finances.

"Maris Grove's pricing structure helps residents budget their hard-earned savings and plan ahead for the future," explains Finance Director Chris Bickel. "You can't put a price on that peace of mind."

For people like the Holbrooks seeking a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle and financial stability in retirement, Maris Grove offers the perfect solution.

Crunching the numbers

After a career in corporate finance and global business management, Chris Holbrook knew the numbers had to make sense.

"We learned about the different business models continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) use. Maris Grove is a nonprofit and operates as a Type C, or fee-for-service, which was very important to us," explains Chris.

"Unlike life care models, where you pay more whether you use the health care services or not, our fee-for-service structure means residents only pay for the care they need, when they need it," says Bickel. "This model keeps more money in residents' pockets."

Equally important to Chris was the community's monthly service package, which bundles the costs of most utilities, maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement, a meal plan at on-site restaurants, regularly scheduled transportation, trash and recycling collection, and more, into one predictable bill.

"Processing fewer payments has been helpful," says Chris. "We also valued that Erickson Senior Living is a large, established provider. Viability into the future was critical and fundamental to our risk assessment of coming here."

Peace of mind

The Holbrooks' financial stability is further strengthened by Maris Grove'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.

The community's Home for Life promise* provides additional peace of mind. 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 Maris Grove, 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.

"That was one of the reasons my parents chose Maris Grove," notes Bickel, who recently helped them move to the community. "It provides peace of mind for me too."

"Moving here is an investment in our future and how we want to live," says Chris. "It was the best choice for us."

An active lifestyle

Without the stress and hassle of home maintenance, residents have more time to pursue their hobbies and interests--especially since access to the community's amenities is also included in the monthly service package.

Maris Grove boasts multiple fitness centers, a library, hair salon and barbershop, woodshop, creative arts studio, in-house TV studio, and dozens of clubs.

"We moved a few years sooner than we might have planned, but the planets aligned," Chris says. "We saw this as a window of opportunity. In our 60s, moving earlier gives us a longer time horizon--20 years or more--to enjoy everything Maris Grove offers."

Sage advice

Chris offers thoughtful advice to anyone considering a retirement move: "Do your homework, understand the different models, ask questions, and visit as many communities as you can. It's not just about the cost; it's about the value you receive."

For both the Holbrooks and Bickel's parents, the decision to call Maris Grove home was rooted in value and peace of mind.

"I sleep so much better knowing my parents are here," Bickel says.

With predictable expenses and amenities that make every day feel like a vacation, it's no wonder residents agree that a move to Maris Grove is a great financial and lifestyle decision.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.

By Julia Collins