Kansas Couple Finds a Warm Welcome and Great Value at Tallgrass Creek

Phyllis and Karl Person visited six retirement communities before scheduling a tour at Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans.

"We were looking for someplace where the residents were active and happy," says Phyllis. "We wanted a place that felt like home."

When they first stepped into the lobby and saw residents bustling around, they both had the same thought. "We looked at each other and said, 'This feels like home,'" she recalls. 

The couple immediately fell in love with the community's active lifestyle, but the attractive financial options sealed the deal.

"The 90% refundable entrance deposit* provides financial security to us and our children," says Karl. "And when we considered everything that's included in the monthly service package and how solid Erickson Senior Living is as a company, it was a good decision."

Easy living

At the heart of Tallgrass Creek's pricing structure is the 90% refundable entrance deposit, which is used to secure your desired apartment home. If or when you leave the community, your investment goes back to you or your beneficiaries. 

The monthly service package bundles the costs of most utilities, including heating and air-conditioning and cable TV; maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement; at-your-door trash and recycling collection; a meal plan at on-site restaurants; regularly scheduled transportation; and more. 

Lynn Schaffer, finance director at Tallgrass Creek, notes that predictable living expenses are a real plus for residents. 

"When living in a house, day-to-day expenses mount up quickly," says Schaffer. "Our monthly service package covers both expected and unexpected expenses that would otherwise heavily affect your pocketbook." 

The Persons love that their corner apartment home overlooking the front portico is completely maintenance-free. "If something isn't working right, we just pick up the phone," says Phyllis. "The maintenance staff is very reliable and eager to help." 

Amenities galore

"Tallgrass Creek continues to invest in amenities and resources residents want most, which really adds to the community's value," explains Schaffer. "We recently installed electric vehicle charging stations. We also added raised beds to our community garden. Coming soon is a car wash area and 'shade sails' over Village Square's outdoor space. We'll soon have bocce courts to complement the existing disc golf and new firepits that overlook the courtyard. And there's more to come!"

All the amenities and activities have provided many opportunities for Phyllis and Karl to socialize. From the beginning, "meeting people at Tallgrass Creek has been a snap," says Phyllis. 

It started their very first night when they went to dinner at the Blue Sky Restaurant, one of six restaurants on campus. "We mentioned to the person seating us that we were new. Adela Dagerman, another resident, immediately asked us to dine with her and another couple," says Phyllis. "It was such a nice gesture!"

She continues, "No other community we considered had six restaurants. We love having so many options. The food is good and the servers and dining staff are delightful."

After settling in, Phyllis joined the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Tallgrass Creek Community Chorus. Karl enjoys the men-only coffee group that meets every morning at Milo's, a casual restaurant on campus. In addition, he works out frequently on a recumbent bike in one of the two fitness centers. 

"We have everything we need to lead an active lifestyle," says Phyllis. 

The Persons also appreciate having a medical center and multiple levels of health care at Tallgrass Creek.     

"It's very convenient, having the medical center right here," says Phyllis. "I can get an appointment quickly and the doctors will spend all the time you need." 

The center staffs two board-certified internal medicine physicians, a nurse practitioner, a social worker, and several medical assistants. 

"No other independent living community in this area has an on-site medical center with a dedicated provider team," says Practice Administrator Janel Southard. "Plus, we are just steps from residents' front doors."

Home sweet home

Reflecting on their first year at Tallgrass Creek, Phyllis and Karl couldn't imagine calling any other community home. 

"The staff members at Tallgrass Creek are warm and compassionate, and the residents are so welcoming. This really is our home, and we love it." 

To learn how you can make the most of your retirement, request more information today. 

*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.