EricksonLiving has 18 retirement communities in 10 states. Lantern Hill, which is now under construction, will become the third Erickson community in New Jersey — along with Cedar Crest and Seabrook (see members page). While it may be three years until a Lantern Hill Residents Association has been formed and becomes an ORANJ Member, the article by Ellen Handler in the January, 2015, issue of The ORANJ Tree provides a “crystal ball” with a picture of what new high-end CCRCs are likely to be like. Ellen Handler’s article, based on an interview with Lantern Hill CEO Patricia Swan is reproduced here. Among CCRCs in New Jersey, Lantern Hill is the new kid on the block and, according to its Executive Director, Patricia Swann, who provided information for this article, it is already exceeding benchmarks. Today (November 2014) there is a busy sales office that has already sold 83% of the 161 units in Phase One. The opening date for Phase One is Fall 2015. Lantern Hill will be located on a beautiful site in New Providence with a ten-acre front lawn. Because it is a brand new community, not a retrofitted structure, it is being planned according to the latest research in CCRC design and service.
Lantern Hill is described as a “high end” Erickson community. From the Erickson model it retains the apartment house style with all units under one roof. Therefore residents will not get wet or cold when they run out for dinner. Inside, the setting is deluxe with large, open-style apartment layouts and top-ofthe-line appliances. Residents receive free underground parking. The monthly maintenance fee includes housekeeping as well as meals and other services. Three eating venues are planned with enough choices to appeal to the most demanding palate. Each restaurant will have a distinctive flavor. There will be a pub for casual dining, a family dining room offering three hearty meals a day, and an upscale restaurant for themed dining on special occasions and fine foods at all times.
Lantern Hill will appeal both to the busy, active retiree and to those who are looking for less demanding leisure time activities closer to home. For those with an active lifestyle, requiring access to New York City, there will be transportation to nearby train stations, most likely Murray Hill and Summit. In addition to offering a varied fitness program in the pool and on exercise equipment, the community plans to include continuing education classes and specialty workshops. There are even plans for a theater for performances by outside groups or by talented residents who would create their own.
Contracts will be fee-for-service with down payments refundable at 90%. The community will offer a full continuum of care with a medical center on site with staff who specialize in senior care. Of course, residents who prefer to do so can retain their outside physicians. In addition, the 24-hour security staff will be trained for emergency response and will be available to provide service anywhere on campus in a matter of minutes.
Other on-site medical care will include post-acute rehabilitation services, assisted living, memory care and nursing care. The fee-for-service contracts will allow residents to use their money wisely to pay for just the services they need.
Lantern Hill has an active and growing list of prospective residents on their priority list. For a fully refundable $1,000 deposit, those on the list will have the right to reserve their units before the public, and to receive insider news and updates including invitations to special events. For further information visit the website at www.ericksonliving.com/Lantern-Hill/