Erickson Retirement Communities (Catonsville, Randallstown, Charlestown: apartment, rent, new home)

[ellbee]

Can anyone give me some information about the local reputation of Erickson Retirement Communities? I live in Matthews, NC, a small bedroom community, which is southeast of Charlotte, NC. On 8/27/2007, our town council voted to approve a zoning change which will allow Erickson, a Catonsville, MD-based retirement home developer, to build an 1,100 unit retirement campus on what was formerly farm land that had been zoned residential (two homes per acre). This area is still somewhat rural (although its very close to Charlotte), so having a development this massive only a few yards from our neighborhood will be quite a change. I'm wondering how Erickson has treated their "neighbors" in other towns/cities. Any info. will be greatly appreciated-I'm hoping its positive.

P.S. I used to live in MD-graduated from Randallstown Sr. High in '80. I hear everything has GREATLY changed.

[emsgoof]

The properties are extremely nice. The residents are cared for exceptionally well, and they normally have their own EMS service so it isn't an impact on the local emergency service. The properties themselves are well maintained, and landscaped to blend in as much as possible.
I really don't think it would be a bad thing to have around there. They can be a bit on the expensive side, but it's most likely MUCH better than any retirement / nursing community already there.

[ellbee]

Originally Posted by emsgoof

The properties are extremely nice. The residents are cared for exceptionally well, and they normally have their own EMS service so it isn't an impact on the local emergency service. The properties themselves are well maintained, and landscaped to blend in as much as possible.
I really don't think it would be a bad thing to have around there. They can be a bit on the expensive side, but it's most likely MUCH better than any retirement / nursing community already there.

Thanks so much for your information. This makes me feel much better!

[Zippy7fo]

Hahahahhahahahaha....I have a female friend that works for them. They are great organization and the people do a real good job caring for the residents. She hasn't said one bad thing about the place...not one.

[ellbee]

Thanks for the great news! I'll let my neighbor know about this-she's a nurse who works in an assisted living facility. Erickson will literally be less than five minutes away from our neighborhood-less commute time, less gas.

[balto charlie]

I live a few blocks from Charlestown retirement community(Erickson). My daughter worked there for 2-3 years and received a $4,000 scholarship to college. Not for brains but for being a good worker. Their facility is top notch. I have tried for years to get my parents into it. They refuse. Their choice but a poor one I might add. The community really has a lot to offer older people. Their grounds are impeccable. Great neighbors.

[ellbee]

I really appreciate your thoughts, and the info. about your daughter. This retirement facility is sounding better and better. Maybe my sons can get a job there when the time comes.

[biscman]

My mother is in the one in Tinton Falls NJ. They are beautiful but i am told the food is questionable and they raise the "rent" every year. If you get a cola for Social Security, they will raise your rent to relieve you of the SS increase.

Beautiful place though but you need bucks...

[KathyKB]

My mother-in-law moved from Long Island to the Charlestown Erickson community after her husband died in 1994. She had resisted while he was alive as they couldn't imagine apartment living after living in their own home for 50 years. But the reality of being so close to her son and our family won out. She chose a 2 BR, 2 BA end unit which was pretty spacious for her at 1200 sq. ft. It took a while but she did come to love her new home, made many new friends, started a ladies billiards club and even went on their closed circuit TV program to demonstrate how to cook a family favorite. She was there for 15 years and, as her health failed, she was able to be hospitalized for various falls, then tranfer to their onsite short term rehab and then back to her apartment. We are convinced she would never have lasted 15 years if she hadn't come to Charlestown. They are a large employer in Catonsville and their young employees can receive college scholarships. The grounds are immaculately kept and the entire complex is very safe. I think your community would greatly benefit from an Erickson presence.

[bus man]

A friend of mine used to work for Erickson until he got laid off due to the economic downturn. And yet, he still will not say anything bad about them, and speaks well of his experience there. To me, that says a lot.