The Freedom of a Carefree, Social Retirement at Wind Crest

Author

Wind Crest

Posted on

Oct 11, 2022

When she moved to Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Douglas County, Colo., Kate Adams was looking forward to relaxing on her balcony, listening to music radiating from the outdoor amphitheater.

But with so many clubs and activities, artistic pursuits, and enriching volunteer opportunities to choose from at Wind Crest, residents are often surprised with how active and social their lifestyle is at the community.

Thanks to Wind Crest's stylish and maintenance-free apartment homes, the headaches of homeownership are eliminated, allowing residents to fully enjoy all the advantages of being part of an engaging community that fosters meaningful connections and supports their overall well-being.

Something for everyone

Instead of just being a spectator to performances at the amphitheater, Kate decided to get involved by starting a new club, Friends of the Amphitheater, so she could participate in seeking out talent and scheduling performances. One of the many advantages of living at an Erickson Senior Living community like Wind Crest is the ease of starting new groups or activities, if they don't already exist. With the support of experienced staff members, people can pursue their passions and share them with others.

"There is every kind of talent, skill, knowledge, and interest that you could ask for, right here at Wind Crest," says Kate. She says she knew "there have to be musicians here who would perform out in the amphitheater."

Friends of the Amphitheater, which includes Kate and about 20 other neighbors, quickly began working together to find musicians and other acts within the community to perform at the amphitheater. Soon enough, the group was holding fundraisers so they could pay professional performers to come on campus. Their first attempt at raising money was very successful, and Kate hopes they will have two acts perform each month from June through October.

Making connections is easy

The ease of getting involved in activities and starting new clubs - and making friends while doing both - are just a few of the reasons why people love their lives at Wind Crest.

"It's easy to make meaningful connections, and I think it makes everyone feel welcome," says Sales Counselor Sandy Shelpuk. "Whether it's their connections through clubs, classes at the fitness centers, or the ones they made over dinner, interactions like this are what make Wind Crest 'home' for residents. They've gotten to meet other people, and they've made friends here. And it's fun!"

Darla Schwartz, Wind Crest resident and self-described "social worker who can't quit," would agree. When Darla isn't spending time in her apartment home with husband Ben, she's out and about meeting new people - and inviting them to get together for dinner at one of the community’s on-site restaurants.

What's in a name?

A couple of years ago, Darla began arranging "name" dinners.

"I started doing this because I knew three or four Karens at Wind Crest. One day, it occurred to me, 'Wouldn't it be nifty to have dinner together with all of them?'" Darla recalls. "They all said yes. Of course, I couldn't leave well enough alone, so I invited all the Karens who live at Wind Crest."

Here's how it works: Darla reserves the private dining room, emails all the women on campus who share a particular first name, and invites them to come to dinner. She writes in the email, "The best thing about it is you won't have to remember anybody's name that you meet, except mine!"

So far, she has held dinners for Lindas, Carols, Marys, Mary-somethings (Mary-Lou, Mary-Beth, and the like), Jeans, Janes, Joans, and Anns/Annes/Annies. She chooses one name each month. One day, Darla - who is currently the only one with that name at Wind Crest - is going to have a dinner with her fellow Darlas. 

Group gatherings

Darla has also set up monthly dinners called Newcomers and Neighbors (for those who are new to Wind Crest and community members who would like to welcome them), the Munch Bunch (for singles), and Couples Supper Club (so popular that there are two or three events held monthly).

She also organized a Guys' Breakfast (for men who are single or widowed), and most recently, a breakfast club called Out to Breakfast, a group of singles and couples who travel off-campus together to try a new restaurant for the first meal of the day.

"It gives me a purpose, it keeps me busy, and it gives me a good excuse not to clean my apartment home," says Darla with a laugh. "I just love it!"

After enjoying all these great meals together, residents have plenty of energy to spend in the fitness and aquatic centers.

"Wind Crest is an extremely active community," says Fitness Manager Terri Billings. "We offer a variety of exercise activities for residents. There is truly something for every 'body.' By participating in fitness activities, residents are able to build their social connections, form relationships with one another, have fun, and get fit." All of which culminates in a fulfilling, vibrant retirement.

Invest in your future at Wind Crest. From top-notch amenities and activities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you'll enjoy living your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!

Other Articles You May Like

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Are they the same?

When it comes to various housing and care communities for older adults, one of the most common misconceptions is that assisted living and nursing homes are essentially the same thing.The simple answer is, they are not. Heres how they are different:Nursing Homes Provide Skilled Medical CareNursing homes are designed for individuals who require ongoing medical supervision and skilled nursing services.Residents may:-Have complex medical conditions-Need rehabilitation after hospitalization-Require around-the-clock nursing care-Depend on specialized healthcare services, labs, medical oversight and moreMedical staff are available 24 hours a day to provide clinical care and monitor residents health in a nursing home.Assisted Living Focuses on IndependenceBy contrast, Assisted Living emphasizes lifestyle, independence, and support.Residents typically:-Live in private apartments or suites-Participate in community activities, programs and events-Receive assistance with activities of daily living, but not necessarily around the clock-Maintain greater control over their daily routinesFor many older adults, assisted living offers the right balance between support and independence. Staff provide care and guidance, but not so much that the individual is bedridden, highly monitored or restricted to a hospital-like setting.At Kavod Senior Life, Assisted Living residents enjoy the best parts of living as Kavod lifts the struggles and isolation of individual home life outside a community. Benefits include:-Three meals a day in a family-style dining environment-Activities such as music, lectures and outings (at no extra cost!)-Housekeeping, laundry and bed-making-Medication monitoring-Five wellness checks per day-On-site access to geriatric medical clinics, physical/occupational and speech therapy, and a variety of health clinics-Available add-on services (oxygen management, incontinence care and escorting to appointments around campus)-Affordable rents that are 66% below market rate in the Denver area!If youre wondering whether a nursing home or Assisted Living is right for you or your loved one, consider the tips above to help you make that decision. We are always happy to discuss your options with no obligation. Contact us today for assistance!Created with the assistance of ChatGPT

The Bridge to Independence: A Story of Integrated Care in Colorado

For years, home was a place that felt more like a memory than a reality for one senior who spent most of his time moving between hospitals and rehab centers. As someone relying on Health First Colorado, his healthcare journey was often exhausting and repetitive until he found a way to bridge the gap between needing help and wanting to stay in his own favorite chair.A Lifeline through Colorado Medicaid Remote Support ServicesEverything changed when he started a new routine that combined four hours of daily help from a caregiver with the around the clock security of Colorado Medicaid remote support services. While his caregiver focused on making sure his home was clean and his meals were delicious, the remote support team acted like a quiet guardian watching over him through the day and night. By using simple devices to check his blood pressure and oxygen levels, he was never truly alone, and his remote coordinators became familiar voices who checked in on him with a friendly call every single day.Technology that Catches the Small DetailsThe true value of this hybrid care became clear when his daily vitals showed a trend that no one would have noticed otherwise. His remote team saw his blood pressure was dropping to a level that made him feel lightheaded, and they immediately coordinated with his doctor to adjust his medication before he could have a dangerous fall. Even during a sudden bout with an infection, he was able to use his emergency button to keep everyone informed while he was being helped by paramedics, ensuring that his care team was right there with him every step of the way.Six Months of Staying Home After a lifetime of being told he needed to be in a facility, he has now spent six months thriving in his own home with only one very short hospital stay. This story proves that when we combine human heart with the power of technology, staying home is not just a dream but a reality that is accessible through programs like Colorado Medicaid.

A Path to Wellness: Care That Continues at Home

Returning home from a hospital stay can challenge anyone, especially people with chronic conditions. For Colorado Medicaid members, Remote Support Services simplify this transition. Our program provides comprehensive support right in your home, ensuring a smooth and safe return to your daily life. We use technology to monitor your health, empowering you to take an active role in your wellness journey and prevent future complications.Our Post-Hospitalization ProcedureOur simple process focuses on your well-being: Initial Contact: A member or family member contacts our agency to discuss their needs. Service Determination: We assess the members condition and decide if our chronic disease management services are right for them. Coordination with County/Case Manager: We contact the members case manager or county to confirm their benefits are initiated or enrolled. This step ensures a seamless process and proper coverage under Health First Colorado, the states Medicaid program. Initiating Remote Monitoring: Once we have confirmation, we start the member on remote monitoring to ensure their safety and track their progress. This allows us to proactively address any potential issues. Continuation Discussion: After the initial three-month period, we discuss continuing services to ensure the member continues receiving the care they need to maintain their health. How We Monitor Your HealthOur remote monitoring program uses easy-to-use, at-home equipment to help you track your health vitals and communicate with your care team. The program combines devices and daily check-ins: Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff: For those with hypertension or heart conditions, this device automatically sends your blood pressure readings to us, giving us a continuous picture of your cardiovascular health. Bluetooth-enabled weight scale: We use this to monitor for sudden weight changes. For conditions like heart failure, a significant, rapid weight increase can signal fluid retention and may need prompt attention. Pulse oximeter: This small device clips onto your finger to measure your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. Its especially useful for managing conditions that affect breathing, such as COPD or asthma, and provides a quick look at how well oxygen gets to your body. Daily phone questionnaire: You will have a brief daily check-in with your remote care coordinator by phone. This allows you to report on how youre feeling, discuss symptoms, and ask questions. This personal touch ensures we can provide timely support and adjust your care plan as needed. This regular monitoring allows our team to identify changes and intervene early, preventing complications and giving you a sense of security at home.Benefits of Chronic Disease ManagementOur chronic disease management program offers significant benefits to Colorado Medicaid members: Improved Health Outcomes: With continuous, proactive management, members can better control their chronic conditions, reducing the risk of complications and future hospitalizations. Enhanced Access to Care: Using technology and telehealth services, our program helps overcome barriers to care, ensuring members have timely access to medical advice and support. This particularly benefits those in rural or underserved areas of Colorado. Better Care Coordination: Our team serves as a central point of contact, facilitating communication between all healthcare providers involved in a members care. This ensures a well-coordinated treatment plan and effective communication of any changes. Increased Patient Engagement: By regularly monitoring their vitals, members become more engaged and knowledgeable about their own health. This empowers them to make better lifestyle choices and stick to their treatment plan. ConclusionOur remote support program provides seamless, personalized care for Colorado Medicaid members after a hospital stay. This approach benefits both the individual, by empowering them to manage their health safely at home, and the healthcare system, by ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively. If you or a loved one are a Colorado Medicaid member returning from the hospital, our remote supports program can be a critical step toward long-term wellness and independence.  

Local Services By This Author

Wind Crest

Independent Living 3235 Mill Vista Rd, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80129

Wind Crest is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community. At Erickson communities across the nation, Americans are redefining their retirement years. This 62-plus lifestyle is more about experiences and possibilities and less about slowing down and settling in. Wind Crest is situated on a scenic 84-acre campus in Highlands Ranch. Take in the areas natural beauty and stunning views while enjoying convenient access to a multitude of shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Discover an atmosphere of comfort and convenience, where a variety of services and fulfilling activities are just a short stroll from your apartment home.

Wind Crest

Housing - Other Types 3235 Mill Vista Rd, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80129

Wind Crest is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community. At Erickson communities across the nation, Americans are redefining their retirement years. This 62-plus lifestyle is more about experiences and possibilitiesand less about slowing down and settling in. Wind Crest is situated on a scenic 84-acre campus in Highlands Ranch. Take in the areas natural beauty and stunning views while enjoying convenient access to a multitude of shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Discover an atmosphere of comfort and convenience, where a variety of services and fulfilling activities are just a short stroll from your apartment home.

Wind Crest

Rehabilitation Facilities 3420 Mill Vista Rd, Highlands Ranch, Colorado,