Mr. Erickson’s innovative approach continues to be successful—from the first Erickson community he developed in 1983, Charlestown in Catonsville, Md., not far from where he grew up, to the development of 18 innovative Erickson communities throughout the country.
Twice the Circulation of The New York Times
As more communities grew from the success of Charlestown, John Erickson decided that he wanted to create a news publication that gave residents the news they wanted–important information regarding retirement, health care, and world events. Plus, a local section with activities and features about people and things going on in other Erickson communities as well.
“We might be in an Erickson community in Pennsylvania, but residents are interested in what’s happening at sister communities in Michigan, Texas, and Virginia, too. We’re all family,” says Donna.
Now each month The Erickson Tribune is delivered to three million-plus people in the United States. It’s also available on the Web at www.EricksonTribune.com
Wellness Innovation
Mr. Erickson also realized that health care is a major concern for every older American. This was an issue he didn’t want his residents to worry about. He studied different retirement communities and saw that many of the health care costs were astronomical. A closer look showed why: regardless of whether your health was great or poor, many of the communities had the residents pay the same amount for health care.
“He formed Erickson HealthSM on the belief that you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s health care,” says Marie. “If you’re in good health you shouldn’t have to pay as much as someone who requires more medical treatment. That approach lowers medical costs for a lot of people.”
In addition to the innovative financial approach to health care, John Erickson also wanted to put an emphasis on staying well and fit. He hired full-time doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to work in the communities, allowing the medical professionals to build relationships with residents and understand their needs better. If pharmacists had questions about medications, they could just walk down the hall to speak improves communication and familiarity with doctors and patients.
New School of Aging
As a true ground-breaker in addressing the needs of older Americans, John Erickson has realized the need for educating some of the most influential people in geriatric care. In a partnership with University of Maryland-Baltimore County, he created the Erickson School of Aging Studies and was approved to offer an undergraduate major in the Management of Aging Service—the first of its kind in the nation.
The program’s unique multi-disciplinary approach integrates management, public policy, and gerontology. The degree will provide graduates with lifetime career flexibility to take advantage of a growing workforce demand in finance, healthcare, marketing and product design, housing development, consumer technology, social services, and public advocacy, among other areas.
“Today, more people are growing older than growing up,” says Donna. “This new degree will help educate people and foster greater leadership and innovation in geriatric care. It’s a bold initiative that Mr. Erickson believes is a long time coming.”
Television for ‘The Greatest Generation’
The people who live in Erickson communities are the same people whom
Tom Brokaw dubbed “The Greatest Generation.” They grew up in the depression, fought in World War II, the Korean War, and some even in Vietnam. They also witnessed the beginning of television. They’ve been the backbone of this country for a long time. So they deserve to have a voice.
That’s why John Erickson developed the first-ever Retirement Living TV. In essence, TV has finally grown up. Launched in September, the new channel will have programming that meets the needs and interests of all retirees.
Be a Part of It
Like most successful companies, Erickson communities continues to be the standard to which all retirement communities strive to attain because the person in charge has a clear vision of how older people would like to live and grow. John Erickson’s innovative approach to aging trickles down throughout his organization to these numerous initiatives.
“That’s why we encourage you to discover the Erickson difference,” says Donna. “It’s changing the lives of people nationwide and is alive and well at Ann’s Choice.”
Take a closer look at Erickson communities. Don’t risk missing out on this extraordinary lifestyle.