Second generation Applewood seniors follow family tradition
Applewood Family Legacy Created When Children of Residents Move In
Second generation Applewood seniors follow family tradition
Since 1990, Applewood, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), has provided active seniors with an exhilarating array of amenities and services on its 26-acre private community, located less than a mile from the CentraState campus.
Perhaps one of the biggest compliments to the quality of the community can be attributed to several newer residents who followed in their parents or family member footsteps, and chose to make Applewood their retirement destination as well.
Over the years, Applewood has changed with the times including a 2016 interior redesign which included new décor, paint, carpets, lighting and artwork. Addressing seniors’ interest in more fitness and wellness activities, the community recently unveiled several new outdoor amenities including a 1,000 sq. ft. putting green, bocce court, lighted walking path, shuffleboard and American six-wicket croquet.
“There is no resting on past laurels here,” says executive director Keith Grady. “Today’s older Americans are looking for engagement like never before. We are meeting these needs through our exclusive Engaged Living™ program, which offers a continuum of stimulating social, fitness, intellectual and cultural offerings every day of the week.”
We caught up with some of the second generation residents to find out firsthand why they also chose to call Applewood home:
John Dawes
The former mayor of Freehold and NJ State Assemblyman explains, “It was a relief to have my parents here. Now, if my wife and I need extra help, everything is provided, without our children needing to worry about us.”
Audrey Statesir
“My mother always thought this community was wonderful,” says Audrey. When her father died, Audrey and her husband John moved to Applewood to spend more time with her mother. The decision was a good one, as her mother lived to be 105-years-old.
Marian Higgins
“I always loved coming here to visit with my mother,” says Marian, “For me, it’s close to my children. I felt excited to have the opportunity to move here. I’m happy – this is where I belong.”
Jean Toppell
Even though Jean’s late aunt had worked at another senior community, in 1990 she chose to become one of Applewood’s first residents. When she thanked her son for helping her move in years later, he replied, “No, Mom—thank you. You have no idea how much peace-of-mind I have, knowing you live in a place like this.”
Patrick Vallone
“My mother was independent at the time and full of vim and vigor. She called her years at Applewood ‘a new life.’ My wife and I ultimately chose to move here so we wouldn’t have to put any eventual burden on our children,” Pat says.
Karen O’Brien
Pleased with the support her father had received for Parkinson’s disease, Karen and her husband chose Applewood as their retirement community of choice. “It was the best move I’ve ever made,” says the former president of the Applewood Residents Association.
Carolyn Duckett
Carolyn’s mother moved to Applewood and eventually utilized all three CCRC service levels —independent living, assisted living and health care. She observed firsthand the quality of care she received. “Now as a resident myself, I thoroughly enjoy meeting all the new people while enjoying my life with old friends as well.”
Why Seniors Thrive When They are Engaged
Are you ready for a lifestyle change?
Applewood is a unique retirement community that welcomes independent seniors to enjoy the plethora of country club-style services and amenities every day of the week. Should additional levels of care ever be necessary, residents can seamlessly transition to assisted living or around-the clock health care services, without having to leave the community.
The management team offers personally-guided tours throughout the community, including visits to professionally-decorated one and two-bedroom model apartments and freestanding cottages which come with private garages.
Visit Applewood.com to learn more about continuing care retirement community (CCRC) living in Freehold or call (732) 303-7416.