Couple Celebrates Diverse and Fulfilling Life at Greenspring Senior Living Community

In 2014, Joan and Donald “Don” Sacarob joined the priority list at Greenspring, certain that the senior living community managed by Erickson Senior Living in Springfield, Va., was the perfect place to spend their retirement years.

“That year, we joined the priority list and attended several events,” says Joan. “By late 2016, we were ready to move, but the apartment floor plan we desired was not yet available.” Yet, on the same day the couple planned to sign papers for a condo while waiting for their Greenspring home, fate stepped in.

“We received a call from [sales counselor] Sheila Willing,” says Joan. “Remarkably, the home we wanted was available. I said, ‘we'll take it.' It was the best decision we've ever made.”

“It was a sign that this was meant to be,” says Don. “We've been happy with our decision since the moment we moved in.”

Perfect beginnings at Greenspring Senior Living Community

From that point forward, things only improved for the couple, who, with the help of Erickson Realty and Moving Services, utilized downsizing and moving companies to facilitate their stress-free move.

“When we first walked through the doors, everything was in order,” says Joan. “The drawers were lined, the beds were made, towels were on the towel rack. We looked out our new window and it was like heaven had opened its gates. Outside our window, a beautiful cherry blossom tree was in full bloom.”

The couple's happiness spread like wildfire among their friends. And, as involved members of the local Jewish community, their experience piqued the interest of many others interested in learning more about Greenspring.

“Within months after our move, several couples, both friends and acquaintances decided to move to Greenspring as soon as possible,” says Joan. “I opened our new home to them to make it easier to see what our life was like.”

How to find purpose within your independent living community 

When asked what they love best about Greenspring, the couple agrees that the list is long. “Most importantly, we find Greenspring warm and friendly,” says Joan. “In less than four years, we've made deep, lasting friendships with other residents. We've become like family, something we never expected.”

The couple also appreciates the bonds formed between residents and staff members. “All of the staff treat us like family,” says Joan. “It is obvious that this is much more than a job to each of them. Even during COVID-19, the staff went to extraordinary lengths to meet all of our needs and to let us know that we were not alone.” In addition, the couple was eager to find a community that respected individuality and celebrated diversity.

“Diversity and inclusiveness is very important to us,” says Joan. “We have friends of all races, religions, backgrounds. At Greenspring, everyone works together to make every person feel respected and special.” Joan also credits Greenspring's unbeatable, 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week security for saving Don's life.

“After a long series of flights on our return from a trip to visit family in Hawaii, I woke up at 2:00 a.m. with chest pains,” says Don. “Something was just not feeling right. Joan pulled our emergency cord, and immediately, the medical team was there to help.”

“I firmly believe the quick access to emergency care saved Don's life,” says Joan. “It's just one of the many, many examples of how Greenspring provides the best care. It truly is a safe haven. When we moved here, we thought, ‘We are going to live like we are on a cruise ship.' We thought about the many amenities and people we would surround ourselves with. But it's the safety net, the things that you don't think about, that are even more important. We couldn't find a safer, more secure place to live.”

Living the life with family and friends at Greenspring

This year, the couple looks forward to continued socialization with friends, workouts in the new fitness center, and dining in the new Cork & Fork restaurant—Greenspring's sixth on-site restaurant.

“We enjoy so many choices every day,” says Don. “From what we do to who we spend our time with, Greenspring provides everything we need for a happy, fulfilling life.”

Consider Greenspring if you're interested in living in a connected and engaged senior independent living community. Beautiful walking paths, gardens, resort-style amenities, an on-site medical center staffed by full-time medical professionals, and new friends await. Request more information today.