When Hubert and Barbara Hoehn began considering a move from their longtime home, they weren’t exactly sure what they were looking for — until they stumbled upon Fairhaven, an Acts Retirement-Life Community in Sykesville, Maryland.
“It was kind of a fluke,” Hubert admitted. “We searched online and clicked on Fairhaven. We had toured some competitors, but they felt more like office parks. When we came to Fairhaven, it just felt right. It felt like home.”
The couple moved to Fairhaven on November 20, 2021 — the day before Thanksgiving and still during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the timing, they were warmly welcomed.
“Our very first meal was Thanksgiving dinner,” Barbara recalled. “The couple sitting behind us overheard we were new and made a point to talk to us. They’ve become some of our dearest friends. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Finding Joy in Daily Life
Hubert and Barbara were instantly drawn to Fairhaven’s unique amenities and natural beauty. “We loved the underground parking, the studios for ceramics, woodworking, and art,” said Hubert. “And the scenery — it just felt more personal, more homey than other places.”
For Barbara, the opportunities to try new hobbies and connect with others were another bonus. “I joined the handbell choir — I loved it! And I learned how to knit after a resident invited me to join the Tuesday group. I had never knitted a stitch before.”
Hubert also finds joy in how accessible everything is. “I can go to the woodshop every day without ever needing to get in the car. And the indoor walkways mean I can stay active no matter the weather or how I’m feeling.”
A True Sense of Community
While the amenities are impressive, the Hoehns say the true heart of Fairhaven is its people.
“We’ve made more close friends here in 18 months than we ever did in our old house,” Hubert said. “You just don’t get that level of connection when you're maintaining a 3,000-square-foot home. Here, you have the time to truly get to know people.”
Barbara agreed. “We have a group of about 15 friends who are like family. We laugh, we joke, we talk about grandkids — and we never talk about politics. It’s such a relief at this stage of life to just enjoy each other for who we are.”
That support system also offers peace of mind. “If you don’t show up for dinner, someone’s calling to make sure you’re okay,” said Hubert. “There’s this incredible sense of looking out for one another.”
Planning for the Future — and Living Fully Now
While lifestyle and community were big factors in the Hoehns’ decision, access to healthcare and long-term support played a critical role.
“There’s an age difference between us,” Barbara said, “and it’s comforting to know that if something happens to him, I’ll have help. And if something happens to me, I know he won’t have to worry — our friends will rally around him.”
The couple also appreciated that their move to Fairhaven removed the burden from their children. “We didn’t want our kids to have to clean out a house or scramble to find care if something happened to us,” Hubert said. “We’ve already downsized, we’ve chosen where we want to be, and we know we’ll be taken care of.”
As a former business executive, Hubert also did his homework. “The cost of medical care these days is astronomical — a nursing home can run up to $15,000 a month. But with Acts, we’ve essentially bought our future care at a fraction of that. I looked into the organization, saw it’s financially strong and well-managed. That gave me a lot of confidence.”
No Regrets — Only Gratitude
Today, the Hoehns are thriving at Fairhaven — engaged, connected, and enjoying everything their active lifestyle has to offer.
“We really couldn’t be happier,” Hubert said. “We’ve landed exactly where we want to be. And we did it on our own terms.”
Barbara smiled, adding, “And I don’t have to cook unless I want to. What could be better than that?”
