Denny Senseney Enjoys a Smooth Move Thanks to Support from Tallgrass Creek

When Denny Senseney first visited Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans., he was struck by the beautifully maintained campus.

"I drove around and saw how well-kept the grounds and buildings were," recalls Denny. "It was a great first impression."

The positive vibes continued when he met up with Sue LaBelle, the sales counselor for Tallgrass Creek. 

"Sue really listened to what I was looking for," he says. "She truly wanted to know what I needed and wanted. Sue was so patient and just wonderful to work with."

Home sweet home

With LaBelle's help, Denny found exactly what he was looking for--a two-bedroom corner apartment home overlooking the community's charming courtyard.

Like Denny, many prospective residents find that LaBelle's caring approach and 11 years of senior living experience make her an invaluable resource when it comes to finding the perfect home. 

To get the scoop on what prospective residents can expect when they visit the Sales Center, the Tribune recently sat down with LaBelle.   

Tribune: Do visitors usually make appointments or just stop by? 

LaBelle: Appointments are definitely best because we want to allot enough time to tour the community, see the amenities, visit available apartment homes, and answer any questions. Stopping by is fine, but we do think guests have a better experience when they set up an appointment. 

Tribune: What usually happens on that first appointment? 

LaBelle: As Denny said, there's a lot of listening on my end. My job is to see how Tallgrass Creek can satisfy a visitor's personal preferences and requirements, so no two appointments are ever alike. Most people are eager to look around, so we usually go for a walk around the main areas of campus. 

Tribune: What do you see on a tour?

LaBelle: We visit the fitness center, one or more restaurants, the arts and crafts classroom, outdoor patio and pergola, beauty salon, and movie theater. We end the tour with a visit to an apartment home. 

Tribune: What are people's reactions along the way?

LaBelle: They always notice how much is going on. Many people have told me they love the number of fitness classes and the heated pool area. And they always comment on how spacious and modern the apartment homes are.   

But mostly, they're impressed with how active and friendly our residents are. Residents frequently stop to introduce themselves and mention their own experiences at Tallgrass Creek. They make my job easy! 

Tribune: What if a visitor is interested in Tallgrass Creek, but they're not quite ready to make a move?

LaBelle: We've worked with prospective residents for days, months, and years--everyone's timeframe is different. We like to share information about the Priority List, which is comprised of people who think they may move to Tallgrass Creek in the future. 

A refundable $1,000 deposit and a nonrefundable, $150-per-person application fee are required to be placed on the list. And when their preferred floor plan is available, Priority List members get right of first refusal. If they're not ready to make to move then, they'll retain their spot on the list. 

Tribune: Are prospective residents surprised by anything they learn?

LaBelle: Yes! How affordable it is to live at Tallgrass Creek, especially when they compare their current housing and maintenance costs to everything included in the monthly service package. 

Guests are also impressed with how many activities happen each week and can't believe there are six different restaurants. They appreciate the convenience of the fully-staffed, on-site medical center as well. And pet parents love the dog park, which is shaped like a bone!

Making the move

When making his move, Denny was happy to have the additional support of Sales Manager Jake Coauette and Planning and Moving Consultant Nancy Worthington.

"I wanted to take a wall down in my apartment, and Jake made it happen," says Denny. "He arranged everything with contractors so that when I moved in, it was all done." 

Worthington stepped in to work with a Tallgrass Creek-recommended moving company and a downsizing organization to ensure Denny's new residence was arranged just how he wanted. 

"Nancy's and Jake's help was invaluable," says Denny, who owned a busy retail music store for 30 years in Wichita, Kans., and knows how important customer satisfaction is. "I walked in and everything looked great."

He continues, "I find it in every area of this community. Whether it's the dining staff, maintenance crew, or just anyone you deal with, the staff goes out of their way to make sure you're satisfied." 

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.