Experiencing Life at Avery Point

When JoAnn McCaffrey was exploring her senior living options in the Richmond, Va., area, several continuing care retirement communities were on her radar. Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., was at the top of her list.

"I'd visited other places, and I'd even been to Avery Point a few times before," says JoAnn, who had joined the community's Priority List to attend exclusive informational events.

JoAnn's membership also gave her the opportunity to stay on campus overnight through the Live the Life program--an experience that made her realize Avery Point was the community for her. "The community was warm, genuine, friendly, and active. I liked that!"

"Live the Life allows Priority List members to see what it's really like to live here," says Senior Sales Associate Jessica Beckler, who runs the program. "In addition to staying in a furnished guest suite, they can dine with current residents, swim in the pool, attend lectures, participate in exercise classes or use the fitness center, go to club meetings--anything they're interested in."

Planning her stay

When JoAnn was discussing dates for her stay with Beckler, she realized that her sister, Angela, would be in town from North Carolina. Angela had previously attended an event at Avery Point with JoAnn, so Beckler was aware of how close their relationship was.

"Jessica made sure that the day I was coming worked for Angela, too. She said, 'We'll make it work because she and her opinion are important to you,'" recalls JoAnn. "I didn't ask if she could stay. Jessica knew she was going to be here and invited her. That was significant to me."

However, JoAnn did ask if she could bring her dog, Iris--a lab-shepherd mix--along too.

"If I came here, it was going to be Iris' home too, so I wanted to see how she liked it. Jessica said she could come!" says JoAnn, who sent over a photo of Iris after their call. "Jessica then asked what activities we might like to do and even what snacks we enjoy."

A memorable welcome

When JoAnn, Angela, and Iris arrived for their stay, they were greeted by Beckler and then guided to their suite, decorated with a welcome sign.

"Inside was a basket full of goodies for Angela and me, and treats for Iris. There was also a coffee mug with Iris' photo on it!" recalls JoAnn. Beckler used the photo JoAnn sent to have a mug made especially for her.

"I thought, 'Wow, that's such a special touch!' She didn't have to do that, but she made the extra effort," she notes. "That kindness really stayed with me. That little bit of caring showed me what an amazing place Avery Point is."

Dining deliciously

After getting situated in their suite, a resident took JoAnn and Angela "out" to dinner at one of the community's restaurants. The next day, another resident joined them for lunch.

Again, Avery Point went above and beyond in JoAnn's eyes.

"I'm a vegetarian, and the people we ate with both times were vegan. They told me about all the options that were available in the restaurants and that the dining staff was working to expand the offerings even more," says JoAnn. "Afterwards, they showed us around the campus."

Since moving to Avery Point, JoAnn says she finds the vegetarian meal options to be plentiful--and outstanding.

Time to explore

The sisters enjoyed spending time walking around the vibrant community and getting to know the amenities.

"People were greeting me everywhere. I got to see others walking their dogs. I saw lots of women playing card games together," she says. "With the general feel of the people I met, I knew the place was for Iris and me."

One of the items on JoAnn's checklist was a pool, so she was glad to discover that Avery Point has an aquatics center. Now, she swims in the pool a few times a week.

"It's one of my favorite things to do by myself," she says. "I do a free swim, and I love it! The pool is beautiful."

A former tennis player, JoAnn has also joined a weekly table tennis group. "I'm committed to it, and we have a lot of fun," she says.

Home sweet home

JoAnn and Iris love their two-bedroom, two-bath residence as well as the convenient access to amenities, activities, and the outdoors. But what really helped them know they'd found the perfect home was all the meaningful touches added during their Live the Life stay.

"Avery Point is a class act. They do things right!" says JoAnn. "It's a cool place, and I'm glad I live here."

To learn more about independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Michele Wojciechowski