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!
UPDATED MEDRIDE LICENSURE An improvement to our ambulatory service area!As we reflect over the past year, our company has been working diligently to better serve the needs of our clients with operations in the Denver area. This year we were approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to accept Ambulatory Private Pay trips in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, Park, and Weld Counties:In any of the white-outlined counties shown above, we are now able to provide Ambulatory Private Pay transportation to and from medical appointments and services, and collect payment via credit card, debit card, or HSA. MedRide also offers Wheelchair Private Pay throughout the entire state of Colorado.If you or your clients need Private Pay NEMT, please reach out to our MedRide Private Pay line at: 719-867-5474. Our Customer Service Team will be happy to help you!Looking Ahead to 2025As we move into the new year, we are excited to continue expanding our coverage area and services. Here is a sneak peek at some of the other initiatives we have in store:Advocacy for Better Access - We are working closely with state legislators at HCPF and the Governor's office in an effort to make transportation options easier and more accessible for clients across Colorado.More Vehicles & Employees - MedRide is adding to our fleet to ensure that we are always ready to serve your transportation needs.An Updated Website Coming Soon - Look out for our updated website, which is being finalized to improve your experience with better navigation and resources.Ongoing Service Enhancements - We will continue to invest back into our services to provide You and Your Clients with the highest level of care possible.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought incredible innovation to our lives, from facial recognition unlocking phones to smart assistants handling our schedules. However, AI also poses significant risks, such as phishing emails, deepfake videos, and voice simulations impersonating individuals. Seniors must be informed of AI fraud to prevent them from falling victim to such schemes.Scams to Be Aware of in 2024As AI technology advances, scammers are finding new ways to develop more intricate and believable schemes. Its important to stay updated on these emerging tactics to protect yourself and your loved ones. These are some of the most prevalent AI scams to watch out for in 2024:AI-Generated Email PhishingAI-generated phishing emails are designed to look incredibly convincing, often mimicking legitimate communications from trusted organizations. The sophistication of AI means that these emails can include personalized details, making them even harder to detect. For example, a phishing email might use an email address like boss@cornpany.com instead of boss@company.coma subtle but critical difference in spelling.To stay safe, always verify the senders email address, look for any inconsistencies in the message, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you get an invoice for something you are confident you did not purchase, dont click on the link or attachment; instead, go directly to your credit card account to ensure there are no fraudulent purchases. The same applies to money requests from apps like Venmo and PayPal; go directly to the source without clicking any links.Chatbot FraudChatbots have revolutionized customer service, but they can also be used maliciously. Fraudsters use AI-powered chatbots to engage with victims, extract personal or financial information, or direct them to phishing websites.Red flags for scams include urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or unusual language or grammar. A good rule of thumb is to not share sensitive information like passwords or credit card details through chat interfaces.Deepfake ScamsDeepfakes are AI-generated audio and video clips that make it appear like someone is saying or doing something they never actually did. These can be used to create convincing scams. For example, a common scam involves someone calling and claiming to be a loved one in an emergency and needing money, often mimicking their voice. Instead of panicking and sending the money, you should verify the persons identity, usually by calling them directly.If you receive such a call, look for inconsistencies in video or audio quality, unusual behavior, or other red flags.Investment ScamsFraudsters may use AI to generate convincing investment opportunities, complete with fabricated data and endorsements from seemingly reputable sources. Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics urging you to make a quick decision, and thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity and the company behind it. Be wary of offers that promise unusually high returns with little risk.If you suspect an investment scam, immediately report it to regulatory authorities and financial institutions like the SEC or FINRA.Social Media ManipulationAI can generate and spread misinformation on social media platforms, influencing public opinion and manipulating users. This can include fake news stories, fraudulent advertisements, and the impersonation of trusted figures.Limit your privacy settings on social media and only accept requests from known individuals. Always verify the credibility of the sources and accounts you follow as well.At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we always prioritize your safety and well-being. Your security is our top priority. Contact us today to learn more 303-420-7258.
Scammers are increasingly adopting new methods to deceive unsuspecting victims, especially older adults. One of the latest threats is AI-generated voice fraud, also known as vishing (voice phishing). These scams use sophisticated AI technology to create highly realistic voices that mimic trusted individuals or organizations.Lets talk about what you should do if you receive such a call and how to protect your sensitive information.Understanding AI-Generated Voice FraudAs mentioned, scammers perform AI-generated voice fraud using synthetic voices that sound convincingly like a family member, friend, or legitimate entity such as a bank or government agency. These calls can be exceptionally persuasive and dangerous since the synthetic voices replicate the speech patterns and tone of the impersonated individuals. Additionally, fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source when it is not.Common Tactics Used in AI-Generated Fraud CallsBe on alert for the following AI-generated fraud calls:Impersonation of Family Members: Scammers may claim to be a relative in urgent need of money due to an emergency. The voice will sound distressingly familiar, making it easy to fall for the ploy.Bank Representative Scams: Fraudsters impersonate bank representatives, asking for account details or prompting money transfers to secure accounts.Tech Support Scams: Callers pose as tech support from reputable companies, convincing victims to grant remote access to their computers or pay for unnecessary services.Government Agency Impersonation: They may mimic officials from agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration, threatening legal action or demanding immediate payment of fines or taxes.Utility and Phone Company Scams: Fraudsters imitate representatives from utilities or phone companies, claiming issues with the account and requesting payment or personal details to resolve them.Steps to Take If You Receive a Suspicious CallSo, what should you do if you receive such calls that are highly convincing? Here are some essential steps to take:Stay Calm and Dont Panic: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.Verify the Callers Identity: If the caller claims to be a family member, ask specific questions only that person would know. If the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call the organizations official number to verify.Never Share Personal Information: Legitimate entities like the bank or the government will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Do not provide personal, financial, or account details to the caller.Report the Call: Report the incident to your bank, local authorities, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps to alert others and potentially track down the scammers.Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family. Awareness is a key defense against fraud.If you need assistance or have concerns about potential scams, dont hesitate to seek help. At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we prioritize the safety and security of our residents. Contact us today to ensure your loved ones are in a safe space 303-420-7258!
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 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.