A Fresh Focus on Well-Being at Wind Crest

When Lionel Buenaventura was living alone in a townhouse, he tried to be active in the community with his neighbors, but he still felt isolated.

After moving into a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath apartment home at Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., everything changed.

"Living at Wind Crest has offered me more opportunities to socialize and stay active," Lionel says. "I've met a lot of great people through all the activities I'm involved in."

At Wind Crest, industry-leading amenities and programs are thoughtfully designed to support residents like Lionel in finding ways to socialize and continue to maximize their physical, mental, and spiritual health. 

Investing in well-being

Now, Lionel works out at the fitness center three times a week, doing cardio and lifting weights. He also belongs to two community golf groups that play at nearby courses. 

At least twice a day, Lionel walks his 11-year-old German shorthaired pointer, Tycho, around Wind Crest's picturesque, 84-acre campus near the front range of the Rocky Mountains.

Wind Crest Fitness Manager Terri Billings notes that following a consistent exercise routine is a great way to establish a foundation of wellness.

"We encourage residents to prioritize their health," she explains. "We offer all kinds of different activities and programs that make it easy for residents to maintain an active, vibrant lifestyle."

To support residents' physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, Erickson Senior Living is investing $500 million in enhancements to wellness programs and amenities at its communities. At Wind Crest, residents are benefitting from upgraded exercise equipment and four new outdoor pickleball courts.

For Lionel, opportunities to connect with neighbors at Wind Crest have significantly contributed to his sense of well-being. With about 175 groups and clubs to choose from, it's easy for residents to meet others who share their interests.

Lionel serves on the Resident Advisory Council's general services and finance committees; belongs to an on-campus bible study group; acts as a resident ambassador, providing a warm welcome to new residents; volunteers for the Friends of the Amphitheater; and is a member of the Car Club.

"I also meet lots of residents through the weekly meet-and-greets my building hosts for newcomers," he says. "I love all of the clubs, amenities, and resources available to us."

When he's not busy with a club or committee, you'll probably find Lionel catching up with friends over lunch or dinner at one of Wind Crest's nine unique restaurants. 

Support from all

Being surrounded by friends and neighbors makes good times even better--and provides a support system during the difficult times.

Three years ago, Nancy and Doug Sims moved into a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath apartment home at Wind Crest. When Doug passed away suddenly, Nancy realized how much it mattered to have a community around her.

"I could have closed my door and cried for a month," she says, "but I didn't because I had all kinds of people coming by to offer support. Other women who had lost their husbands rallied around me." 

She continues, "The ladies in my water aerobics class were so comforting. And at the restaurant Doug and I went to almost all the time, members of the wait staff gave me a plant with a card signed by all of them. If I was still living in a place by myself and not able to talk to or see people every day, I wouldn't be where I am now!"

Support from team members and neighbors makes all the difference in residents' emotional well-being, notes Billings. "If anyone is having a difficult time, we work together to figure out how we can help them," she says.

Happy and healthy

With the unwavering support of a caring, engaged community behind her, Nancy knows she's right where she needs to be to enjoy a rewarding, healthy retirement.

Now, in addition to taking water aerobics, Nancy works out at one of the fitness centers on campus. Weekly, she meets with Fitness Specialist Jill Soucie, her personal trainer.

"She's got me curling 15-pound weights! Her motivation and encouragement have helped me so much," says Nancy. "People have even joked about me developing biceps, saying, 'Those guns should be illegal!'" 

Nancy adds, "Wind Crest has been a godsend for me. I'm so glad I'm here."

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.