When George and Mary Drake decided to downsize and move to a retirement community, they did an exhaustive search for one that checked all the boxes, especially their love for the great outdoors! Fortunately, they found that and more at Fairhaven, an Acts Retirement-Life Community in Sykesville, Maryland.
"Acts communities seem to be well financed, well-run and well maintained," George Drake said about Acts' 50 year track record of senior living excellence. "I also loved the art room, which I thought was great with all the tables and light. And I saw the ceramic shop and I thought, 'Wow, I've never done that. I'd like to try that.' And I thought, 'this wood shop looks better than the things I have.' I was interested in all those areas."
Mary Drake also loves using the equipment in the wood shop and opportunities to get more creative and learn new skills in her retirement.
For the Drakes, after they visited Fairhaven, the transition from considering a move to actually relocating happened very quickly.
"The idea just came to us in August, and by the next February, we were moved," Mary said. "We didn’t want to wait and make our children have to clean up and get rid of everything. So that was a major factor."
For the Drakes, Fairhaven stood out as the perfect choice because of their love for the outdoors. "We're both outdoor people," Mary added. "We love hiking, kayaking, biking. We love the acreage here. The acreage is fabulous. And we just like the rolling hills."
Beyond the natural beauty of Fairhaven, the size of their apartment and the floor plan appealed to the Drakes who were reluctant at first to live in an apartment.
"I'm big on brightness and lots of light, and our apartment is beautiful; that made up our mind," Mary said, "I swore I would never live in the apartment. I never wanted to live in an apartment, ever! And I love it. It's the best."
Initially skeptical about apartment living, George admitted, "I was against it. But it makes everything so much easier. You're never concerned about the rain or snow. You can get to all the events without having to go outside."
Their pets were seamlessly integrated into their new lifestyle at Fairhaven. "We have a dog and a cat," Mary shared. "The dog got acclimated to the elevator that very first time and she didn't mind at all."
One of the most significant aspects of life at Fairhaven is the sense of community. Mary describes it as akin to family: "I tell people that it is family here. It just seems like family."
The couple also enjoys more opportunities to stay engaged and active. "There are many opportunities to do things, you can be busier here than you would be at home in your old home and that it's a good thing for me, " said Mary.
Their positive experience has even influenced their children's perspective on senior living. "Our family is happy; my daughter and son-in-law said after our experience, they would consider it, too," George said.
Schedule your tour of Fairhaven and enjoy peace of mind and tranquil living like the Drakes!
