CATONSVILLE, MD – When the unfortunate circumstance arises that an Erickson resident passes away, community employees strive to help ease the pain for the family members involved in closing the apartment out. Charlestown’s “Move-Out Packet,” a recipient this year of a bronze Erickson Innovation Award, has helped family members through the emotionally filled days following the passing of a loved one.

Prior to the implementation of the move-out packet, some families voiced that Erickson needed a more coordinated plan in place to help release apartments. Under the leadership of Oak Crest Executive Director Ann Walsh, who was formerly the associate executive director of Charlestown, a committee was formed at Charlestown to help families with the burden of releasing an apartment on campus.

Starting in the fall 2004, the committee began mapping out what steps a family goes through to release an apartment. From the information gathered, a packet was created that includes a checklist and contact information to help reduce family members’ stress during this difficult time. The information packet provides one centralized reference for family members of the deceased in a more convenient and coordinated way than ever before.