"Every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference" at Highland Springs

For Joy Beatty, retirement didn't really begin until she and her husband Bill moved from their house in Plano, Texas, to Highland Springs, the Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas. 

“It's kind of a funny story,” says Joy, who worked for Macy's. “Bill had retired, I had retired, and life went on. One day, I said to him, ‘When do I really get to retire? I'm tired of meal planning and cooking.' He came back with, ‘But I'm not tired of eating.'” 

Looking for a new community where they could enjoy all the perks of retirement living, Bill and Joy visited Highland Springs, where residents enjoy the convenience and value of high-quality services at their fingertips. “We came to see what Highland Springs was all about, and we fell in love with it,” says Joy. “I cannot say enough good about the staff. They are so willing to please and do whatever it takes to make residents happy.” 

Residents take top billing 

Managed by Erickson Senior Living, Highland Springs offers a senior living experience like no other, combining a maintenance-free, active lifestyle with a host of amenities, social activities, and an on-site medical center staffed by full-time physicians. 

The community has received numerous accolades since it opened in 2006, earning the ‘Best Retirement Community' award multiple years in a row by Star Local Media. Highland Springs has also been named ‘Best Adult/Retirement Community' in the Best of Readers' Choice Awards published by Living Magazine, as well as Best Company to Work for in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine.

“Bill and I have been ambassadors almost from the time we moved to Highland Springs in 2015,” says Joy. “When we host guests interested in learning more about life at Highland Springs, we can't say enough about how great it is to live here. This past year, in particular, has made us so thankful for the staff who have gone above and beyond, delivering meals, helping with the vaccine clinics, taking care of all the details to keep us safe.” 

Bill and Joy are such great ambassadors for the community that they've even been featured in advertisements for Highland Springs. The culture at Highland Springs is one where every interaction, no matter how small, is an opportunity to make a positive difference. It's an approach that emphasizes the community's top priority—the people who call it home. 

“How we treat residents, prospective residents, colleagues, and the greater community is crucial to our success,” says Human Resources Director Tina Ricciardi. “It's the reason we hire individuals who share the Erickson Senior Living values of respect and caring, diversity, friendliness and enthusiasm, integrity, responsibility, excellence, and teamwork.” 

Never has that teamwork been more important than in the past year. As a part of the Erickson Senior Living enterprise, Highland Springs has the support, resources, and financial strength to weather even the toughest challenge. The enterprise's network of partners, experts, and suppliers continue to support residents' needs. 

Early vaccine access 

In partnership with CVS/Omnicare, Highland Springs was able to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics on campus and by the end of February, 96% of residents had been vaccinated. 

“In a year in which we've been innovative in providing services and have been committed to protecting the safety and well-being of those on campus, it's especially heartwarming to see the personalized attention and support given to residents by staff,” says Executive Director Matt Neville. “Serving residents and their families is our number one priority.”

 Joy witnessed that level of attention when Bill offered to help during one of the vaccine clinics. “The clinics were extremely well-organized, and there were staff from every department helping out,” says Joy. “Bill offered to help, too. The community gives to us, and we in turn give back to our community. We've always lived that way.” 

After the clinic, Bill and Joy heard a knock on the door of their apartment home. "The staff put together a gift basket with wine, jam, candy, and tea as a thank you for Bill's help during the clinic,” says Joy. “We didn't expect it, but that's just one example of the care and consideration shown by staff.”

To learn more about the culture of excellence at Highland Springs, request a free brochure or schedule a visit!