Waiting To Find Your Perfect Home at The Hill

Making a move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is not a decision that should be taken lightly. There are many different factors to take into consideration, including the location, the reputation, and the price, among other things, so it’s only natural to want to take your time to think through all of your options.

Whether looking toward the future before making a move or choosing to wait for the perfect living option to present itself at The Hill, putting your name on the waitlist can get you closer to taking the next step.

Like many retirement communities, The Hill at Whitemarsh currently has a waitlist. Christine Dwyer, Director of Sales for The Hill, has worked in the senior living space for more than 30 years, and her experience has helped to create a new philosophy around the concept of the waitlist for those interested in living at The Hill.

“The typical waitlist process at most retirement communities doesn’t lend itself to success,” said Christine. “Many people often put a small deposit down, often at multiple properties. It’s not uncommon for people to think that by making a deposit they have secured a spot for their future, but it’s not so. In reality, we see many people have a health scare that sends them looking for the first alternative that is available. We don’t think this is the smartest way to make a very important lifestyle and healthcare decision.”

Christine and her team decided to create a thoughtfully developed waitlist process that encourages people to sign on only if they have deeply considered what they want out of a community and are committed to finding it.

“We require a more meaningful deposit than most communities, which is fully refundable and for a greater purpose,” explained Christine. “We want people to participate in thoughtful planning to be informed about their choices in order to make the best decision for themselves.”

There are currently over 60 people on the waitlist, though the number continues to fluctuate depending on need and availability. Once you’ve determined that The Hill is the right community for you, there are two things required of you to reserve your spot on the waitlist: a deposit and a financial qualification process. The combination of these two pieces of the waitlist puzzle allows potential residents to be prepared to move when the right residence becomes available.

When you join the waitlist, you have the opportunity to work closely with a sales concierge so they can get a clear idea of your living preferences and timing. Meanwhile, you can attend an occasional event or dinner and start to get the feel of the community, residents, and staff to see if The Hill is a good fit for you.

“This new approach to CCRC waitlists respects the individuality of our clients,” said Christine. “And they appreciate the encouragement they get to make a smart, well-informed decision.”

“We want people to participate in thoughtful planning to be informed about their choices in order to make the best decision for themselves.”
– Christine Dwyer