By Jacqueline Kimball
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Following her husband’s sudden death last December, "I knew I had to get out of this huge house," says Jo Skipton, "but I wanted to think it through."
The "it" she’s referring to was her husband’s suggestion that they downsize from the responsibilities of their four-bedroom house and move to Hickory Chase, the full-service Erickson retirement community opening next year in northwest Columbus.
Caring concern
During the next five months, Skipton explored her options. Then in May she met with Retirement Counselor Debra Fondoulis and joined Hickory Chase’s priority list to reserve her place in line for an apartment home there. "Deb was so caring," Skipton says. "She made me feel as if I were the most important person on her calendar. I could ask her any question, and she was very knowledgeable."
Fondoulis described to her what the 87-acre campus would look like. She explained the 100% refundable entrance deposit. She outlined the monthly service package, a virtually all-inclusive utilities and services package payable via one monthly check.
"And Deb was very helpful in pointing out what the community will be like," Skipton says, "and the many activities and interest groups that will be available. She also offered me the opportunity to take a bus trip with other priority list members to an Erickson community in Michigan."
Mutual admiration
During the trip, Fondoulis and Skipton had several conversations. "She’s a good listener, and she remembers things about you," Skipton says, "which makes you feel as if you’re the only one she’s concerned about. But she has a great deal of empathy for everyone—I observed her with other people, and she offered them the same understanding."